Hate Hate Winter!
Hate the cold.
Hate the gloominess.
Hate the rain.
Can't wait for the boys' holidays to start... and off we go to somewhere warmer and sunnier!
Can't get cheap flights at all. All flights are freaking expensive. We had to go after holidays have started... just to have slightly cheaper air tickets... BUT still so expensive!
Since it's only a two-week holiday, boys will only be away for 10 days. Need to come back for school ... ponteng one day though.
Later....
Showing posts with label Kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kids. Show all posts
Friday, June 14, 2013
Friday, February 01, 2013
School: Term 1 begins....
Don't wanna sound like a broken record... but TIME really does fly. Doesn't it??
Anyway, school started yesterday (Thursday, 31st January 2013).
Boys are now going to school at different times!
S1 has been 'promoted' to High School and school starts at 8.10 am.
S2, who's in the Middle School starts at 9.00 am.
So the last two days, I've done two school runs in the morning. Not too bad lah... since school is only 5 minutes away.
What about dismissal?
ALAMAK. Also different times! I can't keep track... and S1 has volunteered to walk home from school.... except for Thursdays. We'll have to fine tune our pick-up/drop-off times in weeks to come, once we have a better idea on everyone's schedules and activities.
So how were the two days at school?
Both of them complained that they didn't like this teacher and that teacher etc etc.
S1 said "I don't like my English or Maths teacher".
Obviously, I asked why.
"Donno how to explain. But my Maths teacher is like YOU"
"What? What do you mean by saying you don't like her...because she is like me?"
You know why?? Because she was STRICT and gave the class homework on the first day.
That sure was mighty good news to this mom!
I like this teacher already!
S1 has to realise that he is now in High School and teachers do expect more responsibilities and more discipline.
Funny how the teachers they like, we don't like.
And the teachers they dislike, we like!
Anyway, school started yesterday (Thursday, 31st January 2013).
Boys are now going to school at different times!
S1 has been 'promoted' to High School and school starts at 8.10 am.
S2, who's in the Middle School starts at 9.00 am.
So the last two days, I've done two school runs in the morning. Not too bad lah... since school is only 5 minutes away.
What about dismissal?
ALAMAK. Also different times! I can't keep track... and S1 has volunteered to walk home from school.... except for Thursdays. We'll have to fine tune our pick-up/drop-off times in weeks to come, once we have a better idea on everyone's schedules and activities.
So how were the two days at school?
Both of them complained that they didn't like this teacher and that teacher etc etc.
S1 said "I don't like my English or Maths teacher".
Obviously, I asked why.
"Donno how to explain. But my Maths teacher is like YOU"
"What? What do you mean by saying you don't like her...because she is like me?"
You know why?? Because she was STRICT and gave the class homework on the first day.
That sure was mighty good news to this mom!
I like this teacher already!
S1 has to realise that he is now in High School and teachers do expect more responsibilities and more discipline.
Funny how the teachers they like, we don't like.
And the teachers they dislike, we like!
Monday, October 22, 2012
Big Changes Down Under....
What would one expect?
Moving from Asia... to a DEVELOPED COUNTRY. Speaking of DEVELOPED COUNTRY, I should change the write-up about "MYSELF". I am no longer living in a developing country, and no longer an expat wife. I'm sure is still a Nomadic Mom... cause we are still living in a rented home, and we WILL be moving sometime or other!
When are we buying a home here? Donno the answer at this point in time. So don't ask. :-)
So the part where we are living in a rented home (like what we have been doing in all our expat relocations) has NO CHANGE.
So what are the big changes?
For one, I NO LONGER have a driver, and I have since become THE DRIVER. I didn't mind this at all.... until soccer started last week ...IN THE EVENINGS! It's the time that I am usually changed in my ugly, loose and comfy pyjamas and plonked in front of the tv kind of time. So you can imagine the 'inconvenience' of having to pop out to drop and pick-up and hour later. What time? Start times ranging from 6.50 to 7.30 depending on days. 3 days of Soccer (split between the 2 boys) and then there's a day of tennis... and now Saturdays with Archery.
Actually, there's the Sunday for S2's Parkour down at Southbank. But I had to draw a line and ask him to drop it. Tooooooooooooooooooo far a drive, plus the $8 parking is off-putting. And I don't know how to kill 2 hours in the city on my own. Once Twice is okay lah... but every week, cannot tahan. Soccer and Tennis is actually quite close by.... to drive, but not close enough to walk laaaa
What about the other main change? NO MAID? Actually, I didn't have a maid back in Jakarta for awhile... Too much problem. How am I coping? Not too bad lah. Boys help out with the dishes after meals, and they will mop and vaccuum in the weekend. Only once in awhile, I will clean their toilets.... I get them to clean their own toilets weekly. S2 was like "EEWWWWWW" when I showed him their urine stains.. and it was quite funny cause the next day when his friend came, he said "please aim properly cause I have to clean it!". Hahahahha...
Not having a maid in Jakarta was not a problem, cause we could still send out our laundry to the "Laundry Kilo-an" - Laundry done by the kilos. They will wash, iron and fold (ironing not perfect but who cares??). Here... I gotta do the laundry and the ironing. Winter has its perks. Everybody wore their jumpers and NO NEED TO IRON! Now, Spring is here, more of those white shirts are seeing the sunlight... and thus have to iron. Bought myself a terrer super-duper steam iron, which actually made ironing easier. I wouldn't say that ironing is pleasurable, but it sure is easier.
What I find really hard about moving Down Under is COOKING EVERYDAY!!!!!! In Jakarta (or anywhere else in Asia for the matter), going out for a meal is soooooooo easy, convenient and cheap. Australia is blardy expensive. H keeps insisting that the noodles are almost same priced as Jakarta, cause you get double the amount. Yes. Portions are bigger, but still expensive. $$ aside, I find the larger portions also a bit troublesome... cause I would then have to ta-pau the other half, and EAT IT THE NEXT DAY. Yerrrrrr... donwan to eat same thing over and over again wor? But I don't wanna waste it either. SO how? And I find I can't eat what I want. Because of the larger portions, S1 will order what he wants, S2 will order what he wants, and I end up with whatever they cannot finish. Damn sien... It's better if H is around, then he becomes the one that eats everybody's leftovers. Hahahahah
Biggest change? Is not having the other half here with me 50% of the time... cause of the business in Jakarta. Is kinda lonely.... especially after I drop the boys to school, and I come back to an empty house. Really need to get a job of whatever to just get out.... otherwise damn sien and bored. And you know what is worse? EATING WHEN BORED!!! I've put on about 4 kgs since I moved here. How not to? The cheeses, the ice-creams, etc etc....
Speaking of jobs... it's not easy.... They stress for 'local experience' blah blah blah. I thought I'll just volunteer for something, but even that seems a bit ma-fan with the hours and days that they want you to commit. No such thing as just go and help out when you are free kind. Know what I mean?
Anyway, See how lah.....
Other than that, I think boys are settling in quite well, and at least I don't have to worry about them. Just somehow ... NO HOMEWORK ONE WORRRRRRRR...
Still so much to update.... maybe tomorrow lah...
Moving from Asia... to a DEVELOPED COUNTRY. Speaking of DEVELOPED COUNTRY, I should change the write-up about "MYSELF". I am no longer living in a developing country, and no longer an expat wife. I'm sure is still a Nomadic Mom... cause we are still living in a rented home, and we WILL be moving sometime or other!
When are we buying a home here? Donno the answer at this point in time. So don't ask. :-)
So the part where we are living in a rented home (like what we have been doing in all our expat relocations) has NO CHANGE.
So what are the big changes?
For one, I NO LONGER have a driver, and I have since become THE DRIVER. I didn't mind this at all.... until soccer started last week ...IN THE EVENINGS! It's the time that I am usually changed in my ugly, loose and comfy pyjamas and plonked in front of the tv kind of time. So you can imagine the 'inconvenience' of having to pop out to drop and pick-up and hour later. What time? Start times ranging from 6.50 to 7.30 depending on days. 3 days of Soccer (split between the 2 boys) and then there's a day of tennis... and now Saturdays with Archery.
Actually, there's the Sunday for S2's Parkour down at Southbank. But I had to draw a line and ask him to drop it. Tooooooooooooooooooo far a drive, plus the $8 parking is off-putting. And I don't know how to kill 2 hours in the city on my own. Once Twice is okay lah... but every week, cannot tahan. Soccer and Tennis is actually quite close by.... to drive, but not close enough to walk laaaa
What about the other main change? NO MAID? Actually, I didn't have a maid back in Jakarta for awhile... Too much problem. How am I coping? Not too bad lah. Boys help out with the dishes after meals, and they will mop and vaccuum in the weekend. Only once in awhile, I will clean their toilets.... I get them to clean their own toilets weekly. S2 was like "EEWWWWWW" when I showed him their urine stains.. and it was quite funny cause the next day when his friend came, he said "please aim properly cause I have to clean it!". Hahahahha...
Not having a maid in Jakarta was not a problem, cause we could still send out our laundry to the "Laundry Kilo-an" - Laundry done by the kilos. They will wash, iron and fold (ironing not perfect but who cares??). Here... I gotta do the laundry and the ironing. Winter has its perks. Everybody wore their jumpers and NO NEED TO IRON! Now, Spring is here, more of those white shirts are seeing the sunlight... and thus have to iron. Bought myself a terrer super-duper steam iron, which actually made ironing easier. I wouldn't say that ironing is pleasurable, but it sure is easier.
What I find really hard about moving Down Under is COOKING EVERYDAY!!!!!! In Jakarta (or anywhere else in Asia for the matter), going out for a meal is soooooooo easy, convenient and cheap. Australia is blardy expensive. H keeps insisting that the noodles are almost same priced as Jakarta, cause you get double the amount. Yes. Portions are bigger, but still expensive. $$ aside, I find the larger portions also a bit troublesome... cause I would then have to ta-pau the other half, and EAT IT THE NEXT DAY. Yerrrrrr... donwan to eat same thing over and over again wor? But I don't wanna waste it either. SO how? And I find I can't eat what I want. Because of the larger portions, S1 will order what he wants, S2 will order what he wants, and I end up with whatever they cannot finish. Damn sien... It's better if H is around, then he becomes the one that eats everybody's leftovers. Hahahahah
Biggest change? Is not having the other half here with me 50% of the time... cause of the business in Jakarta. Is kinda lonely.... especially after I drop the boys to school, and I come back to an empty house. Really need to get a job of whatever to just get out.... otherwise damn sien and bored. And you know what is worse? EATING WHEN BORED!!! I've put on about 4 kgs since I moved here. How not to? The cheeses, the ice-creams, etc etc....
Speaking of jobs... it's not easy.... They stress for 'local experience' blah blah blah. I thought I'll just volunteer for something, but even that seems a bit ma-fan with the hours and days that they want you to commit. No such thing as just go and help out when you are free kind. Know what I mean?
Anyway, See how lah.....
Other than that, I think boys are settling in quite well, and at least I don't have to worry about them. Just somehow ... NO HOMEWORK ONE WORRRRRRRR...
Still so much to update.... maybe tomorrow lah...
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Resurrection
Waaaaaa... Ages since I updated my blog. You guys must be wondering if NomadicMom is still alive. Well, she was gone for awhile but has now been resurrected!
Where shall I begin. To much has happened since my update. Really don't know where to start. How about the fun stuff first? Like I am off to Bangkok this weekend. Nope. No husband. No children. Just little ole me. Meeting Sis No.2 there. She will be flying in from Singapore...
Other current updates... Boys' grandpa is here for a visit. Initially was a babysitting trip because we thought that H had to travel, and with my maid going off for a week and me going to work, we needed an adult at home to be with S2. Out little fella had acute appendicitis which had to be removed on CNY's eve. Talk about timing!!!!
Blog more soon!!!!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Been Neglecting my Blog....
Boy! Have I been neglecting my blog. Been soooooooooooooo busy with the Centre.
In fact, I should NOT be here trying to blog.
Everything is KELAM-KABUT. Even kids also KELAM-KABUT.
Complaints from teacher and detention and all.
Have I been neglecting them as well?
Not trying to defend myself... though I have been busy working, I have been home when boys come back from school... and I'll go with my usual "how is school, what homework do you have, any problems etc ". Short of me taking their books out and holding their hand to write or type, what am I supposed to do ah? Been getting complaints that they have not been doing their homework. I sit here next to them every night in the Study area summore. Must PHYSICALLY CHECK that each piece of homework is done?
They are so big liow .... and still need that? I donno lah..
Anyway, they are both being punished by the father...
In fact, I should NOT be here trying to blog.
Everything is KELAM-KABUT. Even kids also KELAM-KABUT.
Complaints from teacher and detention and all.
Have I been neglecting them as well?
Not trying to defend myself... though I have been busy working, I have been home when boys come back from school... and I'll go with my usual "how is school, what homework do you have, any problems etc ". Short of me taking their books out and holding their hand to write or type, what am I supposed to do ah? Been getting complaints that they have not been doing their homework. I sit here next to them every night in the Study area summore. Must PHYSICALLY CHECK that each piece of homework is done?
They are so big liow .... and still need that? I donno lah..
Anyway, they are both being punished by the father...
Sunday, August 21, 2011
S2 promoted?
I thought I should have a different post for S2... cause the other post on S1 was already MEGA long.
S2 is now in Year 7! My little fellow is now in Secondary School... I refused to buy new uniforms for him so he is now swimming in his kor-kor's old uniforms. hahaha...
When I found out that S1's old Maths teacher was going to be the head of Year 7, I was mega scared that he was going to be S2's class tutor or Maths teacher. Thank goodness. NO. That did not happen. This teacher will be teaching Set 5.
My S2 - whom has a more natural knack for numbers did do well in his assessments (when I was tutoring S1, he actually did some of the math problems and had correct answers!), and is in Set 1 for Mathematics... so no need to FIGHT hard for him. And I know this guy is quite competitive and he will want to work hard to remain in the top set, so no need to worry so much.
When he came back on the first day, he told me that he is in Set 1 for Mathematics, then showed me his sad face and said that he is in the last class for English. Me being the mean old nasty mom was like "See. I told you that your English sucks. " This S2 of mine always refuses to read or do any work. Then S1 piped in "I'm sure you are mistaken. You cannot be in the last class. Maybe Set 2 or 3 but surely not last". That. I have to agree. Can't be the last set. Go find out properly. Case closed....
Over dinner the next day, S2 was like "what is criticise?" I was like "hah??? You don't know what is criticise? That's why we all say that your English sucks! That's why last set!". Then the fella was like have this cunning smile.....
"Actually. I am not in the last set. I am in a special set. All the kids from last year's 'authors in the making' are all in my English class." then proceeded to name the others. Then continued with "What is patronise? " and some other words that I've forgotten.
I asked "is this what you have to do in school today?"
S2 - "Nope. I searched Dictionary.com myself"
He was pretty pleased that he was 'promoted'. Just him being DODO lah. Never find out properly, and be sad on Monday for nothing.
Overall, I think he is pretty happy in Year 7. Errr... but then, it has only been a week. Was very motivated to finish his homework. His dad took him out to the DVD/games stalls in the morning, and he kept telling his dad that he had to go home and do his homework. And he was doing his "Health and Safety" poster for ages last night. Rewriting and rewriting to get it perfect. Hopefull this lasts, and I don't have to ngamm-ngamm-chamm-chamm the boys to do their homework.
Okay lah. Better go do MY homework.
S2 is now in Year 7! My little fellow is now in Secondary School... I refused to buy new uniforms for him so he is now swimming in his kor-kor's old uniforms. hahaha...
When I found out that S1's old Maths teacher was going to be the head of Year 7, I was mega scared that he was going to be S2's class tutor or Maths teacher. Thank goodness. NO. That did not happen. This teacher will be teaching Set 5.
My S2 - whom has a more natural knack for numbers did do well in his assessments (when I was tutoring S1, he actually did some of the math problems and had correct answers!), and is in Set 1 for Mathematics... so no need to FIGHT hard for him. And I know this guy is quite competitive and he will want to work hard to remain in the top set, so no need to worry so much.
When he came back on the first day, he told me that he is in Set 1 for Mathematics, then showed me his sad face and said that he is in the last class for English. Me being the mean old nasty mom was like "See. I told you that your English sucks. " This S2 of mine always refuses to read or do any work. Then S1 piped in "I'm sure you are mistaken. You cannot be in the last class. Maybe Set 2 or 3 but surely not last". That. I have to agree. Can't be the last set. Go find out properly. Case closed....
Over dinner the next day, S2 was like "what is criticise?" I was like "hah??? You don't know what is criticise? That's why we all say that your English sucks! That's why last set!". Then the fella was like have this cunning smile.....
"Actually. I am not in the last set. I am in a special set. All the kids from last year's 'authors in the making' are all in my English class." then proceeded to name the others. Then continued with "What is patronise? " and some other words that I've forgotten.
I asked "is this what you have to do in school today?"
S2 - "Nope. I searched Dictionary.com myself"
He was pretty pleased that he was 'promoted'. Just him being DODO lah. Never find out properly, and be sad on Monday for nothing.
Overall, I think he is pretty happy in Year 7. Errr... but then, it has only been a week. Was very motivated to finish his homework. His dad took him out to the DVD/games stalls in the morning, and he kept telling his dad that he had to go home and do his homework. And he was doing his "Health and Safety" poster for ages last night. Rewriting and rewriting to get it perfect. Hopefull this lasts, and I don't have to ngamm-ngamm-chamm-chamm the boys to do their homework.
Okay lah. Better go do MY homework.
S1 promoted ...
If you recall... I had written many previous posts whereby I vented about the Mathematics in the boys' school? Do you remember the part whereby S1's teacher said "let's look at his final exam results and we'll see if he is WORTHY for promotion". Yes. THOSE exact words.
You say lah. This mom .... always keep quiet. People think she pussycat tai-tai. Donno anything. Never see my TIGER mom face before.
So... that was the start of S1's intensive tutoring from Yours Truly. Everyday (except one or two days lah) we worked on his Mathematics - from the basics up for an hour minimum. Sometimes two. Obviously, our effort paid off. S1 did pretty well in his final exams. People even queried if he copied! What an insult! He had better marks than quite a number of people in the top set (the set that I want him promoted to... because only kids in this set get to do Additional Maths) so obviously, I would assume that he will be promoted. He did surprise a lot of people - my tidak apa attitude son. One friend actually commented "What happened? You used to be F-king stupid. What happened?". An insult or a compliment?
For the next week after the results were out, I kept asking S1 if they told him that they will be promoted to Set 1. His reply "My teacher said MIGHT". What kind of C!B@I answer is that? Toying with my son ah? F%$K man. So I wrote to the teacher and then only the stupid fellow replied to say that "We in the Mathematics department have decided to admit S1 to the Top Set on a TRIAL BASIS blah blah blah ". I told S1, the teachers are WAITING for you to slip to bring you back down to Set 2. And S1 was like "that is mean!" ... but it is true. Because I was fighting so hard to justify my son's place in the top set, and he did prove to them that he can indeed do it when they are so adamant that he does not have the 'special mathematical skills or love for subject'. Thank goodness that it is a NEW teacher that is teaching him this year. One that is not yet in cohorts with the OLD gang.
School has started for a week... and obviously I continued to encourage S1 to do work - at least bits of it every day so that he will not be overwhelmed with so many subjects. He is quite receptive... doing some topic revision when I told him to last Thursday - which paid off on Friday's end-of-topic assessment. He said he aced it with 100 percent. I think that brought some feeling of satisfaction... hopefully that will motivate to continue to work hard.
Seriously, there's really so many subjects. On top of the usual Maths, Sciences (Physics, Biology and Chemistry), English, there's Mandarin (which he says it's easy), Resistance Materials, ICT, Economics. Quite a handful .... He asked if he should drop Resistance Materials and take up Geography instead. And if resistance materials more useful than geography. I was like ahhh-errr...And he said "or you prefer that I take PE instead of Geography?".
Me - "I am not a geography person. Nor a history person. I don't know. If for Resistance Materials...if you are learning about properties of materials and their uses, then it is good. Why do aircrafts able to fly further? It's because of the materials of construction...."
Then he himself added about the new properties in Speedo swimsuits which can be streamlinedto an extent that the resistance in water is reduced dramatically such that it is banned in competitions.
I didn't really want to force him to do this or that. Because some people want to balance out with easy to score subjects with harder ones. So no need to study so much. I think he did decide to stick with this option, which may require him to do lots of project and design work. This, I think I can help. Cause when I looked at the textbook, it's alot about processes, project management using Gantt Charts, flowcharts etc.... which is sort of my forte. :-) Thing I can't help him is identifying type of wood joints. Yikes! But shouldn't be that hard lah. I did learn about type of weld joints when I was working. Other subjects I cannot help with...biology, ICT, English and Mandarin. Economics can abit lah.
The only thing is that we were working so much on the Maths that we neglected the sciences. He did well but not good enough to be in the top set. So instead of doing the triple award, he is only doing the double award, i.e. doing three sciences but only getting two credits.
Yes. WEIRD British system! Too late to fight for him for this. :-P
You say lah. This mom .... always keep quiet. People think she pussycat tai-tai. Donno anything. Never see my TIGER mom face before.
So... that was the start of S1's intensive tutoring from Yours Truly. Everyday (except one or two days lah) we worked on his Mathematics - from the basics up for an hour minimum. Sometimes two. Obviously, our effort paid off. S1 did pretty well in his final exams. People even queried if he copied! What an insult! He had better marks than quite a number of people in the top set (the set that I want him promoted to... because only kids in this set get to do Additional Maths) so obviously, I would assume that he will be promoted. He did surprise a lot of people - my tidak apa attitude son. One friend actually commented "What happened? You used to be F-king stupid. What happened?". An insult or a compliment?
For the next week after the results were out, I kept asking S1 if they told him that they will be promoted to Set 1. His reply "My teacher said MIGHT". What kind of C!B@I answer is that? Toying with my son ah? F%$K man. So I wrote to the teacher and then only the stupid fellow replied to say that "We in the Mathematics department have decided to admit S1 to the Top Set on a TRIAL BASIS blah blah blah ". I told S1, the teachers are WAITING for you to slip to bring you back down to Set 2. And S1 was like "that is mean!" ... but it is true. Because I was fighting so hard to justify my son's place in the top set, and he did prove to them that he can indeed do it when they are so adamant that he does not have the 'special mathematical skills or love for subject'. Thank goodness that it is a NEW teacher that is teaching him this year. One that is not yet in cohorts with the OLD gang.
School has started for a week... and obviously I continued to encourage S1 to do work - at least bits of it every day so that he will not be overwhelmed with so many subjects. He is quite receptive... doing some topic revision when I told him to last Thursday - which paid off on Friday's end-of-topic assessment. He said he aced it with 100 percent. I think that brought some feeling of satisfaction... hopefully that will motivate to continue to work hard.
Seriously, there's really so many subjects. On top of the usual Maths, Sciences (Physics, Biology and Chemistry), English, there's Mandarin (which he says it's easy), Resistance Materials, ICT, Economics. Quite a handful .... He asked if he should drop Resistance Materials and take up Geography instead. And if resistance materials more useful than geography. I was like ahhh-errr...And he said "or you prefer that I take PE instead of Geography?".
Me - "I am not a geography person. Nor a history person. I don't know. If for Resistance Materials...if you are learning about properties of materials and their uses, then it is good. Why do aircrafts able to fly further? It's because of the materials of construction...."
Then he himself added about the new properties in Speedo swimsuits which can be streamlinedto an extent that the resistance in water is reduced dramatically such that it is banned in competitions.
I didn't really want to force him to do this or that. Because some people want to balance out with easy to score subjects with harder ones. So no need to study so much. I think he did decide to stick with this option, which may require him to do lots of project and design work. This, I think I can help. Cause when I looked at the textbook, it's alot about processes, project management using Gantt Charts, flowcharts etc.... which is sort of my forte. :-) Thing I can't help him is identifying type of wood joints. Yikes! But shouldn't be that hard lah. I did learn about type of weld joints when I was working. Other subjects I cannot help with...biology, ICT, English and Mandarin. Economics can abit lah.
The only thing is that we were working so much on the Maths that we neglected the sciences. He did well but not good enough to be in the top set. So instead of doing the triple award, he is only doing the double award, i.e. doing three sciences but only getting two credits.
Yes. WEIRD British system! Too late to fight for him for this. :-P
Sunday, August 14, 2011
School STARTS Tomorrow!
This year, the school term is starting a week earlier.... Not only that, school day will be 30 minutes longer now. When they first announced it, lots of hoo-hah from the angmoh moms and moms of little kids. I, on the other hand, welcomed it in a way. Okay. Granted. The traffic is the killer. But I think the kids do need the extra time to cover everything in the curriculum.
Starting tomorrow.... I have TWO in the Secondary school. No more visiting the Primary school. S1 will now be in Year 10, i.e. he will be taking his iGCSE examinations in May/June 2013. And my S2 starts Year 7.
I had to run to the bank to pay their school fees last Friday (deadline is Monday. Otherwise they charge interest! Darned school!). I have to say that I have never carried so much cash in my life! At the counter, the guy was like "did you confirm?". I was like "Ah??". And he said that above a certain $$ have to confirm. Confirm what I don't know. Then he went off to ask his superior if he could proceed with the transaction. I had a whole list of errands to run and I certainly was not going to carry the $$$ USDs in my handbag! Thank goodness his superior said okay.
I tell you... only in this country that they are soooooooo particular with the notes. They will only accept the USDs in a certain H series and up. And the notes must be crisp. No folds. No tears. No blah blah blah. The guy actually CARESSED every single bill. No joke.
I had a note that is really 'charnn' and that one they totally did not want it. No need any CARESSING. After CARESSING 204 pieces of the notes, he said that I had TWO bad notes. I was like "so what does that mean?? Those came directly from Citibank". They were surprised that Citibank had BAD notes. Seriously, the notes look okay and crisp. But like I said, he was CARESSING it like nobody's business... and found that the little silver strip on the side is 'broken'. So what it means is that I have to pay USD 3 per BAD note. Damn cut-throat. So... I had to pay an extra USD 6 for them to accept the two pieces of BAD notes. .... ONLY in this country that the USDs must be like newly-minted.
In America, even if the note is damn 'charnn' and had SHIT, also good as gold.
I tell you ah... I damn 'simm thia' man.... especially when I am not exactly satisfied with the academic quality of the school. Pay so much, and still not as expected. *Sigh*
We told S1 that since we are paying school fees now, perhaps he should think of going to a better school in one of the countries that the Ah Ees reside (England? Australia?). But he doesn't want to, of course. His friends are all here... plus he is still a bit young, hor?
Anyway, there are two more terms of fees to pay. And each time I have to do this, I will moan and groan.
Starting tomorrow.... I have TWO in the Secondary school. No more visiting the Primary school. S1 will now be in Year 10, i.e. he will be taking his iGCSE examinations in May/June 2013. And my S2 starts Year 7.
I had to run to the bank to pay their school fees last Friday (deadline is Monday. Otherwise they charge interest! Darned school!). I have to say that I have never carried so much cash in my life! At the counter, the guy was like "did you confirm?". I was like "Ah??". And he said that above a certain $$ have to confirm. Confirm what I don't know. Then he went off to ask his superior if he could proceed with the transaction. I had a whole list of errands to run and I certainly was not going to carry the $$$ USDs in my handbag! Thank goodness his superior said okay.
I tell you... only in this country that they are soooooooo particular with the notes. They will only accept the USDs in a certain H series and up. And the notes must be crisp. No folds. No tears. No blah blah blah. The guy actually CARESSED every single bill. No joke.
I had a note that is really 'charnn' and that one they totally did not want it. No need any CARESSING. After CARESSING 204 pieces of the notes, he said that I had TWO bad notes. I was like "so what does that mean?? Those came directly from Citibank". They were surprised that Citibank had BAD notes. Seriously, the notes look okay and crisp. But like I said, he was CARESSING it like nobody's business... and found that the little silver strip on the side is 'broken'. So what it means is that I have to pay USD 3 per BAD note. Damn cut-throat. So... I had to pay an extra USD 6 for them to accept the two pieces of BAD notes. .... ONLY in this country that the USDs must be like newly-minted.
In America, even if the note is damn 'charnn' and had SHIT, also good as gold.
I tell you ah... I damn 'simm thia' man.... especially when I am not exactly satisfied with the academic quality of the school. Pay so much, and still not as expected. *Sigh*
We told S1 that since we are paying school fees now, perhaps he should think of going to a better school in one of the countries that the Ah Ees reside (England? Australia?). But he doesn't want to, of course. His friends are all here... plus he is still a bit young, hor?
Anyway, there are two more terms of fees to pay. And each time I have to do this, I will moan and groan.
Lazy Days in Bali....
Yes. Lazy Lazy Lazy indeed!
We went for 4 nights. Read my earlier post here. Stayed at the Melia Bali at Nusa Dua. Hotel and rooms were decent enough. Kids had their DVD and PS2 players in the room. Service was pretty good. But the real bummer was the shower! Aiyo... I think this hotel needs a major refurbishment of their plumbing system. Seriously... the shower's trickle was a smaller flow than my pee. And quite a few times, no water actually flowed from the shower head. And the water temperature was like up-and-down and no where near the temperature that I like. So will I stay here again?
I don't think so.... Errr.. actually, I try NOT to stay at the same hotel anywhere. To me, staying at a different hotel is like part of a new vacation. Isn't it?
Other than the Quicksilver Cruise out to Nusa Penida, we did nothing touristy. I slept and slept and slept. I slept out on the balcony. I slept by the beach. I slept on the bed. H was like "why are you sleeping and sleeping and sleeping?". But isn't that what a holiday is all about??
We did try to go cycling as a family... But that didn't work out too well. S2 was like goyang-goyang. I was like goyang-goyang. Because we wanted to cycle out to the Nusa Dua kampungs on the road, H was not too happy about it. So Activity abandoned. We tried again a couple of days later, and same thing. S2 and I were still goyang-goyang on our bicycles. Hahhahaha... So we decided that just he and S1 should go ahead on the bicycles, S2 and I will follow suit on foot. Needless to say, we were the tortoise and the hare (except for the ending bit lah).
I think S2 was the most active of all. He could actually sit out on the beach by himself...enjoying the waves. He was moving from beach to pool and back. Participated in the beach soccer games, played tennis with his father etc. S1 was either reading his book or in the room watching TV. H played tennis twice and joined S2 for beach soccer (errr damn funny). Me.... err... laziest of all. SLEEP only lah. Not to mention EAT and DRINK as well....
All in all, it was a good break for us .....before chaos. School starts tomorrow!!!
We went for 4 nights. Read my earlier post here. Stayed at the Melia Bali at Nusa Dua. Hotel and rooms were decent enough. Kids had their DVD and PS2 players in the room. Service was pretty good. But the real bummer was the shower! Aiyo... I think this hotel needs a major refurbishment of their plumbing system. Seriously... the shower's trickle was a smaller flow than my pee. And quite a few times, no water actually flowed from the shower head. And the water temperature was like up-and-down and no where near the temperature that I like. So will I stay here again?
I don't think so.... Errr.. actually, I try NOT to stay at the same hotel anywhere. To me, staying at a different hotel is like part of a new vacation. Isn't it?
Other than the Quicksilver Cruise out to Nusa Penida, we did nothing touristy. I slept and slept and slept. I slept out on the balcony. I slept by the beach. I slept on the bed. H was like "why are you sleeping and sleeping and sleeping?". But isn't that what a holiday is all about??
We did try to go cycling as a family... But that didn't work out too well. S2 was like goyang-goyang. I was like goyang-goyang. Because we wanted to cycle out to the Nusa Dua kampungs on the road, H was not too happy about it. So Activity abandoned. We tried again a couple of days later, and same thing. S2 and I were still goyang-goyang on our bicycles. Hahhahaha... So we decided that just he and S1 should go ahead on the bicycles, S2 and I will follow suit on foot. Needless to say, we were the tortoise and the hare (except for the ending bit lah).
I think S2 was the most active of all. He could actually sit out on the beach by himself...enjoying the waves. He was moving from beach to pool and back. Participated in the beach soccer games, played tennis with his father etc. S1 was either reading his book or in the room watching TV. H played tennis twice and joined S2 for beach soccer (errr damn funny). Me.... err... laziest of all. SLEEP only lah. Not to mention EAT and DRINK as well....
All in all, it was a good break for us .....before chaos. School starts tomorrow!!!
Wednesday, August 03, 2011
Hello BALI!!!
Yup! In Bali....AGAIN.
Flew here this afternoon... Decided to take the boys for a short vacation before school starts in less than two weeks! The boys have basically been cooped up in the apartment for the whole Summer holidays. Poor guys! Or maybe not... Depending on who you ask. Cause they have been sleeping late, waking up late, watching tv, playing games and eating junk! I supposed it's my fault too. Been so busy. Even this morning, we were supposed to grab a bite before heading out to the airport. But I was working to try to send out an email before I leave and by the time I was done, it was too late. We HAD to then eat at the airport.
Even though I've been to Bali countless times, it is still a nice feeling. The moment we arrived, I could feel the breeze, see the bright blue skies. Oh...how blue the skies were today! This time, we are staying in a hotel in Nusa Dua. Booked a split-level family room. Boys downstairs. Parents upstairs. Because it is a family room, the kids area is equipped with tv, DVD player and Playstation (on request). Don't know if I did the right thing of requesting for it....as I am trying to pry boys off those electronic games and gadgets!!! But when I told S1, he immediately came to give me a hug. Talk about addicted to games!!!
Once school starts, all these games stuff will have to stop!
Anyway, we decided to eat in the hotel as I didn't fancy traveling out to Kuta or Seminyak for a meal. And what do you know...the barbecued pork ribs were sooooooooooo yummy and tender. Really melts in the mouth. H had so much that he said that he doesnt want any pork any more. ....and added "including your porky mommy" to the boys! He said he must have eaten my thigh's worth! Hahaha...
Okay... Better go back into the room. Have been blogging via my iPad out in the balcony, and it us getting kinda chilly.
Later...
Flew here this afternoon... Decided to take the boys for a short vacation before school starts in less than two weeks! The boys have basically been cooped up in the apartment for the whole Summer holidays. Poor guys! Or maybe not... Depending on who you ask. Cause they have been sleeping late, waking up late, watching tv, playing games and eating junk! I supposed it's my fault too. Been so busy. Even this morning, we were supposed to grab a bite before heading out to the airport. But I was working to try to send out an email before I leave and by the time I was done, it was too late. We HAD to then eat at the airport.
Even though I've been to Bali countless times, it is still a nice feeling. The moment we arrived, I could feel the breeze, see the bright blue skies. Oh...how blue the skies were today! This time, we are staying in a hotel in Nusa Dua. Booked a split-level family room. Boys downstairs. Parents upstairs. Because it is a family room, the kids area is equipped with tv, DVD player and Playstation (on request). Don't know if I did the right thing of requesting for it....as I am trying to pry boys off those electronic games and gadgets!!! But when I told S1, he immediately came to give me a hug. Talk about addicted to games!!!
Once school starts, all these games stuff will have to stop!
Anyway, we decided to eat in the hotel as I didn't fancy traveling out to Kuta or Seminyak for a meal. And what do you know...the barbecued pork ribs were sooooooooooo yummy and tender. Really melts in the mouth. H had so much that he said that he doesnt want any pork any more. ....and added "including your porky mommy" to the boys! He said he must have eaten my thigh's worth! Hahaha...
Okay... Better go back into the room. Have been blogging via my iPad out in the balcony, and it us getting kinda chilly.
Later...
Happy Birthday, S1!
My little baby turns 14 today!!!
Seriously no longer a baby...though he still sometimes behaves like one. That fella is already about an inch and a half taller than I am. Overtook me about a couple of months back. And you know that I am 165 cm, right?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, S1!!!
Seriously no longer a baby...though he still sometimes behaves like one. That fella is already about an inch and a half taller than I am. Overtook me about a couple of months back. And you know that I am 165 cm, right?
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, S1!!!
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Updates.... 20 July 2011
I know that I have not been updating as often as I should. But really been so busy. Or if not that, then so tired. So obviously blogging would be the last thing on my mind.
Almost 3 Weeks into the SUMMER break now, and boys have been literally stuck at home.... cause H and I have been so busy. Had some friends over (errr... actually only 2 sets of friends as EVERYONE is out there enjoying their Summer Holidays except us) last week. We didn't even go out for any movies... not that there's anything to watch because of the stoooooopid boycott. So other than playing games and watching TV until their eyes pop-out, I made the boys do some Math problems on some days. And just the last two days, S1 has been helping out with the layout drawings for my shoplot. He helped to sketch the 3D-drawings on Google Sketchup. Have to say that he is pretty good at it. :-)
We managed to find a shoplot for our business... hopefully it is the RIGHT choice and RIGHT location. Paid the downpayment on Monday.... and have to pay the rest of the rent when we officially sign the lease in about 2.5 week's time. And just had news from our lawyers that business registration is completed, and we can now open a business account...and to deposit the paid-up capital blah blah blah. And I have the contractor going to have a look at the shoplot to give me a quotation. The sketch that was done by S1 will prove to be invaluable, as it will give the contractor an idea on what we want. Hopefully, the costs can be kept down...
On a different note... I itchy-fart told my girlfriends that I will join them for the 10 KM run in Bangkok in November. So gung-ho. Say can have fun, shop, spa, wann-sann and run. How lah? Can I chicken-out? Or must I perservere on and train for it? I've got about 4 months to train for it. A bit scared lah. This morning, I went to play tennis out in the open, and not too long (errr think about 15 minutes or less :-P), I was damn tired and thirsty liow. How to run 10 KM in 2 hours ah? But I must. I must....
Almost 3 Weeks into the SUMMER break now, and boys have been literally stuck at home.... cause H and I have been so busy. Had some friends over (errr... actually only 2 sets of friends as EVERYONE is out there enjoying their Summer Holidays except us) last week. We didn't even go out for any movies... not that there's anything to watch because of the stoooooopid boycott. So other than playing games and watching TV until their eyes pop-out, I made the boys do some Math problems on some days. And just the last two days, S1 has been helping out with the layout drawings for my shoplot. He helped to sketch the 3D-drawings on Google Sketchup. Have to say that he is pretty good at it. :-)
We managed to find a shoplot for our business... hopefully it is the RIGHT choice and RIGHT location. Paid the downpayment on Monday.... and have to pay the rest of the rent when we officially sign the lease in about 2.5 week's time. And just had news from our lawyers that business registration is completed, and we can now open a business account...and to deposit the paid-up capital blah blah blah. And I have the contractor going to have a look at the shoplot to give me a quotation. The sketch that was done by S1 will prove to be invaluable, as it will give the contractor an idea on what we want. Hopefully, the costs can be kept down...
On a different note... I itchy-fart told my girlfriends that I will join them for the 10 KM run in Bangkok in November. So gung-ho. Say can have fun, shop, spa, wann-sann and run. How lah? Can I chicken-out? Or must I perservere on and train for it? I've got about 4 months to train for it. A bit scared lah. This morning, I went to play tennis out in the open, and not too long (errr think about 15 minutes or less :-P), I was damn tired and thirsty liow. How to run 10 KM in 2 hours ah? But I must. I must....
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Am I drowning yet???
Not yet... but almost!
Really have been soooooo busy with all sorts of things. See my last post on the list of things that my feet have got into. Plus I have resumed my painting sessions on Mondays......as if I have a lot of leisurely time. As we usually say "no time to even pang-sai"! Errr... actually that isn't quite true as my belly hasn't been well for awhile, I have been running to the loo pretty often.
S1
For some time now, I have been tutoring S1 every night (with some exceptions) to ensure that he is confident in his Mathematical concepts. End-of-Year test is in a few weeks time, plus there is a end of Key Stage 3 Standardised Testing. As he is keen to get to the top Maths set, he has been quite determined. No need to nag him to do those past year exam papers. And today, he came home with 3 sets of past exam papers..... He knew that he needed the practice and I am stingy with my printer ink so he got it all printed at school..... all out of his own initiative!
I have to say that I was impressed and a little bit proud. For years, I have been complaining about his tidak apa attitude. This new determination to excel is a great change. ... Err but of course he is still determined to have his weekend PS3 Game time!!!
S2
The ABRSM results came back. Our friend just narrowly passed! He was pretty disappointed with his results, of course. Told him that he should practise more diligently the next time. I kept reminding him that Grandma complained that he didn't even practise for 15 minutes, when he should have practised for at least an hour. Hopefully he has learnt his lesson and will not be too over-confident about his abilities. Next year then....
Private Tutoring
.... from zero student last week to three this week. Yesterday was my first fee-paying student. Don't know whether if I was boring or she was really indeed tired as she kept yawning and rubbing her eyes (she came straight from school and said she was up earlier than usual). Not sure if she will continue....although her mom wants her to. But teenagers being teenagers, cannot force them if they are not willing to. I mean I could be blabbering for 2 whole hours and if she is not concentrating, she will not be learning either. And tomorrow I will have 2 students in 2 different sessions - 1 in the morning and another just after lunch. Hopefully they will be awake.
TESOL Course
I am only at Unit 2 and there is still 18 units to go. Want to pengsan liow. Have to squeeze-in time to complete each unit. Took me about 3 hours to complete Unit 2 today. Prepositions, Conjuctions, Infinitives, Gerunds, Adjectives... Waliow! Cannot remember all liow....
In case anyone is interested, I am doing this with ITTT. Don't ask me if they are good cause I don't know....
Business Start-UP
Quite a number of challenges....that is keeping me up in the night thinking and worrying. I know it is rather silly to be worrying in the night when I can't actually solve anything. But what to do? I am a worrier. Been so stressed that pimples are coming out everywhere..... and I mean everywhere! Leave it to your imagination on where exactly pimples are coming out! Hahaha...
House-Hunting
Yup! We may have to move to another house. Why?
Because we have been living in this house for the last five years and things are all starting to wear and really tear. H just came in and told me to get someone over to fix all the toilet bowls... water flowing continuously. And a few days ago, water was leaking through the S1's ceiling and some of his books were soaked. Boy! Was he mad!
Plus we want to find somewhere cheaper and within a complex. At the moment, we are paying almost USD 700/mth for our security guards, and that is a lot of money. Especially when it is out of our own pockets. So...wish me luck to find a lovely and affordable home.
Okay lah.... gotta go. Gotta send out a work email.
Really have been soooooo busy with all sorts of things. See my last post on the list of things that my feet have got into. Plus I have resumed my painting sessions on Mondays......as if I have a lot of leisurely time. As we usually say "no time to even pang-sai"! Errr... actually that isn't quite true as my belly hasn't been well for awhile, I have been running to the loo pretty often.
S1
For some time now, I have been tutoring S1 every night (with some exceptions) to ensure that he is confident in his Mathematical concepts. End-of-Year test is in a few weeks time, plus there is a end of Key Stage 3 Standardised Testing. As he is keen to get to the top Maths set, he has been quite determined. No need to nag him to do those past year exam papers. And today, he came home with 3 sets of past exam papers..... He knew that he needed the practice and I am stingy with my printer ink so he got it all printed at school..... all out of his own initiative!
I have to say that I was impressed and a little bit proud. For years, I have been complaining about his tidak apa attitude. This new determination to excel is a great change. ... Err but of course he is still determined to have his weekend PS3 Game time!!!
S2
The ABRSM results came back. Our friend just narrowly passed! He was pretty disappointed with his results, of course. Told him that he should practise more diligently the next time. I kept reminding him that Grandma complained that he didn't even practise for 15 minutes, when he should have practised for at least an hour. Hopefully he has learnt his lesson and will not be too over-confident about his abilities. Next year then....
Private Tutoring
.... from zero student last week to three this week. Yesterday was my first fee-paying student. Don't know whether if I was boring or she was really indeed tired as she kept yawning and rubbing her eyes (she came straight from school and said she was up earlier than usual). Not sure if she will continue....although her mom wants her to. But teenagers being teenagers, cannot force them if they are not willing to. I mean I could be blabbering for 2 whole hours and if she is not concentrating, she will not be learning either. And tomorrow I will have 2 students in 2 different sessions - 1 in the morning and another just after lunch. Hopefully they will be awake.
TESOL Course
I am only at Unit 2 and there is still 18 units to go. Want to pengsan liow. Have to squeeze-in time to complete each unit. Took me about 3 hours to complete Unit 2 today. Prepositions, Conjuctions, Infinitives, Gerunds, Adjectives... Waliow! Cannot remember all liow....
In case anyone is interested, I am doing this with ITTT. Don't ask me if they are good cause I don't know....
Business Start-UP
Quite a number of challenges....that is keeping me up in the night thinking and worrying. I know it is rather silly to be worrying in the night when I can't actually solve anything. But what to do? I am a worrier. Been so stressed that pimples are coming out everywhere..... and I mean everywhere! Leave it to your imagination on where exactly pimples are coming out! Hahaha...
House-Hunting
Yup! We may have to move to another house. Why?
Because we have been living in this house for the last five years and things are all starting to wear and really tear. H just came in and told me to get someone over to fix all the toilet bowls... water flowing continuously. And a few days ago, water was leaking through the S1's ceiling and some of his books were soaked. Boy! Was he mad!
Plus we want to find somewhere cheaper and within a complex. At the moment, we are paying almost USD 700/mth for our security guards, and that is a lot of money. Especially when it is out of our own pockets. So...wish me luck to find a lovely and affordable home.
Okay lah.... gotta go. Gotta send out a work email.
Wednesday, May 04, 2011
I am absolutely Knackered!
You won't believe how much so....
Was rudely awakened up at 2.15 am by my own heart palpipations.
Yeah. GILA right?
I supposed was just a little worried about my S1.
Found out yesterday that his supposedly close friends have been calling him 'Chicken', and as a consequence he has been ignoring them and blocking it all out.
My initial question was of course ...whether if he had provoked them or whether if they had asked him to do something that he had refused hence the name-calling?
He said that he hasn't and doesn't know why.
He doesn't want me to get involved and says he will handle it himself. Of course, the mommy in me really wants to pounce out and protect my cubs!
Didn't managed to sleep till about 4.30 am.. and then woke up at 6.10 am as usual. Made Lor Pak Kou in the morning, then had a meeting with my "business partner"', and then met with a rep from one of the institutions.. came home. Was almost zonked out. But here I am still awake... trying to supervise the boys on their Mathematics revision/homework (and blogging at the same time).
Can't wait for my head to hit the pillow!
Was rudely awakened up at 2.15 am by my own heart palpipations.
Yeah. GILA right?
I supposed was just a little worried about my S1.
Found out yesterday that his supposedly close friends have been calling him 'Chicken', and as a consequence he has been ignoring them and blocking it all out.
My initial question was of course ...whether if he had provoked them or whether if they had asked him to do something that he had refused hence the name-calling?
He said that he hasn't and doesn't know why.
He doesn't want me to get involved and says he will handle it himself. Of course, the mommy in me really wants to pounce out and protect my cubs!
Didn't managed to sleep till about 4.30 am.. and then woke up at 6.10 am as usual. Made Lor Pak Kou in the morning, then had a meeting with my "business partner"', and then met with a rep from one of the institutions.. came home. Was almost zonked out. But here I am still awake... trying to supervise the boys on their Mathematics revision/homework (and blogging at the same time).
Can't wait for my head to hit the pillow!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
General Updates - 30 April 2011
Yeah. What a boring title for this post. But what to do?
Cannot think... plus this post will have a myriad of topics...
PJ Visit
Took boys back to PJ during the 2-week Easter Break. Arrived in KUL on MAS on Saturday afternoon (9th April). Normally, don't really take MAS but as we booked quite last minute, the price on MAS worked out better compared to both AirAsia and KLM.
As you know, I left the boys with my parents and flew-off to the States with H on Monday (11th April), only arriving back in KUL on Friday (22 April). Basically, did some last minute shopping, visited the dentist, checked my eyes at Vista and then flew off the next day with the boys. So no time to do anything else. Didn't meet up with anyone..... Perhaps next trip.
US Trip
This trip was basically a vacation for H. He was so busy working prior to the trip. Weeks in Europe and then conference calls till 9 - 10 pm. Many times, I had to bring his dinner into his 'conference room' (which is actually our downstairs TV room). And now, he has gone to Europe again. My mom always says that my husband takes the plane as if it is a bus.... He arrived home on Friday (US to Asia), and then left on Sunday for his work trip (Asia to Europe) - basically circumventing the globe.
I have to say that we did nothing except eat, sleep, shop. No rushing to places. No visiting of touristy sights etc. Only touristy thing we did was watch The Jersey Boys.
The whole trip, my DSLR did not see the light of day. No photos to scrapbook with
So what's the use of me buying more scrapbooking stuff??
H thinks it is so that I can compete with my girlfriend KL, on who has more stuff!!!
hahahha... eh. But she wins hands-down lah.
Go check out her stuff.....
Start of Term 3
Term 3 of school started on the 25th April, 2011. So basically, boys only had Sunday to chill out before going back to school.
This term, both S1 and I are going to work hard for the Year 9 Assessments. He needs to show that he can do well to get into the top set. I have droned on-and-on about the stupidity of his school in my older post. They have decided that they will not extend the Additional Mathematics class to the 2nd Set (which is where S2 is currently at). As my friend kept saying " The School is 'DUMBING DOWN'".
I can accept all the nonsense if this is a FREE Public School... but it is NOT.
So you can imagine how frustrating it is.
Starting a Business
Yes. I am going to do it. This time for REAL.
Have been talking about doing something for years, and it was all NATO.
No Action Talk Only ....
Lawyers have been engaged (and paid) to draw up papers.....
Will let you know more details later when things are firm-up.
Tutoring
Okay. This one still NATO.
Only action that I actually did was to purchase the relevant books, and studying... Maths, Physics and Chemistry. I have the leaflet (to advertise my tutoring services) prepared but yet to be printed out. Still need to amend some text.
I probably only want to have one or two students per week. Need some time for all my other pursuits (be it fun, work or mommy obligations).
Online Course
I have recently signed up on a TESOL online course, i.e. Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages. Errr... not that I really want to teach, I just want to get the Certificate. Why? Not sure why yet. Hahahhaha
Just did my first Unit yesterday, and have yet to receive feedback from my tutor.
There will be some kind of test (not sure how it is going to be done. Perhaps I have to go to a Center in town) at the end of the Course, in order to be certified.
By the way, did I mention that I actually went to take the IELTS test?
My score?
9.0 of course... Ahbahden??? hahahah
Okay lah... S2 is up. Need to ketuk him to complete some Math worksheets.
(What to do? All these ang-moh schools don't do enough.....don't give homework... don't challenge kids. Need to send them a copy of Amy Chua's book!!! )\
Cannot think... plus this post will have a myriad of topics...
PJ Visit
Took boys back to PJ during the 2-week Easter Break. Arrived in KUL on MAS on Saturday afternoon (9th April). Normally, don't really take MAS but as we booked quite last minute, the price on MAS worked out better compared to both AirAsia and KLM.
As you know, I left the boys with my parents and flew-off to the States with H on Monday (11th April), only arriving back in KUL on Friday (22 April). Basically, did some last minute shopping, visited the dentist, checked my eyes at Vista and then flew off the next day with the boys. So no time to do anything else. Didn't meet up with anyone..... Perhaps next trip.
US Trip
This trip was basically a vacation for H. He was so busy working prior to the trip. Weeks in Europe and then conference calls till 9 - 10 pm. Many times, I had to bring his dinner into his 'conference room' (which is actually our downstairs TV room). And now, he has gone to Europe again. My mom always says that my husband takes the plane as if it is a bus.... He arrived home on Friday (US to Asia), and then left on Sunday for his work trip (Asia to Europe) - basically circumventing the globe.
I have to say that we did nothing except eat, sleep, shop. No rushing to places. No visiting of touristy sights etc. Only touristy thing we did was watch The Jersey Boys.
The whole trip, my DSLR did not see the light of day. No photos to scrapbook with
So what's the use of me buying more scrapbooking stuff??
H thinks it is so that I can compete with my girlfriend KL, on who has more stuff!!!
hahahha... eh. But she wins hands-down lah.
Go check out her stuff.....
Start of Term 3
Term 3 of school started on the 25th April, 2011. So basically, boys only had Sunday to chill out before going back to school.
This term, both S1 and I are going to work hard for the Year 9 Assessments. He needs to show that he can do well to get into the top set. I have droned on-and-on about the stupidity of his school in my older post. They have decided that they will not extend the Additional Mathematics class to the 2nd Set (which is where S2 is currently at). As my friend kept saying " The School is 'DUMBING DOWN'".
I can accept all the nonsense if this is a FREE Public School... but it is NOT.
So you can imagine how frustrating it is.
Starting a Business
Yes. I am going to do it. This time for REAL.
Have been talking about doing something for years, and it was all NATO.
No Action Talk Only ....
Lawyers have been engaged (and paid) to draw up papers.....
Will let you know more details later when things are firm-up.
Tutoring
Okay. This one still NATO.
Only action that I actually did was to purchase the relevant books, and studying... Maths, Physics and Chemistry. I have the leaflet (to advertise my tutoring services) prepared but yet to be printed out. Still need to amend some text.
I probably only want to have one or two students per week. Need some time for all my other pursuits (be it fun, work or mommy obligations).
Online Course
I have recently signed up on a TESOL online course, i.e. Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages. Errr... not that I really want to teach, I just want to get the Certificate. Why? Not sure why yet. Hahahhaha
Just did my first Unit yesterday, and have yet to receive feedback from my tutor.
There will be some kind of test (not sure how it is going to be done. Perhaps I have to go to a Center in town) at the end of the Course, in order to be certified.
By the way, did I mention that I actually went to take the IELTS test?
My score?
9.0 of course... Ahbahden??? hahahah
Okay lah... S2 is up. Need to ketuk him to complete some Math worksheets.
(What to do? All these ang-moh schools don't do enough.....don't give homework... don't challenge kids. Need to send them a copy of Amy Chua's book!!! )\
Saturday, April 09, 2011
My Mind is Rev-ing Up...
Yes. Indeed. My mind has been rev-ing up in the last week..... after being dormant for the last five years. And I kid you not, it is not an easy task of re-starting an idle mind. At the end of the day, I am dead tired. Though I can doze off quite quickly, I find that I wake up before the alarm clock which is a NO-NO in my books! Even woke up at 4 am the other morning and couldnt' go back to bed. What do I do to try to compensate? Snooze in the car if the opportunity arises. Hope my driver didn't see my dripping saliva!! Hahhahaa
So what have I been up to?
Studying!
Hahahhaha....
But it is true. I have been brushing up on my Maths, Add Maths, Physics and Chemistry.... well at least to the iGCSE Levels for the time being.
Why?
Two Reasons:
1) My brain will go kaput if I don't do something.... So have decided to offer private tutoring to students in the boys' school once Term 3 starts. This will force me to 'work' the brain. '
2) S1 needs to work hard to get into the Additional Maths group, and also ...he takes in iGCSE in 2013. Seems distant but need to start condition him. (Hey! I will even make him complete a couple of Maths problems in the plane later...and he agreed!)
Actually, already decided before I went to Bali with my girlfriends a couple of weeks ago. There are also a few things that is in the pipeline.... partnering with a Malaysian and some local partners. Will update when it is MORE official.
Okay. Better go to see if there is any last-minute packing...
Boys' two week Easter Break starts today, and we are flying off to KUL this morning.
ADIOS!
So what have I been up to?
Studying!
Hahahhaha....
But it is true. I have been brushing up on my Maths, Add Maths, Physics and Chemistry.... well at least to the iGCSE Levels for the time being.
Why?
Two Reasons:
1) My brain will go kaput if I don't do something.... So have decided to offer private tutoring to students in the boys' school once Term 3 starts. This will force me to 'work' the brain. '
2) S1 needs to work hard to get into the Additional Maths group, and also ...he takes in iGCSE in 2013. Seems distant but need to start condition him. (Hey! I will even make him complete a couple of Maths problems in the plane later...and he agreed!)
Actually, already decided before I went to Bali with my girlfriends a couple of weeks ago. There are also a few things that is in the pipeline.... partnering with a Malaysian and some local partners. Will update when it is MORE official.
Okay. Better go to see if there is any last-minute packing...
Boys' two week Easter Break starts today, and we are flying off to KUL this morning.
ADIOS!
Friday, April 01, 2011
Our Malaysian Education System is not that bad...
First thing first. When I said that, I am basically referring to MY time in school. Waaaaa... that is over 20 years ago. Or perhaps I should say 25 years ago???
I do not know how it is TODAY so can't comment.
What compelled me to use that as my blog title?
Well, as you know.... I have been reading up on iGCSE Mathematics while lounging by the beach in Bali. The more I read, the more questions I have regarding the system at my boys' school, the more upset I got.
The school segregates the kids into 5 different Maths groups. Currently S1 is in the 2nd Group. All this while, S1 tells me that 1st Group will take their iGCSE in Year 10 instead of Year 11. Being the relaxed mom that I am, I certainly didn't feel the need to push him to be in the 1st Group - thinking they are all learning the same stuff, just difference in speed. I mean why wanna do the Exams a year earlier?
Anyway, I found out recently that the 1st Group will write the Cambridge Board and the rest all Edexcel. And not only that, they will get to take iGCSE Additional Maths in Year 11. My thoughts are why the difference in Examination Boards?? Why only the 1st Group take Additional Maths? Why is the school depriving the kids from learning MORE? And why split Mathematics and Additional Mathematics to be taken in two separate years? I remember taking BOTH papers the SAME year, and that wasn't a problem AT ALL.
What irks me is that in general, the examination boards, the school is lowering the bar and NOT pushing kids to do their best. I tell you... I have never seen my S1 do Maths homework. Only homework I see regularly is his Japanese Language... which even then takes only 20 or so minutes to complete. Mind you. My S1 is at the 'PMR level' this year (Year 9), and taking his iGCSE in 2 years time. When there are 'challenge questions', it is always an OPTION. So surely kids OPT NOT TO DO. How can? They (other kids) say the 1st Group is waaaaaaaaaay ahead than the 2nd Group. Well, from what I hear, almost ALL kids in the 1st Group does outside tuition. Compare this with my S1 who has no tuition, does no homework, and lazes in front of the TV every single day. Everytime I ask him about homework, he says he has completed them. (Once he answered me "Mom. Please trust me when I tell you that I've done my homework. There ought to be some trust between mother and son." I tell you. I was really flabbergasted. What could I say? When he is so right?), and his report is always on target. So I am a bit weary about their so-called reports. And don't you think if my son just does a weeeeee bit more... he would be as good as the 1st Group students? So he can do it. So why why not challenge him? And why close the doors at this early stage when higher level Mathematics will open some doors??
So what is mommy going to do??
I'm spoken to the Class Rep (her son is also in the 2nd Group and keen to do Additional Maths. She and hubby are Actuaries) and she has spoken to the Principal, and is arranging to meet with the Head of the Maths department etc to GET Additional Mathematics subject for the 2nd Group. (Everyone can't cram into the 1st Group. There is always a maximum, thus not enough slots.) We have had a new principal and he is determined to bring the academic standards UP, which is great news.
Meanwhile, I am going to write to S1's Math teacher to voice my concern etc etc... Will try to bug him to PUSH my S1 to the 1st Group. *sigh* I don't want to be the kiasu mom, but I don't want him to NOT do Additional Maths. I really don't mind him staying in 2nd or whatever group as long as the kids are accorded the same learning opportunities. Clearly this is NOT the case. Further discussion with more moms made me even more disappointed. I suppose I was ignorant about the schooling for a while. Thinking we were leaving the school last July, and need not bother. And now we are staying in Jakarta I have to plan to see what is best for my children's education.
Apparently, the school is discouraging kids from taking Higher Level Mathematics at IB telling them that it is hard. WTF? As a school or parent, we should not discourage our kids to NOT do something because it is hard. What are we teaching them? Take the easy way out ALL the time? My friends tell me that the school wants to have lots of As and if students take harder subjects, it might result in less As and more Bs or Cs. Aiyo. How can? My S1 says he wants to be a doctor (maybe too much HOUSE, perhaps?) and that would require HL Maths, HL Chemistry, HL Biology in a lot of universities. So I can't let him miss out on Additional Maths at this level. Otherwise, the jump from iGCSE Maths to IB HL Maths would be very great.
I was also disappointed to find out (though it does not concern me) that the 5th Group in the school is doing Foundation Level Mathematics instead of the Extended Level. This means that the maximum grade attainable is a C .... no matter how hard the kids slog. I feel that being a fee-paying school, they shouldn't even have this Level. I am sure a lot of the parents do NOT know this. Otherwise they would be doing all they can to move their child up the learning curve, be it by extra tutoring or whatever. It's like before they even try to study hard, you put a limit to a maximum of C. And from last year, expansion of brackets will be removed from the syllabus for this Foundation Level. This instantly brought to mind an email that circulated around...
If you recall-
The question was: Expand (x+2)(x+3)
The student did this: ( x.....+.......2 )( x .....+.......3 )
This will be what the 5th Group students be doing if given this question!!
And I went to my first trial tutoring session yesterday. Didn't really teach as she was waaaay ahead in her class already. She is in the 3rd Group, but she had some old books from 2 years back from her previous British school in Europe. And the work she has done in Year 7 then is not even touched-upon in her current Year 9 class. So you say lah. The standard of Mathematics in this school must be waaaaaaaay below normal. So what was the only outcome of the session?
Mom was pleased that she is now agreeable to move to a higher level group, i.e. 2nd Group; whereby she previously strongly opposed (so much so that she would shutdown and not do any work). Kids!
So will I get another session? I told her mom "No need". What's the point when she is already waaaaay ahead in her group. Perhaps only when she moves up to the next group, and has to play catch-up.
So back to my blog title.... Everybody in the Science stream does both Mathematics and Additional Mathematics. All sama-sama same same. No need to fight. Better kids get better grade. The not so good kids get lower grades. I still think a C in Additional Mathematics is better than NO grade in Additional Mathematics.
We cover more topics in more depth (eventhough my class then was like 40-over people)... maybe because we were FORCED to do practice sheets as homework???
And when I look at some PMR workbooks, the topic depth coverage is more than what my S1 is currently doing. *sigh* The sad thing is my school fees then were in the tens of Ringgit, and here... the school fees can make my nose bleed.... As the Cantonese saying goes "LAU PEI HUIT" especially when we have to pay our own school fees in August...
PENGSANZZZZZ
I do not know how it is TODAY so can't comment.
What compelled me to use that as my blog title?
Well, as you know.... I have been reading up on iGCSE Mathematics while lounging by the beach in Bali. The more I read, the more questions I have regarding the system at my boys' school, the more upset I got.
The school segregates the kids into 5 different Maths groups. Currently S1 is in the 2nd Group. All this while, S1 tells me that 1st Group will take their iGCSE in Year 10 instead of Year 11. Being the relaxed mom that I am, I certainly didn't feel the need to push him to be in the 1st Group - thinking they are all learning the same stuff, just difference in speed. I mean why wanna do the Exams a year earlier?
Anyway, I found out recently that the 1st Group will write the Cambridge Board and the rest all Edexcel. And not only that, they will get to take iGCSE Additional Maths in Year 11. My thoughts are why the difference in Examination Boards?? Why only the 1st Group take Additional Maths? Why is the school depriving the kids from learning MORE? And why split Mathematics and Additional Mathematics to be taken in two separate years? I remember taking BOTH papers the SAME year, and that wasn't a problem AT ALL.
What irks me is that in general, the examination boards, the school is lowering the bar and NOT pushing kids to do their best. I tell you... I have never seen my S1 do Maths homework. Only homework I see regularly is his Japanese Language... which even then takes only 20 or so minutes to complete. Mind you. My S1 is at the 'PMR level' this year (Year 9), and taking his iGCSE in 2 years time. When there are 'challenge questions', it is always an OPTION. So surely kids OPT NOT TO DO. How can? They (other kids) say the 1st Group is waaaaaaaaaay ahead than the 2nd Group. Well, from what I hear, almost ALL kids in the 1st Group does outside tuition. Compare this with my S1 who has no tuition, does no homework, and lazes in front of the TV every single day. Everytime I ask him about homework, he says he has completed them. (Once he answered me "Mom. Please trust me when I tell you that I've done my homework. There ought to be some trust between mother and son." I tell you. I was really flabbergasted. What could I say? When he is so right?), and his report is always on target. So I am a bit weary about their so-called reports. And don't you think if my son just does a weeeeee bit more... he would be as good as the 1st Group students? So he can do it. So why why not challenge him? And why close the doors at this early stage when higher level Mathematics will open some doors??
So what is mommy going to do??
I'm spoken to the Class Rep (her son is also in the 2nd Group and keen to do Additional Maths. She and hubby are Actuaries) and she has spoken to the Principal, and is arranging to meet with the Head of the Maths department etc to GET Additional Mathematics subject for the 2nd Group. (Everyone can't cram into the 1st Group. There is always a maximum, thus not enough slots.) We have had a new principal and he is determined to bring the academic standards UP, which is great news.
Meanwhile, I am going to write to S1's Math teacher to voice my concern etc etc... Will try to bug him to PUSH my S1 to the 1st Group. *sigh* I don't want to be the kiasu mom, but I don't want him to NOT do Additional Maths. I really don't mind him staying in 2nd or whatever group as long as the kids are accorded the same learning opportunities. Clearly this is NOT the case. Further discussion with more moms made me even more disappointed. I suppose I was ignorant about the schooling for a while. Thinking we were leaving the school last July, and need not bother. And now we are staying in Jakarta I have to plan to see what is best for my children's education.
Apparently, the school is discouraging kids from taking Higher Level Mathematics at IB telling them that it is hard. WTF? As a school or parent, we should not discourage our kids to NOT do something because it is hard. What are we teaching them? Take the easy way out ALL the time? My friends tell me that the school wants to have lots of As and if students take harder subjects, it might result in less As and more Bs or Cs. Aiyo. How can? My S1 says he wants to be a doctor (maybe too much HOUSE, perhaps?) and that would require HL Maths, HL Chemistry, HL Biology in a lot of universities. So I can't let him miss out on Additional Maths at this level. Otherwise, the jump from iGCSE Maths to IB HL Maths would be very great.
I was also disappointed to find out (though it does not concern me) that the 5th Group in the school is doing Foundation Level Mathematics instead of the Extended Level. This means that the maximum grade attainable is a C .... no matter how hard the kids slog. I feel that being a fee-paying school, they shouldn't even have this Level. I am sure a lot of the parents do NOT know this. Otherwise they would be doing all they can to move their child up the learning curve, be it by extra tutoring or whatever. It's like before they even try to study hard, you put a limit to a maximum of C. And from last year, expansion of brackets will be removed from the syllabus for this Foundation Level. This instantly brought to mind an email that circulated around...
If you recall-
The question was: Expand (x+2)(x+3)
The student did this: ( x.....+.......2 )( x .....+.......3 )
This will be what the 5th Group students be doing if given this question!!
And I went to my first trial tutoring session yesterday. Didn't really teach as she was waaaay ahead in her class already. She is in the 3rd Group, but she had some old books from 2 years back from her previous British school in Europe. And the work she has done in Year 7 then is not even touched-upon in her current Year 9 class. So you say lah. The standard of Mathematics in this school must be waaaaaaaay below normal. So what was the only outcome of the session?
Mom was pleased that she is now agreeable to move to a higher level group, i.e. 2nd Group; whereby she previously strongly opposed (so much so that she would shutdown and not do any work). Kids!
So will I get another session? I told her mom "No need". What's the point when she is already waaaaay ahead in her group. Perhaps only when she moves up to the next group, and has to play catch-up.
So back to my blog title.... Everybody in the Science stream does both Mathematics and Additional Mathematics. All sama-sama same same. No need to fight. Better kids get better grade. The not so good kids get lower grades. I still think a C in Additional Mathematics is better than NO grade in Additional Mathematics.
We cover more topics in more depth (eventhough my class then was like 40-over people)... maybe because we were FORCED to do practice sheets as homework???
And when I look at some PMR workbooks, the topic depth coverage is more than what my S1 is currently doing. *sigh* The sad thing is my school fees then were in the tens of Ringgit, and here... the school fees can make my nose bleed.... As the Cantonese saying goes "LAU PEI HUIT" especially when we have to pay our own school fees in August...
PENGSANZZZZZ
Monday, March 21, 2011
Singapore, Warsaw, Helsinki and ???
This should be a continuation from here.
If you have been following my blog, you would have known that my life has been a roller-coaster ride since the beginning of 2010.
Started off with us wanting to move to Singapore in July 2010. With me visiting the International Schools in Singapore in April 2010. There were nights whereby I worry about the various education systems (British, Singapore, IB etc etc), the high cost of living (housing, etc etc), and the worry was kinda 'useless' as we ended up staying till end-2010.
Then came end-2010, H's boss wanted us to move to Warsaw, Poland. But as mentioned here, H kept trying to sway his boss to offer him Singapore but that backfired, and Helsinki was in. I spent sooooo many hours worrying, being stressed, surfing the net to check out the houses etc etc. I was to go for a look-see at Helsinki, and we were to move in July 2011 once boys finishes their school.
And whilst I was there, Helsinki was taken off the table. Found out two days before I was due to leave the country. I had actually planned to visit the Malaysian Embassy on Thursday, and the School on Friday. So with this sudden change, I cancelled the appointments and ended up jalan-jalan in the city.
So where was offered?????
Huntingon, UK or Dallas, Texas
As the cost of living is so high compared to the US, Dallas was sorta selected.
So for the week I was back in Jakarta, I was surfing the net for housing and schools etc etc.
Thank you, bp for giving me the site for schools.
Again, spent hours researching and decided that if we do move to Dallas, I want to live in Coppell District. Why?
The school district is highly rated, and ALL the high schools are rated 10 (out of 10) in the Texas State Exams. Median Household income is over USD 110 K, Median House prices is USD 248 K, and most schools have a 15-20% of Asian students. The number of 'economically challenged' student is low at about 3%. Some schools have a high percentage like 75%. I don't mean to be mean or snooty, but these numbers are important as I don't want my kids to be robbed of their iTouch or Nike shoes. The higher number of Asians would also mean that there would be a bit of kiasu-ism in the academics, thus the higher ratings in the Exams!! (Some schools are like 80 % Hispanics and Blacks. No. Not racist. Just think my kids need some friends of the same colour as them)
What's more? I saw a reaaaaaaaally nice 3500 sq ft house with terrace and pool at USD 375 K. Malaysia or Singapore where can get? I was ready to pack my bags liow...
But But... would H be happy to do this job for long????
What about his 'venture' and 'plans' here?
We had so much uncertainties that we were arguing quite a bit since he came back from Helsinki... but somehow, when we were discussing last Friday, there were no arguments. I was pretty calm and even told him to go ahead... and.....
...
...
...
...
...
...
QUIT.
If you have been following my blog, you would have known that my life has been a roller-coaster ride since the beginning of 2010.
Started off with us wanting to move to Singapore in July 2010. With me visiting the International Schools in Singapore in April 2010. There were nights whereby I worry about the various education systems (British, Singapore, IB etc etc), the high cost of living (housing, etc etc), and the worry was kinda 'useless' as we ended up staying till end-2010.
Then came end-2010, H's boss wanted us to move to Warsaw, Poland. But as mentioned here, H kept trying to sway his boss to offer him Singapore but that backfired, and Helsinki was in. I spent sooooo many hours worrying, being stressed, surfing the net to check out the houses etc etc. I was to go for a look-see at Helsinki, and we were to move in July 2011 once boys finishes their school.
And whilst I was there, Helsinki was taken off the table. Found out two days before I was due to leave the country. I had actually planned to visit the Malaysian Embassy on Thursday, and the School on Friday. So with this sudden change, I cancelled the appointments and ended up jalan-jalan in the city.
So where was offered?????
Huntingon, UK or Dallas, Texas
As the cost of living is so high compared to the US, Dallas was sorta selected.
So for the week I was back in Jakarta, I was surfing the net for housing and schools etc etc.
Thank you, bp for giving me the site for schools.
Again, spent hours researching and decided that if we do move to Dallas, I want to live in Coppell District. Why?
The school district is highly rated, and ALL the high schools are rated 10 (out of 10) in the Texas State Exams. Median Household income is over USD 110 K, Median House prices is USD 248 K, and most schools have a 15-20% of Asian students. The number of 'economically challenged' student is low at about 3%. Some schools have a high percentage like 75%. I don't mean to be mean or snooty, but these numbers are important as I don't want my kids to be robbed of their iTouch or Nike shoes. The higher number of Asians would also mean that there would be a bit of kiasu-ism in the academics, thus the higher ratings in the Exams!! (Some schools are like 80 % Hispanics and Blacks. No. Not racist. Just think my kids need some friends of the same colour as them)
What's more? I saw a reaaaaaaaally nice 3500 sq ft house with terrace and pool at USD 375 K. Malaysia or Singapore where can get? I was ready to pack my bags liow...
But But... would H be happy to do this job for long????
What about his 'venture' and 'plans' here?
We had so much uncertainties that we were arguing quite a bit since he came back from Helsinki... but somehow, when we were discussing last Friday, there were no arguments. I was pretty calm and even told him to go ahead... and.....
...
...
...
...
...
...
QUIT.
S2's ABRSM Exam was THIS Morning!
Finally. Done.
Had been grilling this boy to Practise. Practise. Practise.
There was some frustrations, tantrums, some anger and even some tears...
Even at yesterday night's practice, our friend was still making mistakes.
Anyway, it took place at 8.59 AM this morning and he said he was at the music department to do some last minute practice and to get some tips from his music teacher. The Examiner was English, as usual.
When I picked him up this afternoon and asked him how it was, he said it was GOOD and then added with his typical "SKIIIILLLLLL" (skill) remark. He said "perhaps can get a merit" and then a couple of minutes later said "if I fail, I will shave my head!" Hahahhaa
Well, this Mommy is certainly happy that this is out of the way .... phew....
The next thing is to wait for the results.
Had been grilling this boy to Practise. Practise. Practise.
There was some frustrations, tantrums, some anger and even some tears...
Even at yesterday night's practice, our friend was still making mistakes.
Anyway, it took place at 8.59 AM this morning and he said he was at the music department to do some last minute practice and to get some tips from his music teacher. The Examiner was English, as usual.
When I picked him up this afternoon and asked him how it was, he said it was GOOD and then added with his typical "SKIIIILLLLLL" (skill) remark. He said "perhaps can get a merit" and then a couple of minutes later said "if I fail, I will shave my head!" Hahahhaa
Well, this Mommy is certainly happy that this is out of the way .... phew....
The next thing is to wait for the results.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Day & Nite - All Mixed Up!
Yup! My body clock is all sc$&wed up! It's half-past midnight Jakarta time and I am still wide awake. Probably so because I woke up at 12.20 PM. I arrived into town on Saturday (5 March) and went to bed at a decent time of 10.30 pm. Next morning, was okay..no problem. Did have few episodes whereby I woke up in the middle of the night. Yesterday night, woke up at midnight and was wide-eyed till about 2.30 AM. And the whole time I was awake, I was contemplating if I should get up and blog. Hahaha...which I didn't la. Tried to get back to sleep but S2's flute music kept popping into my head and I was mentally humming those songs!
How come?
Well, S2 will be taking his ABRSM exam and since coming home, I had been grilling him to practise his flute. Mom said that he had only practise about 15 minutes everyday whilst I was away. How can?? Thus the grilling...but still only about an hour each day. Certainly a far cry from Amy Chua's 3 - 6 hour sessions! A bit susah with the flute as the little fellow (little indeed. My 11-year old is 29.5 kg only!!!) runs out of breath so can't force him to play beyond the one-hour. Really crucial to practise practise practise. The exam is in less than two weeks! And summore jump to Grade 2, bypassing Grade 1.
So until the exam is over, I will be mentally humming the music pieces!
Btw, mom (boys' grandma) left on Tuesday, 8 March on the morning flight. Hope she wasn't bored out of her wits here in Jakarta.
Thanks, mom for helping out with the boys!
How come?
Well, S2 will be taking his ABRSM exam and since coming home, I had been grilling him to practise his flute. Mom said that he had only practise about 15 minutes everyday whilst I was away. How can?? Thus the grilling...but still only about an hour each day. Certainly a far cry from Amy Chua's 3 - 6 hour sessions! A bit susah with the flute as the little fellow (little indeed. My 11-year old is 29.5 kg only!!!) runs out of breath so can't force him to play beyond the one-hour. Really crucial to practise practise practise. The exam is in less than two weeks! And summore jump to Grade 2, bypassing Grade 1.
So until the exam is over, I will be mentally humming the music pieces!
Btw, mom (boys' grandma) left on Tuesday, 8 March on the morning flight. Hope she wasn't bored out of her wits here in Jakarta.
Thanks, mom for helping out with the boys!
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