World IP Day Celebration on 26 April 2008

While I attended the talk on “Cyber Dangers: Practise Safe Downloading” at The Rock Auditorium at Suntec, Matthew and the other kids including some volunteers, went on an excursion to the Science Centre. Considering the price of the ticket at $13, it was quite a good bargain. Coffee/tea and snacks were provided. In addition, both Matthew and I went home with a goodie bag each.

Overall, I find the talk very informative. As a parent I need to catch up with what my kids are doing and inform them of the dangers in the cyber world.

Piano Exam

After waiting anxiously for a month, the results are finally out. Amanda passed the Grade 1 Piano Exam with merit. We were all so happy for her. She was so proud that she wanted to frame up the certificate and hang it on the wall above her piano.

After having discussed with Ms Dewi, we both agreed that Amanda should attempt the Grade 2 Exam in March next year.

P.S. Hopefully, I can remember to buy the hook to hang up the piano certificate.

Amanda's School Concert

Amanda came to my office on Thu, 17/4/08. She had the opportunity to meet my boss as well as the Regional CEO that evening.

I had informed my boss beforehand that I had to leave office early. Amanda and I would be attending her School's concert at the Singapore Conference Hall.

Overall, I thought the concert was good. I admire the school and the students for putting in so much effort to hold such a big event. Clearly, it was the joint efforts of the Art Club, Dance ensemble, Drama club, Chinese Orchestra, the Choir and the Band. I thought the Chinese Orchestra was brilliant. Amanda pointed out that the conductor was very good and that's why they had won the silver award in the school competitions.

Family bonding

My eldest sis gave Maureen and I foot reflexology vouchers as Christmas presents. We finally used it and had our foot reflexology at Sun Plaza yesterday afternoon. Alvin warned me that for first timers I would feel some pain. He said some pain is good so you'd feel relaxed afterwards. However, I felt that the pain was bearable but I rather prefer a spa/full body massage. Maureen and I planned to go to a spa together next month. We are contemplating whether or not to bring our husbands!!!

At night, we had dinner together with Andy's and Maureen's families. Andy suggested dinner at this Nonya Cafe at Kampong Bahru. The food wasn't that great but it was a good family bonding time. As it was Andy's birthday on Friday, we surprised him with a birthday cake.

During dinner, we talked about mum and her problems with the maid. Once again, mum wants to terminate her maid. We felt that mum is being unreasonable again. Yes, we all agreed that the maid has some faults but terminating her would not help dad's situation at all. The present maid has been with them for 1 year already. To find a new maid takes some time and mum definitely cannot cope with dad by herself. Sigh!!!

Andy and I agreed that we'll not help mum to look for a new maid. Further, she has to pay fees to maid agency again.

School Carnival

Yesterday morning, we went to Bao Li's School Carnival. Bao Li was so happy that we came. She proudly gave Matt and Amanda a tour of her school. Her mum, Jean helped to mann the herbal tea eggs stall. We bought herbal tea eggs from her and other foodstuff. Matt enjoyed catching fishes in a 'pond'.

Unfortunately, it rained and we had to leave early.

After that, we went to several furniture warehouses to look for study desks for the kids. We've finally bought one from Vhive at IMM.

Discouraged

Lately, I have been dragging myself to work. In all my entire working career I have never felt so stupid, incompetent and very unhappy! I have always put in my best efforts in whatever tasks I have been assigned to do. Well, things have changed since the beginning of the year. I have lost confidence and cannot even make the smallest decisions without having to consult the 'higher authority' first.

Due to the many complications, there is no longer harmony amongst my fellow colleagues. The senior ones now try to avoid me and are no longer helpful. Everyone is 'pushing' the work to somebody else. I cannot believe this is happening.

I pray for a miracle to happen. Otherwise, I may have to throw in the towel and give up altogether!

Running Events

I have registered Matt in the Cold Storage kids running event. The event will be held on Sun, 1/6/08. I wanted Matt to be active and get interested in some form of exercise. So I thought it would be good idea to let him join a competitive run. I am trying hard to 'push' him to practice for the run without much success. Anyway, the distance is 1.4km. He will most likely finish it but may come in the last few!

Anyway, I hope that he will enjoy the run and it will be a good experience for him.

I've also registered myself, Bao Li and Larry for the Passion/Saucony run on Sun, 8/6/08. Bao Li is really keen to participate in a competitive run. She has been asking me about such running events since the beginning of this year. I heard from Amanda that Bao Li came in 7 out of 40 (13 mins 7 secs) in her school's NAFA test. Apparently, Bao Li and her father practice running every Sunday!

I am also looking forward to this running event. The distance is about 4km or 5km. I have not been running regularly so I really need to 'buck up'!!!

Badminton lessons

Matthew started badminton lessons last Sunday with Jerome, our neighbour on the 4th floor. Jerome is also Matt's good friend. Jerome's grandfather, also Alvin's badminton 'kaki' initiated this as the badminton coach is his good friend. The coach was a former National Badminton Champion representing Singapore.

Alvin thought that it would be good for Matt to learn the proper techniques so that he could play well and enjoy the game. Further, Matt is interested in badminton and he joined this CCA in school. Sunday lesson is good for Matt as it gets him out of the house for some exercise. Besides, he is getting fatter and addicted to PSP and computer games. I think this is a great opportunity for father and son bonding!

First Parent Support Group Meeting

Yesterday afternoon, we had our first Parent Support Group Meeting. Besides, Lay Hong and myself, 2 other mothers and Mrs Chua turned up for the meeting. The Social Worker was also there. In fact, the meeting went very well.

We covered all the items on the agenda I had prepared. I could feel the enthusiasm and I am confident that we can get the support group started. We have so much to share and learn from one and other.

I think all the mothers have benefited from this meeting. We plan to have our meeting on 31/5/08. I am looking forward to it.

Withdraw from Student Care Centre

On Tuesday morning, I spoke to my friend Teresa. She is the Principal of the Student Care Centre which Matt attends. I have informed her our intention to withdraw Matt from the Student Care Centre.

As a friend, she cautioned me about the 'dangers' ie. Matt might mix with bad company or might neglect his studies due to lack of parental guidance and supervision. She also said that he might not be ready for this change. Although, at this age the kids wants to assert their independence. I tend to agree with her on this point. However, Alvin said we should give Matt a chance to try it out. Well, if it doesn't work out Teresa said that Matt can stil return to the Student Care Centre.

I am in a dilema because part of me wants Matt to be in a safe and positive learning environment, and yet I want him to learn to be independent!

We are trying to find tuitions for Matt on Wed and Thu mornings so as to keep him occupied. I have made him sign a letter to ensure that he keeps his '10 promises'. It is a list of tasks that he has to fulfill. Otherwise, we'll sent him back to the Student Care Centre.

I pray that this arrangement would work!

Alvin's windfall

On Wed night, Alvin came home with good news. He had won starter prize in 4D.

So now he can fork out some money to pay a contractor to do up the laminate flooring at the music room. The carpet flooring is so old and dirty and it's time for a makeover. We want to convert the music room into a study room for the kids. We will need to buy a study/work table big enough for the two kids.

In future, Matt would have a proper place so he could study and do his homework. Amanda wants to relocate the Vertex (CCTV) to the new study room. Presently, her bedroom study table is getting too small for all her books and stuff. She is very disorganised. Sigh!!!

Parent Support Group

That Saturday after I came home from Alexander Hospital, I sent Lay Hong an e-mail, saying that I was glad to have met her. I purposedly kept my message simple just to see what was her reaction. The following day, I received a reply from her. She was very enthusiatic about forming a parent support group.

So after 2 weeks of e-mailing to each other, we are finally going to have our first parent support group meeting tomorrow. During this time, I came up with the Mission Statement and objectives for the group, and I prepared an agenda for the meeting.

Lay Hong also suggested some interesting topics for future discussions. She had previously drafted a brochure "HELP, My child can't see!" 4 years ago. I thought it was great. However, the Help brochure wasn't published because there was no support from the Association.

Well, I hope together we can succeed in forming the parent support group.