PD Vacation Dec 09

Thanks to WSL, I found a way to upload photos onto blogger a lil easier :-).

Went to PD from 14 - 16 December for a well-deserved vacation (on my part, at least, i think!). Kids were so excited. We stayed at Tiara Beach resort, a water-park resort with slides and water-playground, sand-castling area and man-made beach.

We were here before in June 2007, and the kids liked it so much that we decided to go back. Looks like we were not the only ones who liked it here. They like it here too. In fact, they were swarming the whole place!!!

Except for the flies, we had lots of FUN!

Jumping straight into action!!

Making the Kids take a break at the Sand-castling area.

Night activites at Tiara Beach Resort

2 bedrooms Apartment. Kids had Fun 'sardined' together!

FUN at the REAL Beach

Dare-devils

Souvenirs from PD!

Hot Day

Heading Home

Now I need a vacation to recuperate from this Vacation! :-)

Frustrated Blogging

I've been trying to update this blog for the past 3 days with photos from our PD Vacation.

We went to PD from 14 - 16th Dec (last week!), and I thought pictures speaks a thousand words. Guess the pictures I wanted to put in was too 'cheong-hei' (long winded) and Blogger kept crashing on me!!

WSL told me that she'll "quit as a Follower" when the blogs she's following are not updated frequently .... so, this is just a short post to keep my Blog at least partially updated, else my 'fans' might think I'm 'losing steam' .......

Ok.... just one photo first (i'll try to post up other photos later)

Support a Home

All the camps and worskhops finally over as of yesterday. There's still the Church Christmas Party this Saturday (but that doesn't really count)... so I'm set to relax. Of course I still have Fitline and Breastfeeding... that's year-round work. (Actually not work la, since I really enjoy doing it, so it doesn't feel like 'work' - more like hobby. But I get paid for these hobbies! Good eh?)

I've always have an interest in Homes for Children. These homes not only take in orphans but also kids whose parents are not able to take care of them. Whenever I start talking of these Homes, invariably some people will comment that some of these Homes are very 'high-profile' ie, they have big corporations and many influential people supporting them. These people will also comment that they rather give their money to lesser-known Homes. and when I asked them which Home do they support, most will not be able to give me a name!!!

As I've been working closely with some of these 'high-profile' Homes, I found out a few facts:

1. Yes, they may be well funded, but all the monies goes towards the welfare of the children. These children, like any children deserve:
good food
good clothes
good education (it's difficult to get anyone to volunteer to tutor them for FREE, so tuition teachers have to be paid)

All the above can be bought with Money, and most of the time, all the money donated to these Homes are actually not eough! Home Administrators sometimes have to go looking for donation when they should be spending their time looking after the welfare of the Children.

2. It's a fact that most people are more willing to just give money, but not their time

3. And even if Big Corporations and Influential People support these Homes, they do not visit the Kids on a regular basis and give them what they need most - a warm, caring and loving HUG and ADULT EMOTIONAL SUPPORT - on a regular basis.

I know of this company. My friend was in the committee. They wanted to do some charity. When my friend suggested these 'high-profile' Homes, the other committee members shot down the idea, saying that these homes already got the support of many big organizations. They wanted a lesser-known Home. Guess what? 2 years later they still have not done any 'charity' for any Homes. Why? All Homes suggested do not meet their criteria of deserving their help. So what happens to the money collected? Dunno.

Why are many people against supporting these Homes? Some refused to give anything because they say the Home Administrators will only take for themselves the rice or canned-food donated. Do they have proofs? Mostly it's just hearsay. It's just rumours passing from one mouth to the next without a thought to find out for themselves if it's really true. It's really a bleak way of looking at people - with suspicion, thinking that all these people who worked for the welfare of the less-priviledged as dishonest or worse - crooks!!

If you can help just ONE child by regularly giving your help and love, you might just have changed this CHILD's future. And if you really want to support ONLY 'lesser-known' Homes, then do it!! Don't just yak about it.

It's rewarding

I've not updated this blog for 10 days!!!

It's been a frenzied time for me. Feverishly promoting the school holiday camps. Runing north, south , east and west asking people to sponsor 15 less-priviledged teens so that they too can attend The YES! Camp which was held on 2 - 4 Dec 2009 (Wednesday to Friday).

It's already 1st Dec and with 4 more teens left unsponsored, but I knew somehow, someone will help us pull through. Amazingly (but not surprisingly), it happened! Thank you to all my good friends who either sponsored a teen (some even sponsored 4!) or heped me get the word out!. Indeed there are many great amazing people out there!

Someone asked... why am I doing this? Honestly, I'm not making tons of money from these camps (yet), but I do it because I really really enjoy it. I enjoy seeing the awareness and understanding dawning in the kids eyes. I enjoy seeing them come out of their shell and start opening up. I enjoy pushing them to their limits and have them succeed.

There were many participants who were initially not happy to be there. They were forced by their parents, or by their guardians(in the case of some of the sponsored teens)

There was this girl.... she was sulking. She was not happy to be there. Everything is boring for her. On the last day, she was smilling and high-5-ing her new friends. And she wrote "people are not that bad... i just have to give them, and myself a chance". That's great isn't it?

Another said "Now I appreciate all that I have. I will be more positive from now on, and not complain just because I don't get my own way."

Yet another, "I have been to many camps, but this is the best camp ever!!"

Out of 29 participants, all (but 1) had an amazing time. I'm not making this up. I've proofs!! I actually recorded them saying these! And I have it in writing too!!! Ask to see it if you want!

So... one did not enjoy himself. He felt that the camp was 'military' and he did not come to camp to be 'tortured'!!! He told me personally that he hated the camp. (But yet, during graduation time, when we gave out the certificates, he said that he had a great time.) Oh well.... you can't please everyone!!

I'm happy.

And exhausted.

But Happy

Very happy

Kudos Damian and Marcus!

UPSR Results were out last Thursday (19 Nov).

As expected - 5As for both Damian and Marcus. (out of 87 students, 19 of them got 5As.)

Now we can all relax. The weeks before the exam.... the weeks after the exams.... were pretty torturous for Damian , and me! Damian - because that's Damian la. He allows his imagination to run wild with 'what ifs'.
What if he wrote the wrong thing,
what if he accidentally shade the wrong box,
what if he calculated wrongly.

And torturous for me - coz - he keeps 'what if-ing' with me!

One of his teachers was telling them about a student who didn't get the results she expected and she killed herself! I told Damian (the day before the results were out) that if he kills himself, I'll kill him!!!

So... UPSR so important meh? 5As so important meh?

On results day, one of the boys were seen with his fingers crossed, eyes screwed shut and chanting to himself "Pls let me get a C! Please let me get a C!" (He was expecting a D for his BM paper!)

Another boy who was totally not expecting it, continued to stare off into space when his name was announced as amongst those who has gotten 5As!

A girl cried coz she worked so hard for her BM, score the A, but then scored a B in another paper!

Seriously ... how important are the As? Yes, of course it's great to have, but seriously.....does it really determined our kids future?

Stephanie and Josehine is now worried that they can't get 5As. I always told them.... no need to compete with kor-kor. Be the best they can be. Always either do better or maintain their own standards. Good advice? And when they've tried their best (and don't get an A), I really think they deserve a reward for their efforts.

R.I.P s

If you've read my kids blog, you'll know about the hamsters.

Tobias was more than 1 year old, so quite middle-age by hamster-age standard. (Hamsters have a life span of 2 years). When it died last Thursday (12 Nov) Damian cried his heart out.

Two days later, we got 3 new hamsters from Carrefour Sri Petaling. One for Damian, one for Stephanie and one for Jo. They paid for the hamsters themselves out of their allowances. And the next day, not even 24 hours later Jo's new hamster (Jocy) died. Steph's hamster (Casterfur) don't look so good either. Damian's hamster (Arwen) was still ok. Jo and Steph was sad, but not too sad.

So we took Jocy and Casterfur back to the Carrefour. Initially they didn't want to change the hamsters for me, but I made a fuss ;-) so, of course we got our hamsters changed. At the same time, Jeremy wanted his very own hamster, and he bought one (out of his own allowances too). He named it Magic!

So now we have Arwen, Jocy II, Bonnei & Magic! And not forgetting Lucky which is Tobias's son (he's almost 1 year old) Are you following me with all those hamsters' names?

Today ...... Arwen died! (after only 3 days with us) She was from the first batch of 3 hamsters we bought. So I guess the first 3 hamsters were sick. Damian cried like it's the end of the world.

Now I'm worried the other 3 hamsters (Jocy II, Bonnei and Magic) might be sick too!. Don't think I could take any more tears from them!

Panda Eyes

This morning, Damian commented "Mommy you look like a panda!"

OMG!! This is from the son who used to think I was the most beautiful thing God ever created! (ahem!)

Panda eyes! I got panda eyes!!!

Ok.... calm down..... I'll log off now and go straight to bed!

Yes, I'll go to bed as soon as I finish answering the 10,000 emails, reading all the blogs, and updating this one! And going thru Facebook, updating my websites.... what the heck am I spending so much time on the internet anyway!!!! Ok - off to bed!! Good night!

Manners, dear

A friend, W, told me that she passed on my name to a market research company. They were looking for bloggers to be part of a focus group (or something). She didn't think I would mind.

No, I don't mind. In fact, once in a while, I do like to do this sort of stuffs. Get me out of my usual routine, add some spice and the like, you know.... well sort of (as if I don't have an already exciting life with 4 kids and lots of relatives!)

Well, anyway, since W already informed me, I was ready when someone called. This was how it went:

Caller : Hello, are you Gina? I'm from Company SNV
Me: Yes, this is she. How may I help you?
Caller: What's your full name?
Me : (huh?) You called me and you want my full name without introducing yourself?
Caller: Yar, because on my list your name is only Gina. So, what's your full name?
Me : My dear, why should I give you my full name when I don't even know who you are and why you are calling me?
Caller : (sounding irritated) Miss Gina, I already told you I am from Company SNV.
Me : And you assume I know what company SNV is? (actually I do la)
Caller : Yes, we are a market research company, doing market research and I would like you to participate in our latest research. So, what's your full name please?
Me : My name is GYMK (gave her the full name, since she said 'please')
Caller : ok, Gina Yong, what's your IC number?
Me: Are you seriously thinking that I will give you my IC number when I dont even know your name yet?
Caller : As I mention just now Gina, I'm from Company SNV and we're doing market research and I need your IC to continue my questionaire

I am flabbergasted! Didn't Company SNV train their people on how to handle these calls? They didn't even bother to ask if I am willing to participate.

To Facebook or not to Facebook

One of the greatest invention in the www is FACEBOOK.

"If Facebook is a country, it's the 8th most populated in the world just ahead of Japan, Russia & Nigeria" Zuckerberg (founder & CEO of FB)

• I've reconnected with many ex-schoolmates, most whom I've lost touched with for almost 20 years!
• I've made new friends, especially people with the same interests
• I now have more than 450 'friends' on FB
• And I get to know about their latest updates without having to call them and "how do you do?"

So, yes, FB is great!

Now my son wants to be in FB too! Why? Coz it's just what One do! ALL (that's an exaggeration of course!) his friends are on FB! They're hanging out like buddies on FB! Everyone is playing this bgame and that game, harvesting here and there!

Of course I do not want my son to be left-out, to be 'backwards'. So.... with Damian by my side, I try to sign him up. Opps .... you have to disclose your age! FB is only for 13 year-olds and above. And Damian will only be 13 in a few months time. So what do we do? The most obvious is - make oneself older by declaring that one is born in an earlier year. Bottom line - LIE about your age.

Damian decided that he can wait a few more months.

New Kids on The Blog

I started this blog on 24 Feb 2009 - almost 9 months! When I first started, I was told that many people start blogs and then don't continue. To tell the truth, I was not sure if I will be one of the statistics as life was really very hectic for me.

What I discovered is that blogging can be very therapeutic. Helps me to de-stress after a hectic day. And most times, helps me to see things clearer after I've written it, and then re-read it in the blog.

My kids read my blogs too (except Jeremy! He's not interested yet.)

Damian asked if kids could have their own blogs. I asked him why would a kid want to blog? He replied "for money?" (Hahaha, I certainly have not made much $$$$ from blogging, tho I know some people actually have their main income (4 to 5 figures) from blogging.)

So Damian wants to try blogging. For money maybe (if we could find out how), but also for the fun of it.

"I want also!" both Jo and Stephanie said.

Want what?

"To blog. Like kor-kor."

Oh, and what will you write about?

"Dunno. But I want to blog"

So...now there're New Kids on the Blog: www.dsjj-asweseeit.blogspot.com

Spring cleaning toys

Was doing some spring cleaning. Found so many stuffs. Didn't realise we had so many stuffs from McDonald's Kids Meal. And some from KFC Kids Meals too. OMG!... did my kids really eat so much fast food???

The maid is here!!!

I got my maid!!! Yahooooooo!!!!!!

She came on Monday... so, have been with us for 4 days already. I've been praying for a good maid. Really praying. We tried to get one from the agency. Do you know that we have to pay about RM8700 to get a maid now? Agency fees plus 6 months salary in advance!! Needless to say, that's a huge chunk out of anybody's pocket!

My friends (husband and wife) had a maid who wanted to try greener pastures. So I got her to work for me, without having to go thru the agents! Thank God for great friends. They helped me to get her! Well,, yes, she's only been with me for 4 days, so it's hard to really tell if she's any good. But so far, she's been ok - willing to learn.

And suddenly I find myself with time. YES! Time to get back to work!!! So... guess what? I played games on FB!! (Something I said i wont waste time on). But hey... games on FB can be quite fun (and therapeutic)! :-P

Ok ... better get back to work! Got a few people to talk to the next few days. I know they're serious about losing weight and getting healthier, and I'm sure I can help them! Great!!

Jeremy & Exams

Yes.... again!!

Happened yesterday. Teacher called! He refused to do his BM penulisan paper! I know! *BIG SIGH* What to do? What to do?

I went to school. He said if he can't get 1st in class, then he wants to get LAST! OMG! Where did that come from?

I asked, "How did you know you can't get 1st?"

"Because the last exam, I didn't get 100. Another boy already got 100 and they count the marks of 2 exams to get 1st"

Well, anyway, I'm not going to give you the blow-by-blow. What finally convinced him is the threat to send him to a holiday school and he wont get to go anywhere for the holidays. He will have to go to a boarding school and can only come back when normal school reopens next year!! (Ok... quick, where to find such a school .... just in case i really need one!) And if he purposely fail - off he will go to this school!

I sat outside the class for 15 mins. Then went to check on him. Turned out that he got most of the answers right. See how la, when the results comes out.

Today, he went to school happily. How come? He's sure he's going to get 1st in

Maths!

Chefs in the Making

I have been now maidless for more than 2 months!! Really really tough. But now getting the hang of it. It ain't that bad. I got part-time cleaners, at least. But I'm tied down - can't go out as and when i like - can't go hospital anytime to help someone to breastfeed, making apppointments for fitline in the mornings, then have to rush back to cook and get the kids from school

Kids got it tough too. They've learned how to wash plates properly, sweep the floor, fold their clothes and put them into their proper place in the closet and cook!

Yes cook!

Damian cooked this Fried Rice (a bit wet tho) - I just gave verbal instructions and he did everything. The orange? His idea. he even cut them himself.

This dish was cooked by Josephine - all by herself, without me standing next to her!

The two girls having a blast. This dish (Seafood spaghetti), I got help la.

Not having maids can be a blessing in disguised.... but I still want one!!! I think I can 'see ' one coming soon! ;-)

Missing Kung-Kung

I was out for a meeting when I received a distressed call fom home. Damian was on the phone sobbing his heart out. He must talk to me NOW!!! I rushed home in record time. (It didn't occur to me to call his father, who's at home babysitting!)

What was the emergency?

Damian read a story from Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul which made him think about his grandfather, Kung-Kung. That inspired him to write a poem. And then the tears started, and soon he was sobbing! Real big sobs! I just held him. What can I say? I wanted to cry too.

With Damian's permission, here's the poem he wrote. (You can see that it does not matter about rhyme and prose, as long as it came from the heart):

A man died a few months ago,
Suffering from a mistake he did long ago
His family misses him, although he's far,
But they know he's in their hearts.

They cry for him each other day,
For he is not around anymore
Many distractions have made them forget
But nothing can replace him.

'Him' is my grandfather
whom I love so much
Even if he's gone from Earth
He'll never leave my heart.

Jeremy

My friend WSL asked (on msn) how come no more updates about Jeremy. I answered coz he's boring nowadays. nothing much happened.

Jeremy's been 'coughing' for quite some time. Why 'coughing' (and not plain coughing)? Coz it's not real coughing. It's more like there's some irritation in his throat and he's clearing it all the time with a cough. All the manuka honey and Superkid from Fitline dont seem to help (by the way, Jeremy hardly sees the doc, and even when he does, he hardly takes the medication given)

So, i took him see doc. and doc said that his throat is very dry and 'raw' probably from too much screaming or shouting. It's not infected, and his lungs is clear, and it's not a normal cough. So he must have hurt his throat from screaming.

Yar, that explains it! Jeremy has gotten into the habit of crying and screaming his lungs out whenever he's angry. Well... last time he screamed too... but now he's bigger, he scream more and very much louder too. Once, Josephine told me that Jeremy screamed and cried in school so loud that they could hear him in her class which is 2 floors above.

So I 'pakat' with the doc and asked (with a wink) in mock seriousness what can be done? Doc played along, and said 'well, if he does not stop screaming, and his throat really spoilt, then we've no choice but to cut it out."

Jeremy was:

It's all worth it

Sometimes, something just happen out of the blue, and makes my day:

MoonCake Festival Dinner

Mooncake / Lantern / Mid-Autum Festival today!! No need to cook! Uncle want to belanja makan at a restaurant. Yay!!!!

The family went to this restaurant. We've booked and ordered our meal a day in advance upon the urging of the manager as she said that they'll be very busy on account that it's MoonCake Festival. We ordered the set menu (Chinese 8 course dinner) that cost $688, plus extra dishes as there are 14 of us and the set menu is good for only 10 people.

7pm - arrived at the restaurant, wait for Mom and Uncle

7.30pm - Mom and Uncle arrived. Waitress said the food will be ready in 10 mins. Great.

7.40pm - Where's the food? Oh, another 10 mins. We observed a few other groups of diners entering the restaurant and seated.

7.50 pm - Food mana? Sorry ah, they're getting it. 10 more mins

8.00 pm -The table next to ours got their food. They ordered ala carte (not the 8 course set)

8.05 pm - Sis ordered white rice for Ben. We passed the time by trying to kill flies! Yes, there were flies!!! One into Steph's watermelon juice and drowned!

8.10 pm - I ordered white rice for Jeremy. The extra dish of Venison (not part of the set menu). We were so hungry it was gone within seconds!!! Where is the rest of our dinner????? Oh, there's a mistake in the kitchen. Dinner will be ready in 10 minutes!! Another table of diners who came in much later than us got their food!!!!!!!!

8.20 pm - No sight of our dinner! Our stomach is grumbling, kids are getting tired, we decided to walk out! Without paying for the drinks we already had, and the single plate of venison that we ate! Just walked out. The assistant manager quickly came after us and practically begged us to go back in. Full of apologies, she dragged mom back into the restaurant. So we went back in lor.

8.30pm - Dinner is (finally) served. The soup was bland, the vegetables has no taste, the fish was very salty (like eating salted fish), the chicken was weird. It was a very unsatisfying dinner. It appears to have been prepared in a hurry. The cook must have put too much salt in some dishes and forgot to salt the other dishes.

Oh another fly committed suicide in Jeremy's juice.

The bill came. Full charge on everything!!! Of course we complained, and ask for a discount. Uncle was saying never mind la, but we say, No, what's fair's fair. It's not that we're not going to pay. We just pay what's due. So, in the end, the restaurant gave us a 10% discount plus no charge on all drinks.

Well ... that's ok, i guess, but .... This is one restaurant I WILL NEVER GO BACK to.

I need more than 24 hours!!!

So many things to do (when there's no maid)!

1. Get kids ready for school
2. Separate clothes for washing in the machine
3. Wash 1st Basket of clothes (usually dark coloured ones)
4. Wash up after breakfast
5. Marketing
6. Answer Phone (usually on Breastfeeding)
7. Hang clothes to dry
8. Put Marketing stuffs away into Fridge or cupboards
9. Sweep and Mop
10. Answer Phone
11. Log onto Net, Check emails, Facebook, etc
12. Shower
13. Answer Phone
14. Prepare Lunch
15. Pick up kids from school
16. Lunch
17. Wash up after Lunch
18. Talk to one of the kids
19. Phone again
20. Talk to one f the kids
21. Wash 2nd basket of clothes (usually whites)
22. Phone
23. Talk to one of the kids
24. Collect Clothes when dried (or scrambling to get them in from the rain)
25. Hang 2nd batch of clothes to dry
26. Talk to one of the kids
27. Help kids with schoolwork (maybe)
28. Phone
29. Talk to one of the kids
30. Fold and Iron Clothes
31. Talk to one of the kids
32. On the Net
33. Phone
34. Prepare Dinner
35. Talk to one of the kids
36. Walk the Dog, kids go cycling
37. Dinner
38. Talk to one of the kids
39. Wash up after Dinner (Anthonsiti will do this part)
40. Hide in the loo to escape the family (read a book)
41. Shower
42. Talk to one of the kids
43. On the Net
44. Tell Kids for the thousandth times to go get ready for bed
45. Prayers before bedtime
46. PEACE and QUIET
47. on the Net
48. on the Net
49. on the Net
50. zzzzzzz (usually at 2 am!)

Hyperventilating now.....

I need OXYGEN .....

I need HELP ......

I take my hats off to mothers who has to work and also manage their families, day in and day out without a maid to help.

Selamat Hari Raya

I remember (in my childhood) .....

But now the only 'feel' of Raya is ......

Raya decorations in Shopping Complexes:

Is this 'sad' or what?????

Izma : Case Closed (?)

So... the case is now considered 'closed'.

Had a meeting with the HM, her 2 assistants, the discipline teacher and the school counsellor on Tuesday. Izma was not present, tho I requested for her to be there.

Cut to the chase : Izma has insisted she did not slap Stephanie repeatedly with a book. She just 'touched' Steph's shoulders with a thin book!

Well, anyway, HM said Izma has been given a show-cause letter, and they'll be keeping an eye on her. And to further explain their investigation (and protect her teachers, of course), she invited one of the assistant (A-HM) and the discipline teacher, DT, to give their reports.

The A-HM said she spoke to a few students from Steph's class, and they all confirmed that Izma did not hit Steph. Anyone could imgine how frightened a child would be to be called to the office and be questioned about Izma! (Steph told me later that one of the nice and dedicated Teacher asked those students why they did not tell the truth. The kids said that they did not dare as Izma might start hitting them too! I spoke to the Teacher, but she said that she's not allowed to discuss the case.)

According to DT, who consulted the few teachers who teach in Steph's class, Steph is a rude, disobedient child. He implied that because of Steph's behavior, she deserved to be hit (?). Oh, you could imagine my fury. I lost it it!!! Raised my voice and everything. Pointed out to them that since Year 1, Steph has been getting an A on her attitudes towards her studies and school in general. She might not excel in certain subjects, but teachers has always given her good remarks when it comes to her behavior and attitude. And now they (the HM, DT & Izma, at least) are implying that Stephanie is a 'discipline problem'?

As I was nearly screaming, the DT quickly added that Steph's 'discipline problem' is 'mild'. At this time, the school counsellor quietly said that "Stephanie is a good girl". (He has been on the investigation for this case and has spoken at length with Steph). That calmed me down, and the DT tried to climb out of the hole he dug himself by giving all sorts of nonsensical excuses about what he meant by 'discipline problems'. In the end he just trailed off......

Well.... anyway, Izma wrote an official apology "kerana menyetuh anak puan di bahagian bahunya dengan buku nipis". (touching your daughter on her shoulder with a thin book). Initially, I refused to accept that apology because Izma refused to acknowledge her wrong.

But my hubby, ever the calm, cool man, played 'good cop' to my 'bad cop'. He said of course the teacher will not admit in writing that she hit a student. That will be like handing over evidence of a crime. And since she has been given a show-cause letter, her career prospects has been much compromised. So we'll accept this way of settlement now. If it ever happens again in future, a lawyer will be involved!

So.... the case is now considered 'closed'..... until the next time (?)

Sweet Siblings

All his brother and sisters knew that kor-kor was stressed over his UPSR. Jo and and Jeremy woke themselves up before 6am and wrote a message for kor-kor on the white board in his room:

Teacher Izma

Last friday, Stephanie (my 10-year-old) was repeatedly hit in the face with a book by a teacher! Her offence? She forgot to bring her book to school!

This teacher is well-known for hitting students. She's about 40+, wears long fake eye-lashes with studs on them (seriously), thick make-up, long fingernails with a ring on almost every finger. For this reasons, we dubbed her Izma (from Disney's Emperor's New Groove):

(think about the above in baju kurung, and you'll get the approximate picture)

She has been terrifying the kids since last year! This year, Josephine (Year 3) has her for Maths and Stephanie (Year 4) has her for KT (Kajian Tempatan).

She's a slapper! She once told a boy "The next time I'm going to give you a tight slap!" and she immediately slapped the boy! What happended to 'next time'????

She once banged two boys' head together because they wouldn't stop talking.

She told Jo's class that if they don't get an A for Maths, she's going to 'whollop' them!

She has been slapping and hitting the students, but no one dare complain coz the kids are terrified for she had warned them "if you complain to your parents and I get into trouble, you'll be in bigger trouble!"

Some parents knew about it, but no one complained as most likely, parents are afraid their kids will be victimized if they complained. This has been known to happen.

I am a "fair complainer". But I am also an 'appreciator'. Teachers know me. After all I've 4 kids in the same school!

You can imagine how I reacted when Stephanie told me on Friday (after school) that Izma used a book and hit both sides of her face. I was furious! I went back to school immediately (school's just 3 mins away from my house), wanting to confront Izma. She left already, but the HM and assistant-Head were still there. HM not free to see me, so Asst-H took down my complaint.

When I asked her what actions will be taken, she said that they will investigate, but the school is not obliged to tell me what actions were taken. (This is what they always say whenever a parent complain about a teacher or a situation). I told her that if they don't tell me what actions will be taken, then I'll just assumed no actions were taken. I'll lodge a police report and then go to Ministry of Education. That got her attention! As she cannot make decisions, she told me to come back on Monday (today) to speak to the HM.

Cut long story short, HM promised to investigate, but with UPSR and etc, she'll need time.

Stephanie came back from school today pretty unhappy. She told me that Izma scolded her in front of the class. Told her off for 'squealing' on her and getting her in trouble. Izma claimed that she did not hit her face. She was holding a notebook, and was going to tap Steph on the shoulder, but accidentally hit her face. Huh? Accidentally hit hit both sides of her face a few times?????

Izma asked the class who she has hit before. A girl put up her hand and Izma told her to 'put down your hands stupid girl!" No one else dare to put up their hands. Izma also told Stephanie that if she's so 'precious' she should just get out of the class and don't study or change school.

During Math period in Jo's class, Izma scolded Jo for not doing her work properly and say "I'm going to whollop your face if you do this again! You are just like your sister!"

I am horrified! How can this mad woman be allowed to teach????? I will insist on her termination!! I won't let this go without a fight!

UPSR tomorrow

Finally, UPSR is just hours away! Damian has been counting down since the beginning of the school year and as the days pass, he got more and more tensed. We kept telling him to relax, but he seemed unable to do that. He tells me that everytime he thinks about UPSR, he gets stomach-ache and his heart beats faster.

Well... he doesn't excatly bury his nose in his revision books. In fact, I think he reads more story books than he does his school books. And he always gets good results - well, most of the time anyway, except for BM Pemahaman paper. That's the paper he's most worried about.

Hmmm.... we didn't have UPSR back then. We has something called 'Assessment Exams' in Standard 5. I was so lost during those primary years. I went to school one day and found out there's an important exam that day! Hahaha. I bet my brainy friend SY was prepared ages ago! (I mentioned SY here before.) I turned out ok. Didn't ace every subject, but I turned out ok.

But I know Damian will be ok. He'll get his 5A's.

What's the big deal about A's anyway?

Maids

There are 2 new maids at home .....

Because the 2 maids are new to the job, they're not used to hard work. By the end of 1 week, both were scheming about running away.

The kids were very sweet.

They helped to wash plates (after which Ginawati has to rewash, due to the soap and sometimes grease and food still stuck on the plates).

They helped to sweep the floor (moving the dirt and dust from one end of the room to the other end.)

They helped to wipe the tables (sweeping all the food residue and bones under the table.)

They helped to tidy up their room (dumping everything out of sight into the cupboards.)

They helped.

Thanks!

............................. I mean it!!!

* kisses and hugs for them!

Sisters Buddies

It's school holiday. The two girls have been at each other.

Mommy Jie-Jie (Elder Sister) did this
Mommy Jo-Jo did that
Mommy Jie-Jie not helping
Mommy Jo-Jo didn't help just now
Mommy Jie-Jie snatched
Mommy Jo-Jo wouldn't share
Mommy, Mommy, Mommy, Mommeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

(and the final straw)
Mommy Jie Jie hit me
Mommy Jo Jo started it first

I've warn you before..... no hitting!!!
And guess what I did?
I gave them each a stroke of the rotan! (so much about leading by example :-P)

Now they're best buddies again..... and angry with me. There's nothing like having a common enemy to go against to patch things up.

RIP dear Girl-Girl

Names

I made a digital scrapbook album for a good friend for her birthday and wrote her name and the origin of her name on it. Shortly after, she IM me:


CW: hey
CW: what does light/moon mean?
CW: on the cover of the photo album?
GY: that's the meaning of Cindy
GY: greek origin
GY: means light or moon
CW: oh yeah kah
CW: didnt know that
GY: :-)
GY: so suitable hor
GY: you're the light to those in darkness
CW: yup
CW: :-)
CW: what does your name mean in greek?
GY: Queen :-D
GY: latin origin
CW: LOL
CW: your name is very very apt
GY: see - english name Queen
GY: chinese name KENG - King
CW: LOL
CW: habis la
CW: pau ka liau
CW: all you sapu
GY: i pau-ka-liau
GY: ;-)

Anyway - HAPPY BIRTHDAY CW!!

Jo - a Nurse?

I'm out of inspiration what to blog on. My life is currently 'boring'.

So I dug my brains/memories for some little 'stories' to share. This happened about 2 years ago when Jo was 7 years old.

We were at Children's Service in Church one Sunday, and the reading of the day was :

Matthew 4:18-20 (New International Version)
As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed him.

The teacher explained what the passage meant, and then in her cheery voice asked "So, who wants to be fishermen for Jesus?"

All the kids in the room put up their hands except Jo. I gave her a nudge. She shook her head and gave me a worried look. Then in a loud whisper she said "But Mommy, I want to be a Nurse!"

7 is such a blissful age........ :-D

Picnic @ Tiny Tapir

I joined a Picnic @ the Bungalow yesterday which was hosted by Tiny Tapir Eco Shop.

There were tables promoting stuffs ranging from baby clothings to eco friendly, home made sanitary napkins to hand-made costume jewelries.

I love visiting the bungalow. I give breastfeeding and nutrition talks there every 2 months or so. And everytime I visit, I ended up buying stuffs. This time, I bought:

If you do not know what it is - it's cloth sanitary napkins!! It comes in various sizes and thickness for different flows and days. I've started using cloth sanitary napkins since 6 months ago, and I really like it!! For one thing - there isn't the horrible stink that usually accompanies those commercial disposable pads. I mean - the menstrual blood actually don't smell when I use cloth napkins. Secondly, I feel better not contributing to the amount of garbage in the landfills! I am doing my part Saving the World!! Yay!

I was also very intrigued by Christene's Bento making demo. She seems to magically turn simple, ordinary, boring food into works of art! Watching her, I really admire her dedication to ensure that her family gets her best! I know bento-ing won't be my kind of thing - but it's really awesome watching someone else do it - and with such ease and flourish!

To see more of Christene's creation, click here. Yum!!