I have been so stressed about everything lately - the house, the business start-up, the TESOL course, the kids etc etc that my body has just gone totally whacko on me. My sleeping pattern is totally non-existent and my face is filled with acne.
It's true. Stress = Acne!
So how do I get rid of the acne? It's not that my face is overly oily. In fact, I think my constant application of acne cream has over-dried certain parts to the extent there is scarring now. Sigh...
I'm told that I need to have to balance between cleansing and moisturizing. So what is the best skin care products that will help me rid of my stress acne?
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Really. Should I go for a House or an Apartment?
Actually.... Apartments are generally MORE expensive than houses here.
And if they are in sought-after buildings/areas, the rental price of a two-bedroom apartment can be Much Much MORE than my 4 Bedroom + Study + 2 Maid's Room House with Swimming Pool. You would then say that the logical thing to do is to get a house then. Right?
But the problem with living in houses is the security. Not that it is unsafe but having security gives one a peace of mind. My house is a single house and we engage our own security guards.... Not that these guards can FIGHT or anything, but they act as a deterrent. Well, this peace of mind cost a whopping USD 700 per month. So in order to cut our overall expenditure, we need to either move to a cheaper house and have these security guards, OR move to a house within a complex which has it's own 24-hour security.
Normally, we wouldn't consider moving to an apartment (higher rents than houses. Remember?) but my business partner has offered to rent their apartment to us at a very reasonable rate and payment terms. One CRAZY thing about this country is that landlords demand the lease to be at least one to two years duration, and with that, the RENTAL amount for the WHOLE duration. Which means, if your property's rent is USD 2000 per month and you are renting for a year, you need to fork out USD 24,000 UPFRONT!
Anyway, my business partner told us that we can pay on a monthly basis....which is a great help.
Why the sudden change?
Because we WANT to stay back in Jakarta, we have to localise, i.e. our benefits are cut back. We still get housing allowance and schooling. Previously, the company pays direct to the landlords, school, car leasing company etc. But with the change, these will be paid to us in a lump sum basis. So obviously, we want to minimise as much as we can.
Back to the apartment.... Usually, apartments are really small. But this unit is over 3000 sq ft. Boys will still be able to have their own rooms, there is a separate family room, wet and dry kitchens and a maid's room. We can save on security and gym memberships. It's convenient (big supermarket next door, a nice mall about 10 minutes walk away).
So what's the problem
If you know me... you know that I am a sucker for drying out my clothes in the sun. How to do this if we live in an apartment? Use tumble dryer all the time? I can't lah
Also, I am a little apprehensive to rent from friends.... cause if something is not right, I don't feel too right to complain or demand for things to be done. Plus, we are business partners, and our sons are currently the best of pals. What is something turns sour? Will we be shoo-ed off? Or am I being paranoid
The other reason is that the apartment is slightly further from the school. I am told the journey in the morning might be an extra 15 minutes. I supposed this is okay
I don't know lah. Summore the houses that I have seen around my area aren't that appealing.
The ones I like, H doesn't like. For example, a really nice huge single storey bangalow with 3 very large bedrooms and a nice big garden and swimming pool within a 4-house complex. It was within our budget, but H thinks it is too old. :-P
The ones he like, I don't like. And there was this small house - 3 bedrooms + 1 study. New minimalist style with a small swimming pool in the backyard. It looks nice BUT I didn't like the idea that there is no access to the pool other than RIGHT through the house. I don't like the pool maintenance guy to come through my house lah! H couldn't understand what was the big deal!!! Bleah
So how
Dilemma. Dilemma.
And if they are in sought-after buildings/areas, the rental price of a two-bedroom apartment can be Much Much MORE than my 4 Bedroom + Study + 2 Maid's Room House with Swimming Pool. You would then say that the logical thing to do is to get a house then. Right?
But the problem with living in houses is the security. Not that it is unsafe but having security gives one a peace of mind. My house is a single house and we engage our own security guards.... Not that these guards can FIGHT or anything, but they act as a deterrent. Well, this peace of mind cost a whopping USD 700 per month. So in order to cut our overall expenditure, we need to either move to a cheaper house and have these security guards, OR move to a house within a complex which has it's own 24-hour security.
Normally, we wouldn't consider moving to an apartment (higher rents than houses. Remember?) but my business partner has offered to rent their apartment to us at a very reasonable rate and payment terms. One CRAZY thing about this country is that landlords demand the lease to be at least one to two years duration, and with that, the RENTAL amount for the WHOLE duration. Which means, if your property's rent is USD 2000 per month and you are renting for a year, you need to fork out USD 24,000 UPFRONT!
Anyway, my business partner told us that we can pay on a monthly basis....which is a great help.
Why the sudden change?
Because we WANT to stay back in Jakarta, we have to localise, i.e. our benefits are cut back. We still get housing allowance and schooling. Previously, the company pays direct to the landlords, school, car leasing company etc. But with the change, these will be paid to us in a lump sum basis. So obviously, we want to minimise as much as we can.
Back to the apartment.... Usually, apartments are really small. But this unit is over 3000 sq ft. Boys will still be able to have their own rooms, there is a separate family room, wet and dry kitchens and a maid's room. We can save on security and gym memberships. It's convenient (big supermarket next door, a nice mall about 10 minutes walk away).
So what's the problem
If you know me... you know that I am a sucker for drying out my clothes in the sun. How to do this if we live in an apartment? Use tumble dryer all the time? I can't lah
Also, I am a little apprehensive to rent from friends.... cause if something is not right, I don't feel too right to complain or demand for things to be done. Plus, we are business partners, and our sons are currently the best of pals. What is something turns sour? Will we be shoo-ed off? Or am I being paranoid
The other reason is that the apartment is slightly further from the school. I am told the journey in the morning might be an extra 15 minutes. I supposed this is okay
I don't know lah. Summore the houses that I have seen around my area aren't that appealing.
The ones I like, H doesn't like. For example, a really nice huge single storey bangalow with 3 very large bedrooms and a nice big garden and swimming pool within a 4-house complex. It was within our budget, but H thinks it is too old. :-P
The ones he like, I don't like. And there was this small house - 3 bedrooms + 1 study. New minimalist style with a small swimming pool in the backyard. It looks nice BUT I didn't like the idea that there is no access to the pool other than RIGHT through the house. I don't like the pool maintenance guy to come through my house lah! H couldn't understand what was the big deal!!! Bleah
So how
Dilemma. Dilemma.
House or Apartment?
As you all know, I am in the midst of looking for a new home.
Naturally, there is the dilemma of choosing either a house or an apartment?
There are pros and cons for both options.
I personally prefer a house, but a house would generally have more costs associated with it, and perhaps more problems too. At the top of my head, I know security is going to be costly. And and if the house has a swimming pool and a big lawn, there would be maintenance costs associated to pool-cleaning and lawn upkeep. I don't know how to clean a pool, but I sure can upkeep a lawn if I have one of those toro zero turn lawn mowers. So what say you? Go for a house or an apartment?
Naturally, there is the dilemma of choosing either a house or an apartment?
There are pros and cons for both options.
I personally prefer a house, but a house would generally have more costs associated with it, and perhaps more problems too. At the top of my head, I know security is going to be costly. And and if the house has a swimming pool and a big lawn, there would be maintenance costs associated to pool-cleaning and lawn upkeep. I don't know how to clean a pool, but I sure can upkeep a lawn if I have one of those toro zero turn lawn mowers. So what say you? Go for a house or an apartment?
Printing Costs
Although I have a printer at home, I loaded up my USB drive with document files and opted to have them printed at a professional printing shop. Why?
For cost-savings, of course!
Do you know how much my printer cartridge costs? Just the black-and-white one is about USD 17 and will only print about 200 pages. And want to know how much it cost me to print 1000 pages and to have them all bound as well? It is so cheap that if i tell you, you will probably fall off your chair! USD 40! See the cost-savings? Should I need to do any color printing, I definitely will have it outsourced! Easier and cheaper!
For cost-savings, of course!
Do you know how much my printer cartridge costs? Just the black-and-white one is about USD 17 and will only print about 200 pages. And want to know how much it cost me to print 1000 pages and to have them all bound as well? It is so cheap that if i tell you, you will probably fall off your chair! USD 40! See the cost-savings? Should I need to do any color printing, I definitely will have it outsourced! Easier and cheaper!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
They need an Upgrade
Don't you hate it? I am sure everyone has experienced this before.... going to the supermarket and there is a problem with the barcode scanner. The cashier would be attempting to scan the item umpteen times, or when the scanned item reports a wrong pricing. This greatly frustrates me. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love shopping. Yes. Even if it is just grocery shopping. But when a BIG name supermarket uses sub-standard POS systems, I just get so cheesed off and wonder why they can't just upgrade to a more efficient system. Do you agree with me?
Family T-Shirts
Whenever we go on a family vacation, I will somehow get paranoid that my S2 will wander off on his own and get lost. I know he is already 11 years old, but that doesn't stop me from worrying. I actually told H that I wanted to get Personal Creations Tshirts for all of four of us .... All the T-shirts will have the same colour and have a distinctive look that is uniquely for our family. And if any one of us gets lost, we can report "so and so is wearing exactly like me"! Good idea?
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.
What kind of jobs?
What kind of jobs will always be in demand?
In my opinion, I would say healthcare jobs - doctors, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, lab technicians, and the list goes on. Afterall, one does not choose whether to fall ill or not. And people do fall ill in both good economic times as well as bad.... although I have heard of the phrase "too poor to fall ill"! Aside from illnesses, there are medical emergencies that arise from accidents and disasters - which definitely one does not choose to be befallen!
In my opinion, I would say healthcare jobs - doctors, nurses, paramedics, pharmacists, lab technicians, and the list goes on. Afterall, one does not choose whether to fall ill or not. And people do fall ill in both good economic times as well as bad.... although I have heard of the phrase "too poor to fall ill"! Aside from illnesses, there are medical emergencies that arise from accidents and disasters - which definitely one does not choose to be befallen!
Friday, May 06, 2011
What happens?
I wonder. I wonder what happens to one who is injured and finds himself no longer able to work.
What if he has no proper insurances and no able family members to support him?
What happens then?
Where can he turn to?
Some governmental-run social bodies? Charities?
Is there some kind of a disability appeal?
I would be interested to know where one can seek help if such a calamity has happened.
Please do share your information.
What if he has no proper insurances and no able family members to support him?
What happens then?
Where can he turn to?
Some governmental-run social bodies? Charities?
Is there some kind of a disability appeal?
I would be interested to know where one can seek help if such a calamity has happened.
Please do share your information.
We are HOUSE fans
Almost everyone in the family... Except for S2. The hubs, S1 and I are all HOUSE fans. I try to get up on all the episodes whenever I have some downtime. The last episode that I watched was when Cuddy broke up with him AGAIN and he had been back on Vicodin. Why can't House just clean himself up GOOD? He really needs to find a mighty effective place for hydrocodone vicodin addiction detox. Maybe someone should tell him to go to Malibu Horizons. Might be good For House to get some real Californian sun whilst undergoing the detox program!
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!
Myriad of Activities
A fellow mom from S2's class was lamenting about the myriad activities her kids are taking up. Or should I say the fickle-mindedness of her kids. There was the Tae-kwondo phase, then the horse-riding phase, then the Kendo phase etc etc. She said she wouldn't be complaining so much if it weren't for the amount of money spent on buying all the equestrian riding apparel , the Tae-Kwondo or Kendo attire. She had accumulated so much stuff over the years and wanted to put those items for sale. But when she looked at the little and cute tiny sizes, she just couldn't part with them. Talk about hoarders... she sure is becoming one.
Challenging but Exciting
Don't know if you have heard.... but I am finally doing it.
For years, I've been talking about this but not acting about it.
As people say... NATO (No Action, Talk Only)!
Do what?
Start-up a business.
What business?
Can I not divulge until paperwork is in place?
Basically, we have big dreams for this start-up....perhaps even to the point that we can provide franchise opportunities to interested parties.
One step at a time.
For years, I've been talking about this but not acting about it.
As people say... NATO (No Action, Talk Only)!
Do what?
Start-up a business.
What business?
Can I not divulge until paperwork is in place?
Basically, we have big dreams for this start-up....perhaps even to the point that we can provide franchise opportunities to interested parties.
One step at a time.
Need to De-Stress
I have been quite stressed the last few days... boys, the business start-up, my online course amongst other things. The worst is that H is not around for me to moan to, nor to give me a comforting hug. Where is he? Still in Europe... I am so stressed that perhaps I should get him to buy gurkha cigars from the duty free shops on his way back. Do you think this will help me de-stress? Afterall, H smokes when he is overly stressed....
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!!! )\
Malibu Beach House....
When we took the boys to Malibu beach last December, somehow the topic of owning a beach house in Malibu came up. And my boys actually said that they would buy us one in Malibu! So sweet of them!
I don't know about Malibu beach houses, but I did check up on the house prices on Manhattan Beach, which is located just south of LAX. Still pricey but I am sure we can afford a tiny-weeny holiday apartment to squeeze both H and I in when we retire..... And you know what I always wanted?
Shutters.
Yup. I just love shutters on the windows. So if we do buy a little place by the beach, I will install custom plantation shutters on my windows. And for a beachside home, it will have to be WHITE!
We have dreams of owning a chalet up on the Swiss Alps too... and of course, shutters on my windows too... As for the colours, .... perhaps BLUE....or GREEN.... with a pretty flower boxes ...
Dreaming......Dreaming......
I don't know about Malibu beach houses, but I did check up on the house prices on Manhattan Beach, which is located just south of LAX. Still pricey but I am sure we can afford a tiny-weeny holiday apartment to squeeze both H and I in when we retire..... And you know what I always wanted?
Shutters.
Yup. I just love shutters on the windows. So if we do buy a little place by the beach, I will install custom plantation shutters on my windows. And for a beachside home, it will have to be WHITE!
We have dreams of owning a chalet up on the Swiss Alps too... and of course, shutters on my windows too... As for the colours, .... perhaps BLUE....or GREEN.... with a pretty flower boxes ...
Dreaming......Dreaming......
Father's Day Pressies...
Did I mention that my H is away in Europe again?
For work, of course.
He's been pretty busy with his work.... even when he is home, he would be on conference calls till 9 pm. At times, he had to skip dinner as the calls were made with colleagues stationed on the other side of the globe. With all that he does to provide for this family, I wonder what we can get him to show our appreciation this Father's Day. Know any father presents that would appeal to my H? Something that will make his day unforgettable?
For work, of course.
He's been pretty busy with his work.... even when he is home, he would be on conference calls till 9 pm. At times, he had to skip dinner as the calls were made with colleagues stationed on the other side of the globe. With all that he does to provide for this family, I wonder what we can get him to show our appreciation this Father's Day. Know any father presents that would appeal to my H? Something that will make his day unforgettable?
Did you watch THE ROYAL WEDDING?
I almost missed it!
Well, I never ever turn on the cable tv as I seldom watch TV on my own accord. So when I turned on the TV at 2 pm (local time. Wedding at Westminster at 5 pm local time, but there was already live coverage), the stupid scream display read "SmartCard is Expired"!
Wah! Boy! Was I mad! I immediately called the Cable company and complained!!!
Luckily they managed to fixed it. Otherwise?????
Did anyone go "Awwww...." when they saw Diana's little boy all grown-up? ...with a wee bit of tears?
I have to say that I did.
She would have been sooooooooooooo proud and happy.
Errr... except she probably would wonder "Why does he have to have his father's hair??Why? Why? " or rather the lack of it!
ADOI is the word, indeed!
And you know what was the other thing that caught my eye? Besides the ugly hats and dresses worn by The Duke of York's two daughters? Really fashion faux-pas!!!
Well, I never ever turn on the cable tv as I seldom watch TV on my own accord. So when I turned on the TV at 2 pm (local time. Wedding at Westminster at 5 pm local time, but there was already live coverage), the stupid scream display read "SmartCard is Expired"!
Wah! Boy! Was I mad! I immediately called the Cable company and complained!!!
Luckily they managed to fixed it. Otherwise?????
Did anyone go "Awwww...." when they saw Diana's little boy all grown-up? ...with a wee bit of tears?
I have to say that I did.
She would have been sooooooooooooo proud and happy.
Errr... except she probably would wonder "Why does he have to have his father's hair??Why? Why? " or rather the lack of it!
Anyway, here is The KISS......
I too, want a KISS! But as H is thousands of miles away working in Helsinki, I had to resort to a kiss from someone else.
Who did I call upon?
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
My S2. Of course!
He gave me a big smacker! Hahahhaah
And with all wedding commemorative items, you will get some tasteful ones and some ghastly ones. Check out this Wills and Kate PEZ Dispenser!!
ADOI is the word, indeed! And you know what was the other thing that caught my eye? Besides the ugly hats and dresses worn by The Duke of York's two daughters? Really fashion faux-pas!!!
So who caught my eye???
.
.
.
.
.
David Beckham!
I was never a fan, and he never really appealed to me.
BUT. I thought he looked pretty dashing at the Royal Wedding...
He certainly looks good here...
It's something to do with age? Like Richard Gere? I think he looks damn good too!
Okay. Gonna go droooooool now. Hahahhaha
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Leaving the City of Angels...
It has come to the end of our trip. Time does fly real quick. And in about an hour and a half, we will depart from LAX.
Didn't do much here either... Other than SHOP SHOP SHOP!!
I tell you ah...America is one big big big shopping mall. Laundryamah will go crazy when she cones later this year for her Laundry convention!!!
We went to the Caramillo Premium Outlets on Monday (The same company is opening up in Johor in November 2011!) and Banana Republic had shirts going for 13 dollars! Some dresses for 20 dollars!! Timberland shoes from 30 dollars!! And when we were at Beverly Center yesterday (Tuesday), I saw a pair of Banana Republic trousers at the retail shop at 8.97! And it's another 40% off! 5 dollars for Banana Republic trousers??? Where can find such deals in Asia???
And scrapbooking stuff... Said I wasn't gonna buy anything but of course I did. But not that much la..just 3 DCWV stacks, some Stickles, and punches. So basically, this was a shopping trip ...YIKES! As if I dont have enough things to pack when I move house!!
Errrr GILA us also bought hand soap from Bath and Body Works, plus shower gels and lotions. Not forgetting the vitamins for the boys...
And a Kate Spade handbag for MIL's birthday....and one for moi.....
Really cannot shop anymore... I supposed we did the right thing when we turned down the job in Dallas, otherwise ALL we do will be Shopping! haha....
Okay lah... Later
Didn't do much here either... Other than SHOP SHOP SHOP!!
I tell you ah...America is one big big big shopping mall. Laundryamah will go crazy when she cones later this year for her Laundry convention!!!
We went to the Caramillo Premium Outlets on Monday (The same company is opening up in Johor in November 2011!) and Banana Republic had shirts going for 13 dollars! Some dresses for 20 dollars!! Timberland shoes from 30 dollars!! And when we were at Beverly Center yesterday (Tuesday), I saw a pair of Banana Republic trousers at the retail shop at 8.97! And it's another 40% off! 5 dollars for Banana Republic trousers??? Where can find such deals in Asia???
And scrapbooking stuff... Said I wasn't gonna buy anything but of course I did. But not that much la..just 3 DCWV stacks, some Stickles, and punches. So basically, this was a shopping trip ...YIKES! As if I dont have enough things to pack when I move house!!
Errrr GILA us also bought hand soap from Bath and Body Works, plus shower gels and lotions. Not forgetting the vitamins for the boys...
And a Kate Spade handbag for MIL's birthday....and one for moi.....
Really cannot shop anymore... I supposed we did the right thing when we turned down the job in Dallas, otherwise ALL we do will be Shopping! haha....
Okay lah... Later
Monday, April 18, 2011
Utter Laziness in the Big Apple...
.... We have been here for four nights and all we have done is eat and sleep. Actually more of sleeping than anything else. I supposed that's what a holiday is all about. Utter relaxation and laziness!
Since I have already done most of the must-do touristy stuff the last two trips, I didn't feel the need to pester H to go on any sightseeing tours. Initially, our plan was to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art yesterday (Saturday, 16th April) as H wanted to show me the REAL Assyrian Lion. As I am not exactly a keen museum visitor, I told H that I would probably say MY Assyrian Lion looks better (go to artbynomadicmom.blogspot.com to have a look of MY Assyrian Lion) so ended up not going and stayed back in the hotel to zzzz. Basically, we shopped and ate in the morning/ early afternoons and then head back to the hotel by late afternoon.
Where did we stay?
The Hudson at Central Park South. Only one block from Columbus Circle Subway Station..very good location, I must say!! Well, I didn't pick this hotel, of course. As usual, it's good ole Priceline's Name Your Own Price that selected the hotel. Got it for USD 155 plus tax per night. The cheapest rate I could find online for our dates (if the hotel name is known) was USD 220 plus tax. So we sorta saved USD 65 per night. How was the hotel? Errr...rooms as usual was tiny but at least bigger than The Paramount, which we stayed-in for New Year's 2010. But the bed was very very noisy. So cannot be too notti. Hahaha... Hotel had lots of bad reviews but overall I thought it is kinda okay. Philip Stark designed rooms, and the dark lobby was kinda cool.
What did we eat?
Think the best meal was at Eataly on 23rd and 5th Avenue (I think). We had Parma Ham (yum yum), some other cold cuts and a myriad of Italian cheeses, Baked Sea Scallops and French Fries of the Sea paired with crisp Italian white wine. We also went to Gramercy Tavern, Bourbon Street Bar & Restaurant, Red Lobster. Worst I think was this morning's Dim Sum meal in Chinatown. Not only Dim Sum was sub-standard, we had to 'tapp-toi'. Have not done that in ages!
What did we buy?
Nothing much as we didn't go to Woodbury Common this time. So just some GAP shorts, Naruto T-shirts and a G-shock watch for S2, 2 tops each from Loft and Uni Qlo for me, Cole Haan sneakers for me, 2 pairs of Fitflops for me, some Calvin Kleins for H, iPad pen and some scrapbooking stuff (they were 50% off in this Paper Shop on Spring Street). Looks like I didn't get anything for S1...but he was very specific on what he wanted...some cards that will be launched tomorrow and I am to go to ToysRus to get it.
What did we watch?
A visit to The Big Apple will not be complete without watching a show on Broadway!!
This time, we Saw The Jersey Boys. Didn't even know so many songs are by them.
This trip is really such a lazy trip that I did not even take a single photo!....... Although I did lug my DSLR and zoom lens with me..cross the Pacific Ocean, and then across continental USA! I suppose good also la... Less photos to develop as I have yet to develop our December holiday photos with the boys. Speaking of boys... Where are they? With their grandparents back in PJ lor. Mommy and daddy off and away on holiday without them.... H says last December holidays was not a holiday as he was so stressed with the boys constantly fighting o er everything. After this trip, he'll be off to Europe for work again. And I have to continue with my studies...
But until then, we still have few more days of our holiday to enjoy. We are off to Los Angeles now...
Since I have already done most of the must-do touristy stuff the last two trips, I didn't feel the need to pester H to go on any sightseeing tours. Initially, our plan was to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art yesterday (Saturday, 16th April) as H wanted to show me the REAL Assyrian Lion. As I am not exactly a keen museum visitor, I told H that I would probably say MY Assyrian Lion looks better (go to artbynomadicmom.blogspot.com to have a look of MY Assyrian Lion) so ended up not going and stayed back in the hotel to zzzz. Basically, we shopped and ate in the morning/ early afternoons and then head back to the hotel by late afternoon.
Where did we stay?
The Hudson at Central Park South. Only one block from Columbus Circle Subway Station..very good location, I must say!! Well, I didn't pick this hotel, of course. As usual, it's good ole Priceline's Name Your Own Price that selected the hotel. Got it for USD 155 plus tax per night. The cheapest rate I could find online for our dates (if the hotel name is known) was USD 220 plus tax. So we sorta saved USD 65 per night. How was the hotel? Errr...rooms as usual was tiny but at least bigger than The Paramount, which we stayed-in for New Year's 2010. But the bed was very very noisy. So cannot be too notti. Hahaha... Hotel had lots of bad reviews but overall I thought it is kinda okay. Philip Stark designed rooms, and the dark lobby was kinda cool.
What did we eat?
Think the best meal was at Eataly on 23rd and 5th Avenue (I think). We had Parma Ham (yum yum), some other cold cuts and a myriad of Italian cheeses, Baked Sea Scallops and French Fries of the Sea paired with crisp Italian white wine. We also went to Gramercy Tavern, Bourbon Street Bar & Restaurant, Red Lobster. Worst I think was this morning's Dim Sum meal in Chinatown. Not only Dim Sum was sub-standard, we had to 'tapp-toi'. Have not done that in ages!
What did we buy?
Nothing much as we didn't go to Woodbury Common this time. So just some GAP shorts, Naruto T-shirts and a G-shock watch for S2, 2 tops each from Loft and Uni Qlo for me, Cole Haan sneakers for me, 2 pairs of Fitflops for me, some Calvin Kleins for H, iPad pen and some scrapbooking stuff (they were 50% off in this Paper Shop on Spring Street). Looks like I didn't get anything for S1...but he was very specific on what he wanted...some cards that will be launched tomorrow and I am to go to ToysRus to get it.
What did we watch?
A visit to The Big Apple will not be complete without watching a show on Broadway!!
This time, we Saw The Jersey Boys. Didn't even know so many songs are by them.
This trip is really such a lazy trip that I did not even take a single photo!....... Although I did lug my DSLR and zoom lens with me..cross the Pacific Ocean, and then across continental USA! I suppose good also la... Less photos to develop as I have yet to develop our December holiday photos with the boys. Speaking of boys... Where are they? With their grandparents back in PJ lor. Mommy and daddy off and away on holiday without them.... H says last December holidays was not a holiday as he was so stressed with the boys constantly fighting o er everything. After this trip, he'll be off to Europe for work again. And I have to continue with my studies...
But until then, we still have few more days of our holiday to enjoy. We are off to Los Angeles now...
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!
HOT and COLD...
HOT and COLD... Opposites right? But what would you think if I said "Hot and Cold goes together?" Will you be thinking in terms of Physics, say Heat flowing from HOT - a higher temperature body to COLD - a lower temperature body? Or would you be thinking about the HOT and COLD moods of your spouse? I actually have something totally different in my mind... thinking more of the simple pleasures of life. .... Have you ever sat out in your backyard or terrace in front of an open fire pit, sipping a mug of hot cocoa in the middle of winter? I tell you, it is rather exhilarating yet comforting at the same time. Yes. Even in the -10 deg Celcius Helsinki temperatures, HOT and COLD goes together. Ever heard of jumping into the famed frozen lakes after a sauna?
Sleeping on Someone Else's Bed Tonight!
THAT statement caught your attention, didn't it? Wondering whose bed am I going to be sleeping on tonight? What will my hubby think? Oh! Mon Dieu! Hahahaha ... Well, in case you are wondering, there is nothing sinister nor having any tinge of hanky-panky going on. In fact, I will be on my mother's bed tonight.... all comfortably fitted with sferra sheets. Surprised? Don't be. It's the boys' two week Easter Break starting today, and we are flying off home in about 4 hours time. See you around town this evening!
Sunday, April 03, 2011
Offshore Engineers.....
Did I mention that I am a trained Chemical Engineer? Before I joined the work force, when I was still a fresh-eyed student, I had dreams of working offshore in an oil rig. The thoughts of working 2 weeks on, and 2 weeks off seems so ideal. But my vivid imagination squashed all those ideas, as I kept thinking about the what-ifs. I kept thinking of my safety.... I mean most oil rigs will be filled with men, and I really didn't fancy to be the only female on the rig. In addition to that, Offshore Accidents can happen and I am a scaredy-cat. What did I do then? I opted to start off in a water and wastewater engineering firm.....
What really works to get rid of thunder thighs?
My friend recently took me to a 'Beauty Clinic' for treatment of a cold sore that popped out by the side of my lip. This 'Beauty Clinic' seems to provide a whole lot of services from consultation with dermatologists, to normal facials, to IPLs to injections with Vitamin C to dissolve body fats. I was a bit surprised with the Vitamin C injections, but my friend who has tried it swears that she no longer has thunder thighs. I don't know about 'injections'.... scardy-cat like me would probably just get a bottle of adapexin-p fat burner pills and try my luck.
Friday, April 01, 2011
S1's Sensitive Skin
Did I mention that my S1 has very sensitive skin? It didn't take long before his skin started to react to the dry Californian air when we were in Los Angeles last December. His lips cracked really badly even with the application of lip balm. He used up so many sticks of lip balm that you probably thought that he ate them! His skin around his ears also cracked badly. We joked that if we were to move to Helsinki, his ears would immediately fall off the moment he got off the plane! hahaha... I guess if we ever relocate to a place with dry air, we would have to buy a humidifier just for him.
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
Royal Wedding of the Century
Unless you have been living in a cocoon for the last umpteen months, I am sure you have heard about the Royal Wedding. What Royal Wedding??? Wow! You really are living in a cocoon! I am referring to The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton on Friday, 29th April 2011 at Westminster Abbey, London. I had wanted to fly over to London and drag my sister, G (the one living in London) to 'attend' the wedding festivities. Yes. Yes. I hear you say "security would be so tight that you will not get near enough to see anything!". Perhaps if both of us wear designer bridesmaid dresses might fool the security folks into thinking that we are Kate's bridesmaids. No? You think it would not work???
"Coast-to-Coast LA-to-Chicago"
Remember the British singer, Sade? The song "Smooth Operator"? The Title of my blog post today is a line from that song. And me being me, I had to sing it out loud whilst typing it out. Errr..... whether it is in tune or not is another thing. Why the sudden thought about coast-to-coast LA-to-Chicago? Well, my silly H suggested that we drive coast-to-coast, but not from LA-to-Chicago but from LA-to-NYC. That would be great if we have ample time. But to do it within a week? I think not! That would be torture rather than relaxation. Perhaps in our retirement, we would get a RV (one that is as luxurious as the one in the movie 'Meet the Parents') and take this trip. Only worry is rv breakdowns. What would two oldies do in the middle of the Mojave Desert? Really have to equip ourselves with the right rv repair insurance or company that will provide swift 'rescue' service.... wouldn't want us two oldies to be eaten up by coyotes!
Getting our own car....
Come July this year, we will have to either purchase a car or continue to lease a car. I've been calculating that perhaps buying a car would work out to be more economical. The only problem of owning our own car is the cost of maintenance and the exorbitant car insurances. I wonder if there is a cheap car insurance that I can sign on. Ok. Not any Tom Dick and Harry insurances, but one that is reliable, economical and provides the best coverage. Any good companies to recommend?
Thursday, March 31, 2011
More about our Bali Trip, March 2011
This is a continuation from here. With any girly holidays, naturally a spa visit is a MUST. So after a satisfying martini-laden lunch on Friday, we staggered off in search of a spa. Okay. Okay. It was not that bad. We were not drunk. We actually sat and chatted over cups of latte and tea for a couple of hours.... :-P
Took a cab to coast along Jalan Seminyak Raya in search of a spa. When CC saw a sign for 'Jari Menari ' (translation: Dancing Fingers), she directed the taxi driver to go there. We were wondering why he was SNIGGERING away and seems too amused with his repeat of the shop's name. When we got into the shop, we found out that ALL the masseuse are MEN. No wonder the stupid taxi driver was sniggering away lah... he must be wondering this FOUR ladies gonna have some 'fun' in this place. Immediately thoughts of whether this place provides a bona-fide massage or otherwise crept up in our minds.
CC and JC read the brochure and I remember the words "professionally-trained" were mentioned. But WN and I were not comfortable to have male masseuses. I would be too conscious to relax and enjoy the massage. I will probably be mumbling "don't go there. don't go there" in my mind!
CC and JC were quite keen to try it, especially the FOUR hands massage but again... they weren't sure if the masseuses are really "professional". What if they are TOO sexy for the masseuse? And he cannot tahan. How?
We decided to give it a miss...
Later on, I had to google 'Jari Menari' and what do you know? It's rated No.1 Attraction in Seminyak on TripAdvisor. Some of the reviews... damn funny. Expressions like "Floated out of the Room"... CC was really keen to also "float out of the room"!
Basically, it is a bona-fide place. Not one with hanky-panky. It even provides massages for kids.
We went to Espace (No.2 on TripAdvisor) the following day. I have to say that it slightly less than satisfactory in my opinion. The premises are so-so. Showers are small and located away from the massage rooms. There are no proper hangers nor tables in the rooms to hang our clothes/store our items. The masseuse seems to be rushing to meet the 90-minute duration. There are many spas in Jakarta that have better facilities and do a better job. Most of the spas that I go to here have showers in every room; proper hangers and little boxes etc to store jewellery etc. So much more convenient. Can you imagine if you have had a scrub, and you need to dart out to the common shower room but it is occupied? Adoi!
That was my only spa visit in Bali. The other two ladies, JC and WN were on a spa-mode and visited the spa across from our hotel twice. Yup. 3 Spa visits in 4 days...
CC and I were more into lounging by the beach ... she with her Chit Lit and me with my....... iGCSE Maths!!! Hahhahah Nope. Not kidding. I was reading up on the syllabus and doing some revision (going to start tutoring.. my first class is today!), and that brought upon some questions regarding S1's Maths class at school. That started a whole chain reaction which resulted in more worries & stress for me, and a meeting with the Class Rep for Year 9 that will take place this morning at 10 AM. That will be in a separate post... don't wanna spoil this post. It is a HOLIDAY post after all.......
Basically, we didn't do any real sightseeing. Just hopping around to different places having tea, coffee and makan-makan. This allowed us to visit EXPENSIVE resorts that we would never have stayed-in, like the Como Shambala and the Ubud Hanging Gardens. With prices from USD 500 and 300/ nite respectively, it is definitely OUT of our price range. But these resorts are very very nice lor.
As WN have not been to Bali, and is planning to come with her family in June; I was more-or-less telling her the things-to-do in Bali with kids. And as Sobek (White-Water Rafting Company) is just next door to the Como Shambala, she was interested to have a look at the facilities .... thinking she could do this with her son and hubs in June. The Sobek supervisor was kind enough to walk us to the starting point (okay... not the whole way but up to where the path descends down to the Ayung). Haven't even reach, WN was grabbing my arm so hard cause she was afraid of heights. As we approached the edge, she just stopped and squatted at the side.... TERRIFIED. The three of us couldn't help laughing (okay. very very bad friends to be laughing at her vertigo but it was indeed very funny) and took our time taking photographs of the beautiful views. The Sobek supervisor wanted to guide her towards the edge but she just refused and wouldn't budge from her position! We had to go and squat with her to get a picture together (no view lah, of course). Needless to say, White-Water Rafting will NOT be in her itinerary.
Okay... gotta go. Continue later...
Took a cab to coast along Jalan Seminyak Raya in search of a spa. When CC saw a sign for 'Jari Menari ' (translation: Dancing Fingers), she directed the taxi driver to go there. We were wondering why he was SNIGGERING away and seems too amused with his repeat of the shop's name. When we got into the shop, we found out that ALL the masseuse are MEN. No wonder the stupid taxi driver was sniggering away lah... he must be wondering this FOUR ladies gonna have some 'fun' in this place. Immediately thoughts of whether this place provides a bona-fide massage or otherwise crept up in our minds.
CC and JC read the brochure and I remember the words "professionally-trained" were mentioned. But WN and I were not comfortable to have male masseuses. I would be too conscious to relax and enjoy the massage. I will probably be mumbling "don't go there. don't go there" in my mind!
CC and JC were quite keen to try it, especially the FOUR hands massage but again... they weren't sure if the masseuses are really "professional". What if they are TOO sexy for the masseuse? And he cannot tahan. How?
We decided to give it a miss...
Later on, I had to google 'Jari Menari' and what do you know? It's rated No.1 Attraction in Seminyak on TripAdvisor. Some of the reviews... damn funny. Expressions like "Floated out of the Room"... CC was really keen to also "float out of the room"!
Basically, it is a bona-fide place. Not one with hanky-panky. It even provides massages for kids.
We went to Espace (No.2 on TripAdvisor) the following day. I have to say that it slightly less than satisfactory in my opinion. The premises are so-so. Showers are small and located away from the massage rooms. There are no proper hangers nor tables in the rooms to hang our clothes/store our items. The masseuse seems to be rushing to meet the 90-minute duration. There are many spas in Jakarta that have better facilities and do a better job. Most of the spas that I go to here have showers in every room; proper hangers and little boxes etc to store jewellery etc. So much more convenient. Can you imagine if you have had a scrub, and you need to dart out to the common shower room but it is occupied? Adoi!
That was my only spa visit in Bali. The other two ladies, JC and WN were on a spa-mode and visited the spa across from our hotel twice. Yup. 3 Spa visits in 4 days...
CC and I were more into lounging by the beach ... she with her Chit Lit and me with my....... iGCSE Maths!!! Hahhahah Nope. Not kidding. I was reading up on the syllabus and doing some revision (going to start tutoring.. my first class is today!), and that brought upon some questions regarding S1's Maths class at school. That started a whole chain reaction which resulted in more worries & stress for me, and a meeting with the Class Rep for Year 9 that will take place this morning at 10 AM. That will be in a separate post... don't wanna spoil this post. It is a HOLIDAY post after all.......
Basically, we didn't do any real sightseeing. Just hopping around to different places having tea, coffee and makan-makan. This allowed us to visit EXPENSIVE resorts that we would never have stayed-in, like the Como Shambala and the Ubud Hanging Gardens. With prices from USD 500 and 300/ nite respectively, it is definitely OUT of our price range. But these resorts are very very nice lor.
As WN have not been to Bali, and is planning to come with her family in June; I was more-or-less telling her the things-to-do in Bali with kids. And as Sobek (White-Water Rafting Company) is just next door to the Como Shambala, she was interested to have a look at the facilities .... thinking she could do this with her son and hubs in June. The Sobek supervisor was kind enough to walk us to the starting point (okay... not the whole way but up to where the path descends down to the Ayung). Haven't even reach, WN was grabbing my arm so hard cause she was afraid of heights. As we approached the edge, she just stopped and squatted at the side.... TERRIFIED. The three of us couldn't help laughing (okay. very very bad friends to be laughing at her vertigo but it was indeed very funny) and took our time taking photographs of the beautiful views. The Sobek supervisor wanted to guide her towards the edge but she just refused and wouldn't budge from her position! We had to go and squat with her to get a picture together (no view lah, of course). Needless to say, White-Water Rafting will NOT be in her itinerary.
Okay... gotta go. Continue later...
Do you have what it takes?
I have just been thinking... practically everything in the commercial marketplace involves sales. Be it selling a service, a product, ideas or even time. I supposed that is why there are relatively more sales jobs out there. With most jobs requiring 'selling', it makes sense for everyone to acquire this important skill. Even a school teacher would need to 'sell' her knowledge in an interesting way to her students. Don't you agree?
If you have a knack for 'selling', I guarantee that the world would be your oyster.
If you have a knack for 'selling', I guarantee that the world would be your oyster.
For Fitness or Other?
Do you own any Fitness equipment? Cross-Trainer, Treadmill, Exercise Bike or a simple pull up bar? I have a friend who will be relocating back to Canada in a month's time and she is selling off all her Fitness equipment. Though I am really tempted to get the threadmill from her, I am worried that it will only be used vigorously and frequently in the first month only. Thereafter? It will probably end up to be a clothes hanger! That was what happened to the Exercise Bike ......
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Back to the Daily Grind...
Yup. After 4 nights away from hubby, kids and chores, it's back to the daily grind.
So much so that I actually went straight from the airport to the supermarket to get some groceries.
4 nights is waaaaaay too short. :-(
But better than nothing lah.
I had a great time. Eating, Drinking, Gossiping, Chatting, Sharing, Crying, Sighseeing, Spa-ing and of course LAUGHING. Lots and lots of it.
This is what to be expected from FOUR patt-pohs!
Never miss my annual girly holiday with my girlfriends from home. They flew into Denpasar an hour earlier on Friday (25th March), and waited for me at the Black Canyon Cafe over at the airport. Blur-Blur Nomadic Mom could not find the Cafe, and thought it was closed. Called the girls and had a loud "IT IS OPEN. WE ARE INSIDE" blurted into my ear. And when I reached the Cafe, I saw a table with 3 ladies and without bothering to look at their faces, I blabbered away.... And what do you know? It wasn't my friends. Hahahhahaha. They were all sitting INSIDE the cafe. You say lah. Blur or not??
Anyway, we stayed 3 nights in a budget 3* hotel (Puri Saron on Seminyak Beach because one of my gf had 2 nights FREE. This works out to be only RM 240 per person for the 3 nights. Needless to say.... budget means no-frills in the rooms. Though I did not get bitten by bed bugs, my pillows smelled funny and I had to have my sarong draped over them. The room also didn't smell too pleasant, and the shower rail design was rather odd such that when you shower, the toilet seats will certainly get wet. The service is so-so and they didn't really have enough deck chairs. The only plus thing is that it is located right on the beach. Luckily we spent most days out of the hotel....
Nope. Will NOT stay in this hotel again.
After 3 nights, two of my gfs left for home but CC and I stayed on another night. We moved to a nicer hotel in Tanjung Benoa - The Bali Khama. Have to say that this resort is sooooooo much better. The room smells good and so did my pillows. Everything was much better. It was of course more expensive lor. Prepaid a discounted non-refundable rate of USD 123 per night for the room a few months back. Compare this approx. RM 369 per room per night with our budget RM 160 per room per night. Sure 'yatt fann cheen, yatt fann for'.
I supposed the first 3 nights in the budget was also good.... allowed us to splurge in our culinary adventures.
Where did we go?
Friday Lunch @ Anantara, Seminyak with 'shaken not stirred' Lychee Martinis
Friday Dinner @ Jimbaran Bay for seafood (More for the ambience and environment rather than the food)
Saturday Lunch @ Gabah, Kuta for yummy Indonesian foods
Saturday Drinks @ The hotel's beach bar Saturday Dinner @ Chandi, Seminyak with very potent Sangria
Sunday Coffee @ Como Shambala, Ubud
Sunday Lunch @ Ibu Oka, Ubud for BABI GULING
Sunday Tea @ Ubud Hanging Gardens
Sunday Dinner @ La Lucciola, Seminyak (Lovely beach front views!)
Monday Lunch @ Bali Khama's poolside
Monday Dinner @ Tao for Thai food
AND today, Tuesday?? Errrr... McDonald's lunch at the Airport!!
More about my holiday later...
So much so that I actually went straight from the airport to the supermarket to get some groceries.
4 nights is waaaaaay too short. :-(
But better than nothing lah.
I had a great time. Eating, Drinking, Gossiping, Chatting, Sharing, Crying, Sighseeing, Spa-ing and of course LAUGHING. Lots and lots of it.
This is what to be expected from FOUR patt-pohs!
Never miss my annual girly holiday with my girlfriends from home. They flew into Denpasar an hour earlier on Friday (25th March), and waited for me at the Black Canyon Cafe over at the airport. Blur-Blur Nomadic Mom could not find the Cafe, and thought it was closed. Called the girls and had a loud "IT IS OPEN. WE ARE INSIDE" blurted into my ear. And when I reached the Cafe, I saw a table with 3 ladies and without bothering to look at their faces, I blabbered away.... And what do you know? It wasn't my friends. Hahahhahaha. They were all sitting INSIDE the cafe. You say lah. Blur or not??
Anyway, we stayed 3 nights in a budget 3* hotel (Puri Saron on Seminyak Beach because one of my gf had 2 nights FREE. This works out to be only RM 240 per person for the 3 nights. Needless to say.... budget means no-frills in the rooms. Though I did not get bitten by bed bugs, my pillows smelled funny and I had to have my sarong draped over them. The room also didn't smell too pleasant, and the shower rail design was rather odd such that when you shower, the toilet seats will certainly get wet. The service is so-so and they didn't really have enough deck chairs. The only plus thing is that it is located right on the beach. Luckily we spent most days out of the hotel....
Nope. Will NOT stay in this hotel again.
After 3 nights, two of my gfs left for home but CC and I stayed on another night. We moved to a nicer hotel in Tanjung Benoa - The Bali Khama. Have to say that this resort is sooooooo much better. The room smells good and so did my pillows. Everything was much better. It was of course more expensive lor. Prepaid a discounted non-refundable rate of USD 123 per night for the room a few months back. Compare this approx. RM 369 per room per night with our budget RM 160 per room per night. Sure 'yatt fann cheen, yatt fann for'.
I supposed the first 3 nights in the budget was also good.... allowed us to splurge in our culinary adventures.
Where did we go?
Friday Lunch @ Anantara, Seminyak with 'shaken not stirred' Lychee Martinis
Friday Dinner @ Jimbaran Bay for seafood (More for the ambience and environment rather than the food)
Saturday Lunch @ Gabah, Kuta for yummy Indonesian foods
Saturday Drinks @ The hotel's beach bar Saturday Dinner @ Chandi, Seminyak with very potent Sangria
Sunday Coffee @ Como Shambala, Ubud
Sunday Lunch @ Ibu Oka, Ubud for BABI GULING
Sunday Tea @ Ubud Hanging Gardens
Sunday Dinner @ La Lucciola, Seminyak (Lovely beach front views!)
Monday Lunch @ Bali Khama's poolside
Monday Dinner @ Tao for Thai food
AND today, Tuesday?? Errrr... McDonald's lunch at the Airport!!
More about my holiday later...
Want a hot tub?
Have you ever imagined soaking in a hot tub with snow-capped mountains as the backdrop? Sounds dreamy and exhilarating, doesn't it? But if you are a practical person like I am, you probably would be wondering about the time required to fill-up such a tub and the cost of heating the water up. However, I just found out that you do not have to drain the water after each usage - by using proper hot tub covers. Not only that, the covers actually keep the heating bills to a minimum. Time to get that coveted hot tub?
Getting Rid of the Holiday Weight...
As with any holidays, I have a BAD habit of putting on weight. It could be a kilogram or two, depending on the length of the holiday and the activities undertaken. The worst was when I went to Melbourne last year - I put on 2 kilograms in 5 days! Can you believe it? What's the damage this holiday? Yikes!!! This 4-night holiday is just as bad. I just weighed myself and I've put on about 1.5 kilograms. Time for a fast weight loss regime. Need to lose some kilos before the Easter Break in two weeks which would mean more weight gain. Need an effective weight loss pill. I just saw some not so good lipozene reviews online. So what other weight loss pills would you suggest?
Girly Holiday Shots
Just came back from my annual girly holiday with my girlfriends in Bali. We were there for 4 nights, and that is definitely too short. Don't you think? We had a blast! Eating, drinking, chatting, gossiping, sightseeing, lazing, spa-ing and of course laughing till our bellies ached. Couldn't be better.... Wait a minute. It could have been better if we had brought our digital slr cameras for great photos. Unfortunately, all of us were travelling light and brought only our point-and-shoots and camera phones. Hopefully, we will still get some decent quality photos of our 2011 Girly Trip.
Friday, March 25, 2011
So Many Things to do...So Little Time...
Ok. Perhaps that is not true.
It is just me procrastinating for the longest of time, coupled with my lazy piggy body that got me into this frenzy.
So many things cropping up and things happening.
Besides the issue of searching for a new house and the move etc etc, I had to deal with a little "blackmailer" (too long to elaborate here), stop a small "business", do some research on anothet "business" and now to study iGCSE Maths. And what do I do with the little time I have? I fly off to Bali to meet my girlfriends. not exactly using my time effectively and productively!!
Okay. Later...
It is just me procrastinating for the longest of time, coupled with my lazy piggy body that got me into this frenzy.
So many things cropping up and things happening.
Besides the issue of searching for a new house and the move etc etc, I had to deal with a little "blackmailer" (too long to elaborate here), stop a small "business", do some research on anothet "business" and now to study iGCSE Maths. And what do I do with the little time I have? I fly off to Bali to meet my girlfriends. not exactly using my time effectively and productively!!
Okay. Later...
A Long Weekend of Fun, Food, Sand and ....
WooHoooooo.... The time has finally come.
After ticking off the days on my calender, I am OFF for my annual girly trip for some fun, food, sand and perhaps some eye candies?? Shhhhhhh... don't tell the hubs.
Now where are we girls off to this year?
Yup. It is Bali again - the Island of the Gods.
Better be off now. Flight is in 3 hours. Have I packed everything?
Swimwear, flip-flops, sunblock lotion, etc etc... and most importantly the adipex diet pill bottle. Wouldn't want to be 5 pounds heavier from all the yummilicious food and drinks, do we??
After ticking off the days on my calender, I am OFF for my annual girly trip for some fun, food, sand and perhaps some eye candies?? Shhhhhhh... don't tell the hubs.
Now where are we girls off to this year?
Yup. It is Bali again - the Island of the Gods.
Better be off now. Flight is in 3 hours. Have I packed everything?
Swimwear, flip-flops, sunblock lotion, etc etc... and most importantly the adipex diet pill bottle. Wouldn't want to be 5 pounds heavier from all the yummilicious food and drinks, do we??
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 17, 2011
Who is Moving to Helsinki???
Errr... NOT us.
Surprised?
Yes?
Especially since I went all the way to Helsinki to have a look-see. I was telling H that luckily the decision came towards the end of my trip (Wed, 2nd March), when there was only 2 days left. Otherwise, I really don't know what to do with so many days in Helsinki. Can't exactly be a tourist everyday, especially when I am not a museum person.I had actually spent the first week checking out the markets, Asian grocery stores, department stores, book shops etc to check out how much things costs, what is the variety etc.
I have to say that Helsinki is a very livable city, if you don't mind the cold winters (Brrrr... ). How else would the country be ranked the best in the world in the 2010 Newsweek survey based on health, economic dynamism, education, political environment and quality of life? It is also the second most stable country in the world. Read more about Finland at Wikipedia's page.
Remember my worries about moving there and the language? Well, really no need to worry!! Besides, everyone speaks English. The moment you hesistate, people will speak English to you. H was saying that this taxi driver of his, an Argentinian married to a Finnish girl was complaining that he has been there for over 5 years and yet he can't speak Finnish as everybody speaks English to him. The only thing I have to say is that you do need to learn to read - so that KNOW about discounts on magazines that is only printed in Finnish!
Asian grocery stores? NO problemo.
There are many around the Hakaniemi Metro Station. Right at the station, there's a kind of Pakistani/Indian grocery store (donno the name)- basmati rice, Thai Jasmine rice and some Chinese and Thai sauces amongst the halal items. Then there's Aseanic Trading on Kolmas Linja. This shop was recommended by the Thai owner of a Thai Food Stall. True enough, it was very well-stocked.... even more than some Jakarta supermarkets. There's even the dried lotus leaf for hor-yeep-fann and dried leaves for bak-chang. Kepoh Nomadic Mom struck up a conversation with the cashier - a Malaysian lady married to a Finn. Her bosses are all Malaysians, and according to her, there are about 300-400 Malaysians in Finland (very few!), and funnily she asked if I was planning to open a restaurant in Helsinki. Not far away, there is another Asian grocery store called Vii Voan stocking all the Vietnamese goodies amongst other things. And on the same road, there are two more Indian grocery stores. I'm told by the Malaysian lady that there is another one around the area....but I didn't check that one out. So between these 5 shops, you can actually buy all your Asian groceries to cook up a storm or perhaps a banquet!
The prices ? I thought they were quite reasonable..... probably because Jakarta is notorious for expensive imported items.
If you wanna eat Asian, you probably need to cook because we went to a Chinese restaurant in town and it really sucked. Big Time. Not to mention expensive. Our Euro 11 Fried noodle was really really sad. Even my son can fry better noodles.
How about English books? No problem too... And there's also the imported magazines... But then these days, don't really need to buy physical books when you can just download onto the iPad.
Departmental stores? Stockmann just has about everything though some things are kinda pricey. But there are more affordable ones lah... but I don't remember their names.
One thing I notice about Finland is that their household items and furniture is really really nice. You would probably think Scandinavian design. Actually, Finland is not Scandinavian. It is actually a Nordic country. Because we live sooooooooooooooo far from this place, we don't really know about their brands such as Pentik, Marimekko etc. But I have to say that they are lovely lovey lovey.
Transportation in Helsinki is great... Buses, Trams and Metro all run on time. Got around on my own okay. Not probs. But of course if you really move there, probably get a 4WD???
The only thing that deters people is the cost of living. Housing especially.... scarily high. Not to mention the tax. Read that it can be 60%!!! Wariow!
So where are we moving to?
Well, that deserves to have its own blog post!
Surprised?
Yes?
Especially since I went all the way to Helsinki to have a look-see. I was telling H that luckily the decision came towards the end of my trip (Wed, 2nd March), when there was only 2 days left. Otherwise, I really don't know what to do with so many days in Helsinki. Can't exactly be a tourist everyday, especially when I am not a museum person.I had actually spent the first week checking out the markets, Asian grocery stores, department stores, book shops etc to check out how much things costs, what is the variety etc.
I have to say that Helsinki is a very livable city, if you don't mind the cold winters (Brrrr... ). How else would the country be ranked the best in the world in the 2010 Newsweek survey based on health, economic dynamism, education, political environment and quality of life? It is also the second most stable country in the world. Read more about Finland at Wikipedia's page.
Remember my worries about moving there and the language? Well, really no need to worry!! Besides, everyone speaks English. The moment you hesistate, people will speak English to you. H was saying that this taxi driver of his, an Argentinian married to a Finnish girl was complaining that he has been there for over 5 years and yet he can't speak Finnish as everybody speaks English to him. The only thing I have to say is that you do need to learn to read - so that KNOW about discounts on magazines that is only printed in Finnish!
Asian grocery stores? NO problemo.
There are many around the Hakaniemi Metro Station. Right at the station, there's a kind of Pakistani/Indian grocery store (donno the name)- basmati rice, Thai Jasmine rice and some Chinese and Thai sauces amongst the halal items. Then there's Aseanic Trading on Kolmas Linja. This shop was recommended by the Thai owner of a Thai Food Stall. True enough, it was very well-stocked.... even more than some Jakarta supermarkets. There's even the dried lotus leaf for hor-yeep-fann and dried leaves for bak-chang. Kepoh Nomadic Mom struck up a conversation with the cashier - a Malaysian lady married to a Finn. Her bosses are all Malaysians, and according to her, there are about 300-400 Malaysians in Finland (very few!), and funnily she asked if I was planning to open a restaurant in Helsinki. Not far away, there is another Asian grocery store called Vii Voan stocking all the Vietnamese goodies amongst other things. And on the same road, there are two more Indian grocery stores. I'm told by the Malaysian lady that there is another one around the area....but I didn't check that one out. So between these 5 shops, you can actually buy all your Asian groceries to cook up a storm or perhaps a banquet!
The prices ? I thought they were quite reasonable..... probably because Jakarta is notorious for expensive imported items.
If you wanna eat Asian, you probably need to cook because we went to a Chinese restaurant in town and it really sucked. Big Time. Not to mention expensive. Our Euro 11 Fried noodle was really really sad. Even my son can fry better noodles.
How about English books? No problem too... And there's also the imported magazines... But then these days, don't really need to buy physical books when you can just download onto the iPad.
Departmental stores? Stockmann just has about everything though some things are kinda pricey. But there are more affordable ones lah... but I don't remember their names.
One thing I notice about Finland is that their household items and furniture is really really nice. You would probably think Scandinavian design. Actually, Finland is not Scandinavian. It is actually a Nordic country. Because we live sooooooooooooooo far from this place, we don't really know about their brands such as Pentik, Marimekko etc. But I have to say that they are lovely lovey lovey.
Transportation in Helsinki is great... Buses, Trams and Metro all run on time. Got around on my own okay. Not probs. But of course if you really move there, probably get a 4WD???
The only thing that deters people is the cost of living. Housing especially.... scarily high. Not to mention the tax. Read that it can be 60%!!! Wariow!
So where are we moving to?
Well, that deserves to have its own blog post!
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Random Photos of Helsinki...
Considering that I stayed in Helsinki for a total of 8 nights (19 Feb - 25 Feb and 2 Mar - 4 Mar), I didn't take as many photos compared to the 2 nights in Salzburg or the 3 nights in Munich. That is primarily because it was FREAKING COLD.... like waaaaaaay below freezing (-18 deg C!!) whereas the temperature at Salzburg and Munich was warmer at about 3-5 deg C. And to fiddle with my DSLR, I had to remove my gloves and that is certainly NO fun. Thus the lesser number of photos...
Anyway, the photos in this post are not in any geographical order.
We stayed at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel on Mikonkatu, right in the center of the city. Very convenient for me to wander around the city on my own.
Naked Lady Statue...wonder if she is freezing???
Wood Carving in the Park... Sweet!
Statue of Alexandra ?? of Russia at Senate Square
Anyway, the photos in this post are not in any geographical order.
We stayed at the Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel on Mikonkatu, right in the center of the city. Very convenient for me to wander around the city on my own.
A snowy view of the Park beside Radisson Blu Plaza
Naked Lady Statue...wonder if she is freezing???
Wood Carving in the Park... Sweet!
Frozen Baltic Sea - seen from Kauppatori
If cold enough, ice roads are open to the islands
During warmer months, Flower stalls surround this fountain
(this is near Kauppatori)
Statue of Alexandra ?? of Russia at Senate Square
Government Palace
(I think)
Helsinki Cathedral
Big Square in front of the Central Railway Station
Ateneum Art Museum
Some Music Theater near the Hotel
Helsinki Cathedral
Big Square in front of the Central Railway Station
Ateneum Art Museum
Some Music Theater near the Hotel
Check out this 'STUCK' Boat
Taken near the Kauppatori
Me and my BIG handbag
Me and my BIG handbag
Frozen Tortoise??
Where is the Park Bench?
Statue in the Park at The Explanadi
Where is the Park Bench?
There it is!!!
Hard at Work to remove the Tonnes of Snow!
Restaurant in the Park by the Esplanadi
Restaurant in the Park by the Esplanadi
(cannot remember the name)
Inside the Restaurant.... 
But actually, they are not...
Walkway by the Park, Esplanadi
Statues at the Esplanadi Park... They look like they are touching..
Statues at the Esplanadi Park... They look like they are touching..
But actually, they are not...
That's it. So few, yeah? Plus I forgot to load the battery into my DSLR when I went to Tallinn, Estonia. So no photos from there. Bleah...
Monday, March 14, 2011
Helsinki's Old Market Hall
Many of Helsinki's markets are Indoors as outside temperatures can be waaaaaaay below freezing. The first week I was in Helsinki, the temperatures were -20 deg Celsius to about -10 deg Celsius. This is certainly not very pleasant. Read about my BRAIN FREEZE episodes here.
As I have a penchant of visiting markets in foreign cities, I headed out to Kauppatori - an open market square. But it was waaaaaaaay too cold and I think there were only 2 or 3 stalls in the market square. But you can't really tell that they were stalls as it was hidden beneath covered tents. When I peeked into one of them, it was a stall selling fresh fish. I am told in warmer weather, especially summer, the whole place will be hustling and bustling with flower stalls etc etc.
I guessed in this below-freezing weather, enclosed indoor market makes sense!
The following photos are taken at the Old Market Hall near to the Kauppatori.
As I have a penchant of visiting markets in foreign cities, I headed out to Kauppatori - an open market square. But it was waaaaaaaay too cold and I think there were only 2 or 3 stalls in the market square. But you can't really tell that they were stalls as it was hidden beneath covered tents. When I peeked into one of them, it was a stall selling fresh fish. I am told in warmer weather, especially summer, the whole place will be hustling and bustling with flower stalls etc etc.
I guessed in this below-freezing weather, enclosed indoor market makes sense!
The following photos are taken at the Old Market Hall near to the Kauppatori.
Corridor along the Old Market Hall,
Cheese Stall
Pork Stall
Vege Stall
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