Yup! A long long time since I last wrote anything on my blog. What would I write? I absolutely have no idea...
Monday, July 18, 2016
Friday, June 14, 2013
It's a Dreary Gloomy Winter...
Hate Hate Winter!
Hate the cold.
Hate the gloominess.
Hate the rain.
Can't wait for the boys' holidays to start... and off we go to somewhere warmer and sunnier!
Can't get cheap flights at all. All flights are freaking expensive. We had to go after holidays have started... just to have slightly cheaper air tickets... BUT still so expensive!
Since it's only a two-week holiday, boys will only be away for 10 days. Need to come back for school ... ponteng one day though.
Later....
Hate the cold.
Hate the gloominess.
Hate the rain.
Can't wait for the boys' holidays to start... and off we go to somewhere warmer and sunnier!
Can't get cheap flights at all. All flights are freaking expensive. We had to go after holidays have started... just to have slightly cheaper air tickets... BUT still so expensive!
Since it's only a two-week holiday, boys will only be away for 10 days. Need to come back for school ... ponteng one day though.
Later....
Wednesday, May 01, 2013
Why? Why? Why?
Why don't I blog anymore?
I actually totally forgot that I still have a blog in existence!
Serious!
I'm sure you are gonna say "How Can???"
Sad. But true wor........
Life in this land is not exactly smooth sailing.
Why did we uproot the whole family from a comfortable life of maid, driver, leisurely life to one that I have to be the maid, cook, driver, laundress, etc etc.
Someone asked me the reason for moving Down Under...Is Australia really so good meh?
Most Malaysians with kids will be able to answer this question.
I actually totally forgot that I still have a blog in existence!
Serious!
I'm sure you are gonna say "How Can???"
Sad. But true wor........
Life in this land is not exactly smooth sailing.
Why did we uproot the whole family from a comfortable life of maid, driver, leisurely life to one that I have to be the maid, cook, driver, laundress, etc etc.
Someone asked me the reason for moving Down Under...Is Australia really so good meh?
Most Malaysians with kids will be able to answer this question.
Monday, February 11, 2013
Viva La France - Dec 2012-Jan 2013 Trip
Yes! I am still scrapbooking.... albeit a little behind in everything.
I have yet to sort my photos, so can't really develop them for my pages.
Before I forget everything, I have to journal them down here... in this little blog of mine.
Sat, 29 Dec - Flight to Paris CDG via SIN
Sun, 30 Dec - Arrival in Paris
Mon, 31 Dec - Paris, Eiffel Tower Countdown
Tues, 1 Jan - Paris to Dijon, Overnight in Dijon
Wed, 2 Jan - Dijon to Lyon, Overnight in Lyon
Thurs, 3 Jan - Lyon to Nice, Lunch in Marseille
Fri, 4 Jan - Nice & Monte Carlo
Sat, 5 Jan - Nice to Arle, Cannes
Sun, 6 Jan - Avignon (Palace of Papals), Pont du Gard
Mon, 7 Jan - Arles, Nimes, Overnight in Carcasonne
Tues, 8 Jan - Carcasonne to Dordogne, Overnight in Dordogne
Wed, 9 Jan - Visit to Font du Gaume, Overnight in Loire Valley
Thurs, 10 Jan - Visit to Chateau de Chenonceau, back to Paris
Fri, 11 Jan - Paris
Sat, 12 Jan - Paris
Sun, 13 Jan - Flight back to KUL, via Amsterdam
Yeah. Yeah. Seems hectic with so many cities/towns covered. But because we rented our own car, we could adjust the schedule however we want, up to a certain extent... as I had pre-booked all our hotels. I didn't want to end up in a city with no place to stay. At least we didn't have to wake up at 6.00 AM! That's the normal wake-up call for most packaged tours.
More details about France....
I have yet to sort my photos, so can't really develop them for my pages.
Before I forget everything, I have to journal them down here... in this little blog of mine.
Sat, 29 Dec - Flight to Paris CDG via SIN
Sun, 30 Dec - Arrival in Paris
Mon, 31 Dec - Paris, Eiffel Tower Countdown
Tues, 1 Jan - Paris to Dijon, Overnight in Dijon
Wed, 2 Jan - Dijon to Lyon, Overnight in Lyon
Thurs, 3 Jan - Lyon to Nice, Lunch in Marseille
Fri, 4 Jan - Nice & Monte Carlo
Sat, 5 Jan - Nice to Arle, Cannes
Sun, 6 Jan - Avignon (Palace of Papals), Pont du Gard
Mon, 7 Jan - Arles, Nimes, Overnight in Carcasonne
Tues, 8 Jan - Carcasonne to Dordogne, Overnight in Dordogne
Wed, 9 Jan - Visit to Font du Gaume, Overnight in Loire Valley
Thurs, 10 Jan - Visit to Chateau de Chenonceau, back to Paris
Fri, 11 Jan - Paris
Sat, 12 Jan - Paris
Sun, 13 Jan - Flight back to KUL, via Amsterdam
Yeah. Yeah. Seems hectic with so many cities/towns covered. But because we rented our own car, we could adjust the schedule however we want, up to a certain extent... as I had pre-booked all our hotels. I didn't want to end up in a city with no place to stay. At least we didn't have to wake up at 6.00 AM! That's the normal wake-up call for most packaged tours.
More details about France....
Year of the Ssssnake 2013
Gong Xi Fa Cai!!!
Wishing everyone an abundance of Health, Wealth and Happiness!!!
It is Chor-Yee (Second day of CNY) today... and things are certainly different from Malaysia or Singapore. Whereas these places will have at least two days of holidays, it's business-as-usual over here in Melbourne; and the boys are already back at school. Nope. No public holidays. Nada...
So how did we celebrate CNY over here?
We had REUNION DINNER on Saturday (9th Feb) with the hub's relatives - uncle and 2 sets of cousins etc. My youngest sis was supposed to join us with her hubby, but experienced Braxton Hix contractions. Asked her to stay home instead.
CNY Day... stayed in bed till about 10.30 am. So lazy. Then took S2 for his soccer information day.
I always sik-jai on Chor-Yatt so had bread and jam for lunch, for I had forgotten to cook my vegetarian Chap-Chye the day before. The boys and the hubs had bread with Spam. Supposed to go down to Crown Casino for the festivities. Am told that they have all sorts of food stalls, CNY performances, fireworks... but we were too lazy, and whilst we were just about to plonk down on the sofa... The hub's uncle called to ask us to visit an old aunt. So we went lor...
We had dinner with my sister & BIL at our house. What did we have?
- Yu Sang (of Course)
- Crabmeat and Sweetcorn Soup
- Vegetarian Chap Chye
- Fried SpareRibs
- Sang Choy Pau
- Fried Seafood with Sweet & Sour Sauce
- Roast Duck (Sis bought takeaway...)
Needless to say, we were all stuffed!
Friday, February 01, 2013
What's been happening???
From my previous post about our relocation......
Yup. The family has relocated from Jakarta to Melbourne in June/July 2012.
What has happened since then?
Boys started Term 3 of 2012 School Year in July - S1 in Year 9 and S2 in Year 7.
Due to the cut-off dates of their birthdays, S1 remained in the same year group as he was at BIS Jakarta. As for S2, he was moved to a year ahead. Thus notice the 2 years difference only...versus in their previous school. S1 in Year 10 and S2 in Year 7, ie. 3 years difference.
(Note: In the British System, the Years are up to 13; whereas in Australia, it is up to 12 ...just like in the States)
Both boys assimilated quite well into their new school, I think.
Although S1 theoretically repeated 1/2 year of school; it was good thing. At least he could spend the time making new friends, building up on the social stuff and not having to worry about catching up work. As he had already completed his IGCSE Maths in May 2012 (got an A, but not an A*.....definitely due to his carelessness! It was sooooo close to an A* that the teacher from BIS actually wrote to me for permission to get his paper remarked. They were hoping to an another A* into their list so that they can 'brag' about it on the results table. The remark came back unchanged. I tell you... I've marked my son's work. He is one of the most careless boys I know. He can have the right answer, but write the wrong answer on the answer sheet. He can actually lose all his marks on carelessness. I tell you...that boy!!!), he was pretty ahead in his Maths. For Science, some repeated topics...but there were also some additional stuff that he learned which was not covered at BIS. Stuff like dissecting a cow's eye to look at the lens etc. Cool. I thought. English wasn't a problem. But Humanities was a bit of a problem, as there were topics on Australian History. Aiyo. Even the father, who is a history buff knows nothing about Australian history. Australia got any history one meh??? Overall, the final report was quite pleasing lah.
S2 did pretty well too. He was already in the Accelerated Maths group at BIS, so transitioning to a higher year group wasn't a problem for him. English was okay...except for Writing. The grade was 'expected level at this year group', which to an Asian KIASU mom is NOT good enough!
If you've seen the Dr.XiaXia YouTube videos... We are Asians NOT Bsians!
Hahahahah..
How about me? Nothing much to report... other than being the maid (okay...not so much maid lah. Since boys do most of the housework like vacuuming, washing up, mopping, dusting, sweeping up leaves etc), cook, driver, etc...
More about me in a different post... a different day.
Anyway, we went back to Malaysia during the long Summer Holidays... for a month. We left Melbourne on the 23rd of December 2012, and got back on the 23rd of January 2013.
I have to say it was GREAT not having to do housework nor cook.
Gawd. I hate thinking of what to cook each day! Damn sien man.
This last week, I had to cook both lunch and dinner... I was going a bit crazy already. Can you imagine if I had to worry about lunch and dinner for one whole month? DIE lah...
Okay... to be continued
Yup. The family has relocated from Jakarta to Melbourne in June/July 2012.
What has happened since then?
Boys started Term 3 of 2012 School Year in July - S1 in Year 9 and S2 in Year 7.
Due to the cut-off dates of their birthdays, S1 remained in the same year group as he was at BIS Jakarta. As for S2, he was moved to a year ahead. Thus notice the 2 years difference only...versus in their previous school. S1 in Year 10 and S2 in Year 7, ie. 3 years difference.
(Note: In the British System, the Years are up to 13; whereas in Australia, it is up to 12 ...just like in the States)
Both boys assimilated quite well into their new school, I think.
Although S1 theoretically repeated 1/2 year of school; it was good thing. At least he could spend the time making new friends, building up on the social stuff and not having to worry about catching up work. As he had already completed his IGCSE Maths in May 2012 (got an A, but not an A*.....definitely due to his carelessness! It was sooooo close to an A* that the teacher from BIS actually wrote to me for permission to get his paper remarked. They were hoping to an another A* into their list so that they can 'brag' about it on the results table. The remark came back unchanged. I tell you... I've marked my son's work. He is one of the most careless boys I know. He can have the right answer, but write the wrong answer on the answer sheet. He can actually lose all his marks on carelessness. I tell you...that boy!!!), he was pretty ahead in his Maths. For Science, some repeated topics...but there were also some additional stuff that he learned which was not covered at BIS. Stuff like dissecting a cow's eye to look at the lens etc. Cool. I thought. English wasn't a problem. But Humanities was a bit of a problem, as there were topics on Australian History. Aiyo. Even the father, who is a history buff knows nothing about Australian history. Australia got any history one meh??? Overall, the final report was quite pleasing lah.
S2 did pretty well too. He was already in the Accelerated Maths group at BIS, so transitioning to a higher year group wasn't a problem for him. English was okay...except for Writing. The grade was 'expected level at this year group', which to an Asian KIASU mom is NOT good enough!
If you've seen the Dr.XiaXia YouTube videos... We are Asians NOT Bsians!
Hahahahah..
How about me? Nothing much to report... other than being the maid (okay...not so much maid lah. Since boys do most of the housework like vacuuming, washing up, mopping, dusting, sweeping up leaves etc), cook, driver, etc...
More about me in a different post... a different day.
Anyway, we went back to Malaysia during the long Summer Holidays... for a month. We left Melbourne on the 23rd of December 2012, and got back on the 23rd of January 2013.
I have to say it was GREAT not having to do housework nor cook.
Gawd. I hate thinking of what to cook each day! Damn sien man.
This last week, I had to cook both lunch and dinner... I was going a bit crazy already. Can you imagine if I had to worry about lunch and dinner for one whole month? DIE lah...
Okay... to be continued
School: Term 1 begins....
Don't wanna sound like a broken record... but TIME really does fly. Doesn't it??
Anyway, school started yesterday (Thursday, 31st January 2013).
Boys are now going to school at different times!
S1 has been 'promoted' to High School and school starts at 8.10 am.
S2, who's in the Middle School starts at 9.00 am.
So the last two days, I've done two school runs in the morning. Not too bad lah... since school is only 5 minutes away.
What about dismissal?
ALAMAK. Also different times! I can't keep track... and S1 has volunteered to walk home from school.... except for Thursdays. We'll have to fine tune our pick-up/drop-off times in weeks to come, once we have a better idea on everyone's schedules and activities.
So how were the two days at school?
Both of them complained that they didn't like this teacher and that teacher etc etc.
S1 said "I don't like my English or Maths teacher".
Obviously, I asked why.
"Donno how to explain. But my Maths teacher is like YOU"
"What? What do you mean by saying you don't like her...because she is like me?"
You know why?? Because she was STRICT and gave the class homework on the first day.
That sure was mighty good news to this mom!
I like this teacher already!
S1 has to realise that he is now in High School and teachers do expect more responsibilities and more discipline.
Funny how the teachers they like, we don't like.
And the teachers they dislike, we like!
Anyway, school started yesterday (Thursday, 31st January 2013).
Boys are now going to school at different times!
S1 has been 'promoted' to High School and school starts at 8.10 am.
S2, who's in the Middle School starts at 9.00 am.
So the last two days, I've done two school runs in the morning. Not too bad lah... since school is only 5 minutes away.
What about dismissal?
ALAMAK. Also different times! I can't keep track... and S1 has volunteered to walk home from school.... except for Thursdays. We'll have to fine tune our pick-up/drop-off times in weeks to come, once we have a better idea on everyone's schedules and activities.
So how were the two days at school?
Both of them complained that they didn't like this teacher and that teacher etc etc.
S1 said "I don't like my English or Maths teacher".
Obviously, I asked why.
"Donno how to explain. But my Maths teacher is like YOU"
"What? What do you mean by saying you don't like her...because she is like me?"
You know why?? Because she was STRICT and gave the class homework on the first day.
That sure was mighty good news to this mom!
I like this teacher already!
S1 has to realise that he is now in High School and teachers do expect more responsibilities and more discipline.
Funny how the teachers they like, we don't like.
And the teachers they dislike, we like!
Why blogging is important...
So why do you think blogging is important?
Well, for starters, it helps to keep loved ones who are thousands of miles away informed about the going ons in your life.
But more importantly, it is for YOURSELF!
Well, for me. At least.
Especially when I find my memory going ....
I'm still pretty young, mind you!
But then... but then....
Realised that I should really really continue to blog today. And all because of PINEAPPLE TARTS!
Well, you see... we girls were gonna get-together to make pineapple tarts next week. For CNY, of course. And the topic of which recipe to use came up. I remembered using the recipe from Kenwood the last time I made, which yielded quite good results. The thing was... I wasn't sure if I used ALL butter or mix of half butter/half margarine or did I use Crisco?? I absolutely could not remember.
BUT when I googled for pineapple tarts recipe and Kenwood... there it was. My long ago post about Pineapple tarts was in the Search Results.... and what do you know? My post told me that I used ALL Crisco.. and to use half and half the next time!
So.... will try to keep on blogginggggggggggg.
Watch this space!
Well, for starters, it helps to keep loved ones who are thousands of miles away informed about the going ons in your life.
But more importantly, it is for YOURSELF!
Well, for me. At least.
Especially when I find my memory going ....
I'm still pretty young, mind you!
But then... but then....
Realised that I should really really continue to blog today. And all because of PINEAPPLE TARTS!
Well, you see... we girls were gonna get-together to make pineapple tarts next week. For CNY, of course. And the topic of which recipe to use came up. I remembered using the recipe from Kenwood the last time I made, which yielded quite good results. The thing was... I wasn't sure if I used ALL butter or mix of half butter/half margarine or did I use Crisco?? I absolutely could not remember.
BUT when I googled for pineapple tarts recipe and Kenwood... there it was. My long ago post about Pineapple tarts was in the Search Results.... and what do you know? My post told me that I used ALL Crisco.. and to use half and half the next time!
So.... will try to keep on blogginggggggggggg.
Watch this space!
Saturday, November 03, 2012
What to Cook? What to Cook?
Anybody has problems wondering what to cook???
I am struggling each day... wondering what to cook. Some days I cheat lah... as in I just buy ready-marinated meats and just chuck them into the oven. Errrr...like yesterday. S1 was like "mmmm...taste nice. Quite different from your normal style"... not realising that it's because mommy didn't make it. My normal style sooooo not nice meh??
And what are we having today?? Just pork chops marinated in some garlic, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Gonna pan-fry them and serve over rice with some spinach. Donno how this is gonna turn out.
Why do I find cooking such a chore??? I used to enjoy cooking one wor...
So what's cooking in your kitchen???
I am struggling each day... wondering what to cook. Some days I cheat lah... as in I just buy ready-marinated meats and just chuck them into the oven. Errrr...like yesterday. S1 was like "mmmm...taste nice. Quite different from your normal style"... not realising that it's because mommy didn't make it. My normal style sooooo not nice meh??
And what are we having today?? Just pork chops marinated in some garlic, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Gonna pan-fry them and serve over rice with some spinach. Donno how this is gonna turn out.
Why do I find cooking such a chore??? I used to enjoy cooking one wor...
So what's cooking in your kitchen???
Monday, October 22, 2012
Big Changes Down Under....
What would one expect?
Moving from Asia... to a DEVELOPED COUNTRY. Speaking of DEVELOPED COUNTRY, I should change the write-up about "MYSELF". I am no longer living in a developing country, and no longer an expat wife. I'm sure is still a Nomadic Mom... cause we are still living in a rented home, and we WILL be moving sometime or other!
When are we buying a home here? Donno the answer at this point in time. So don't ask. :-)
So the part where we are living in a rented home (like what we have been doing in all our expat relocations) has NO CHANGE.
So what are the big changes?
For one, I NO LONGER have a driver, and I have since become THE DRIVER. I didn't mind this at all.... until soccer started last week ...IN THE EVENINGS! It's the time that I am usually changed in my ugly, loose and comfy pyjamas and plonked in front of the tv kind of time. So you can imagine the 'inconvenience' of having to pop out to drop and pick-up and hour later. What time? Start times ranging from 6.50 to 7.30 depending on days. 3 days of Soccer (split between the 2 boys) and then there's a day of tennis... and now Saturdays with Archery.
Actually, there's the Sunday for S2's Parkour down at Southbank. But I had to draw a line and ask him to drop it. Tooooooooooooooooooo far a drive, plus the $8 parking is off-putting. And I don't know how to kill 2 hours in the city on my own. Once Twice is okay lah... but every week, cannot tahan. Soccer and Tennis is actually quite close by.... to drive, but not close enough to walk laaaa
What about the other main change? NO MAID? Actually, I didn't have a maid back in Jakarta for awhile... Too much problem. How am I coping? Not too bad lah. Boys help out with the dishes after meals, and they will mop and vaccuum in the weekend. Only once in awhile, I will clean their toilets.... I get them to clean their own toilets weekly. S2 was like "EEWWWWWW" when I showed him their urine stains.. and it was quite funny cause the next day when his friend came, he said "please aim properly cause I have to clean it!". Hahahahha...
Not having a maid in Jakarta was not a problem, cause we could still send out our laundry to the "Laundry Kilo-an" - Laundry done by the kilos. They will wash, iron and fold (ironing not perfect but who cares??). Here... I gotta do the laundry and the ironing. Winter has its perks. Everybody wore their jumpers and NO NEED TO IRON! Now, Spring is here, more of those white shirts are seeing the sunlight... and thus have to iron. Bought myself a terrer super-duper steam iron, which actually made ironing easier. I wouldn't say that ironing is pleasurable, but it sure is easier.
What I find really hard about moving Down Under is COOKING EVERYDAY!!!!!! In Jakarta (or anywhere else in Asia for the matter), going out for a meal is soooooooo easy, convenient and cheap. Australia is blardy expensive. H keeps insisting that the noodles are almost same priced as Jakarta, cause you get double the amount. Yes. Portions are bigger, but still expensive. $$ aside, I find the larger portions also a bit troublesome... cause I would then have to ta-pau the other half, and EAT IT THE NEXT DAY. Yerrrrrr... donwan to eat same thing over and over again wor? But I don't wanna waste it either. SO how? And I find I can't eat what I want. Because of the larger portions, S1 will order what he wants, S2 will order what he wants, and I end up with whatever they cannot finish. Damn sien... It's better if H is around, then he becomes the one that eats everybody's leftovers. Hahahahah
Biggest change? Is not having the other half here with me 50% of the time... cause of the business in Jakarta. Is kinda lonely.... especially after I drop the boys to school, and I come back to an empty house. Really need to get a job of whatever to just get out.... otherwise damn sien and bored. And you know what is worse? EATING WHEN BORED!!! I've put on about 4 kgs since I moved here. How not to? The cheeses, the ice-creams, etc etc....
Speaking of jobs... it's not easy.... They stress for 'local experience' blah blah blah. I thought I'll just volunteer for something, but even that seems a bit ma-fan with the hours and days that they want you to commit. No such thing as just go and help out when you are free kind. Know what I mean?
Anyway, See how lah.....
Other than that, I think boys are settling in quite well, and at least I don't have to worry about them. Just somehow ... NO HOMEWORK ONE WORRRRRRRR...
Still so much to update.... maybe tomorrow lah...
Moving from Asia... to a DEVELOPED COUNTRY. Speaking of DEVELOPED COUNTRY, I should change the write-up about "MYSELF". I am no longer living in a developing country, and no longer an expat wife. I'm sure is still a Nomadic Mom... cause we are still living in a rented home, and we WILL be moving sometime or other!
When are we buying a home here? Donno the answer at this point in time. So don't ask. :-)
So the part where we are living in a rented home (like what we have been doing in all our expat relocations) has NO CHANGE.
So what are the big changes?
For one, I NO LONGER have a driver, and I have since become THE DRIVER. I didn't mind this at all.... until soccer started last week ...IN THE EVENINGS! It's the time that I am usually changed in my ugly, loose and comfy pyjamas and plonked in front of the tv kind of time. So you can imagine the 'inconvenience' of having to pop out to drop and pick-up and hour later. What time? Start times ranging from 6.50 to 7.30 depending on days. 3 days of Soccer (split between the 2 boys) and then there's a day of tennis... and now Saturdays with Archery.
Actually, there's the Sunday for S2's Parkour down at Southbank. But I had to draw a line and ask him to drop it. Tooooooooooooooooooo far a drive, plus the $8 parking is off-putting. And I don't know how to kill 2 hours in the city on my own. Once Twice is okay lah... but every week, cannot tahan. Soccer and Tennis is actually quite close by.... to drive, but not close enough to walk laaaa
What about the other main change? NO MAID? Actually, I didn't have a maid back in Jakarta for awhile... Too much problem. How am I coping? Not too bad lah. Boys help out with the dishes after meals, and they will mop and vaccuum in the weekend. Only once in awhile, I will clean their toilets.... I get them to clean their own toilets weekly. S2 was like "EEWWWWWW" when I showed him their urine stains.. and it was quite funny cause the next day when his friend came, he said "please aim properly cause I have to clean it!". Hahahahha...
Not having a maid in Jakarta was not a problem, cause we could still send out our laundry to the "Laundry Kilo-an" - Laundry done by the kilos. They will wash, iron and fold (ironing not perfect but who cares??). Here... I gotta do the laundry and the ironing. Winter has its perks. Everybody wore their jumpers and NO NEED TO IRON! Now, Spring is here, more of those white shirts are seeing the sunlight... and thus have to iron. Bought myself a terrer super-duper steam iron, which actually made ironing easier. I wouldn't say that ironing is pleasurable, but it sure is easier.
What I find really hard about moving Down Under is COOKING EVERYDAY!!!!!! In Jakarta (or anywhere else in Asia for the matter), going out for a meal is soooooooo easy, convenient and cheap. Australia is blardy expensive. H keeps insisting that the noodles are almost same priced as Jakarta, cause you get double the amount. Yes. Portions are bigger, but still expensive. $$ aside, I find the larger portions also a bit troublesome... cause I would then have to ta-pau the other half, and EAT IT THE NEXT DAY. Yerrrrrr... donwan to eat same thing over and over again wor? But I don't wanna waste it either. SO how? And I find I can't eat what I want. Because of the larger portions, S1 will order what he wants, S2 will order what he wants, and I end up with whatever they cannot finish. Damn sien... It's better if H is around, then he becomes the one that eats everybody's leftovers. Hahahahah
Biggest change? Is not having the other half here with me 50% of the time... cause of the business in Jakarta. Is kinda lonely.... especially after I drop the boys to school, and I come back to an empty house. Really need to get a job of whatever to just get out.... otherwise damn sien and bored. And you know what is worse? EATING WHEN BORED!!! I've put on about 4 kgs since I moved here. How not to? The cheeses, the ice-creams, etc etc....
Speaking of jobs... it's not easy.... They stress for 'local experience' blah blah blah. I thought I'll just volunteer for something, but even that seems a bit ma-fan with the hours and days that they want you to commit. No such thing as just go and help out when you are free kind. Know what I mean?
Anyway, See how lah.....
Other than that, I think boys are settling in quite well, and at least I don't have to worry about them. Just somehow ... NO HOMEWORK ONE WORRRRRRRR...
Still so much to update.... maybe tomorrow lah...
"Sau Keok Mann"
What does that mean?
Basically, the direct translation is "Hands Legs Slow" and is what it means... that the hands and legs of an individual has gone slow. I guessed this is a phenomena with everyone that is getting older. I find that in me. Not that I can see or feel that I have slowed down physically... but more of that time just whoooooooooshes past. How else can you explain this other than we have slowed down?
Time is relative... and according to Einstein's Theory of Relativity, Time seems to have 'speeded up' because we have 'slowed down'.
Makes sense, right?
Basically, the direct translation is "Hands Legs Slow" and is what it means... that the hands and legs of an individual has gone slow. I guessed this is a phenomena with everyone that is getting older. I find that in me. Not that I can see or feel that I have slowed down physically... but more of that time just whoooooooooshes past. How else can you explain this other than we have slowed down?
Time is relative... and according to Einstein's Theory of Relativity, Time seems to have 'speeded up' because we have 'slowed down'.
Makes sense, right?
Friday, September 14, 2012
WALIOW! It's been a long time...
Ya man. It's been ages since I update this blog. Not that anyone missed me... except my dad. He's been complaining that he doesn't know what's been happening to his two grandsons... as nobody tells him anything!
So dad. For your benefit... as well as my mind (errr.. I've been forgetting things/events that had happened), I'm gonna update the blog.
Well.... as you already know... Nomadic Mom has relocated to MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA...
Did I give you the long story why we did this? Another time lah...
For now, I just want to write down this (definitely ONLY for my benefit)
- Wed, 12 Sept 2012: Accident @ Toorak Road. Approx 4 PM.
- Thurs, 13 Sept 2012: Car sent to Workshop/ S1's Social at School
- Fri, 14 Sept 2012: House Inspection by Agent/ Pick up car (?)
Okay.. that's about it for the time being!
So dad. For your benefit... as well as my mind (errr.. I've been forgetting things/events that had happened), I'm gonna update the blog.
Well.... as you already know... Nomadic Mom has relocated to MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA...
Did I give you the long story why we did this? Another time lah...
For now, I just want to write down this (definitely ONLY for my benefit)
- Wed, 12 Sept 2012: Accident @ Toorak Road. Approx 4 PM.
- Thurs, 13 Sept 2012: Car sent to Workshop/ S1's Social at School
- Fri, 14 Sept 2012: House Inspection by Agent/ Pick up car (?)
Okay.. that's about it for the time being!
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Transition Mode....
Is this still a rant?
Read and decide.... hehehehe...
My Education Centre was started initially for myself and another partner. It was intended to be a single centre that us two ladies manage.... but somehow, the husbands got involved and suddenly there are plans to go big. And I being one who cannot compartmentalise ... is perpertually stressed about work. Bringing work back home - afterall it is OWN business right?
So work load is one thing...
And then there is the other.... over some silly misunderstanding (actually, not even misunderstanding), my partner decided not to come into work anymore. Basically, she was asking me some questions and I wasn't really forthcoming with my answers as I was busy with some stuff, and she just blew her top, banged the table, screamed at me "you think only you don't want to talk to me? I also don't want to talk to you!" and stormed out of my room. I tell you, I was so shocked by the outburst that I didn't even respond with a retort. You know me.... of course must have last word one!
Anyway, with her not coming in ... I had to be the one managing the day-to-day operations from A to Z including the bookeeping, payroll, HR stuff which she was supposed to be doing. And I have to say that it was taking a toll on me. So stressed and arguing with H almost everyday. I guessed it wasn't just the work load, it was also the emotional aspect of things. Professionally, I could handle my partner just walking off (but still keeping shares), but personally, I felt kinda letdown by a friend. And with me working working working, I have absolutely no social life. I have to say I was a bit depressed. I supposed a bit angry (is this the right word to use) too - or as in Cantonese "mm-tai".... because I own 55% but I do almost 100% of the work - UNPAID work.
Although the time is not right yet, we had to do it... we decided to sell part of the company. Otherwise I think I will go GILA. Singaporeans bought over a % of the company, and they have control now. New CEO is Singaporean.... I still hold a small share of the company. I will still be managing the academic side of things, overseeing the curriculum, the course concepts, our worksheets etc - to ensure that it is to a respectable standard. They have plans to do so many things. I just hope that they know what they are doing....
Am still managing the day-to-day stuff at the moment...(YES. Still unpaid) until they can find someone to replace me. Hope will be soon.
I hate to admit it but I really don't have the stomach to run my own business. I just cannot compartmentalise and cannot leave work at work. I am constantly thinking and worrying about work. Stressed all the time. If I try to take time off and relax. I can't. I'll feel guilty because of the "own business" notion.
Selling part of the company actually was quite timely too..... because..... I am moving to Australia with my boys. H? He will come too ...but travel back here for work.....
More about Down Under in the next post... and why????
Read and decide.... hehehehe...
My Education Centre was started initially for myself and another partner. It was intended to be a single centre that us two ladies manage.... but somehow, the husbands got involved and suddenly there are plans to go big. And I being one who cannot compartmentalise ... is perpertually stressed about work. Bringing work back home - afterall it is OWN business right?
So work load is one thing...
And then there is the other.... over some silly misunderstanding (actually, not even misunderstanding), my partner decided not to come into work anymore. Basically, she was asking me some questions and I wasn't really forthcoming with my answers as I was busy with some stuff, and she just blew her top, banged the table, screamed at me "you think only you don't want to talk to me? I also don't want to talk to you!" and stormed out of my room. I tell you, I was so shocked by the outburst that I didn't even respond with a retort. You know me.... of course must have last word one!
Anyway, with her not coming in ... I had to be the one managing the day-to-day operations from A to Z including the bookeeping, payroll, HR stuff which she was supposed to be doing. And I have to say that it was taking a toll on me. So stressed and arguing with H almost everyday. I guessed it wasn't just the work load, it was also the emotional aspect of things. Professionally, I could handle my partner just walking off (but still keeping shares), but personally, I felt kinda letdown by a friend. And with me working working working, I have absolutely no social life. I have to say I was a bit depressed. I supposed a bit angry (is this the right word to use) too - or as in Cantonese "mm-tai".... because I own 55% but I do almost 100% of the work - UNPAID work.
Although the time is not right yet, we had to do it... we decided to sell part of the company. Otherwise I think I will go GILA. Singaporeans bought over a % of the company, and they have control now. New CEO is Singaporean.... I still hold a small share of the company. I will still be managing the academic side of things, overseeing the curriculum, the course concepts, our worksheets etc - to ensure that it is to a respectable standard. They have plans to do so many things. I just hope that they know what they are doing....
Am still managing the day-to-day stuff at the moment...(YES. Still unpaid) until they can find someone to replace me. Hope will be soon.
I hate to admit it but I really don't have the stomach to run my own business. I just cannot compartmentalise and cannot leave work at work. I am constantly thinking and worrying about work. Stressed all the time. If I try to take time off and relax. I can't. I'll feel guilty because of the "own business" notion.
Selling part of the company actually was quite timely too..... because..... I am moving to Australia with my boys. H? He will come too ...but travel back here for work.....
More about Down Under in the next post... and why????
Many Things has Happened....
Have I calmed down??
Actually, not yet. So many things to rant about.
You all know that I have opened an Education Centre right?
Waa.... getting good staff is damn hard. And sorry to say, there aren't many good and qualified Indonesians. Even if you think they are qualified and can do the job, and may have a different work ethic because they have studied, lived and worked in the US, you are sooooooooooooooo wrong.
We offered a job to this guy who has post-Masters degree from the US. He signed the employment letter. Two days before he was due to start work, H texted him on two occasions. No reply. And on the day that he was supposed to start work, he didn't turn up. H called him and he "kapp" the call. So blardy unprofessional. How hard is it to pick up the phone and tell us to our faces that our offer sucks and he has decided not to join us?
If it is not people like this, it is people who can hardly speak English. Their resumes all very well-written but call them up for interview, they cannot even understand simple English. How to tutor in English.
Speaking of English, a lot of people think that just because they speak English, they can tutor Maths, Physics and Chemistry. Aduh! I even have a MODEL that wrote in for a job. And her list of experiences are catwalk modelling here there everywhere. I was sooooooooooooo tempted to call her in for an interview and ask her to do Integration by Parts as part of our recruitment assessment! Don't they ever read the jobs ad PROPERLY?
That's the rant about staff.....
Actually, not yet. So many things to rant about.
You all know that I have opened an Education Centre right?
Waa.... getting good staff is damn hard. And sorry to say, there aren't many good and qualified Indonesians. Even if you think they are qualified and can do the job, and may have a different work ethic because they have studied, lived and worked in the US, you are sooooooooooooooo wrong.
We offered a job to this guy who has post-Masters degree from the US. He signed the employment letter. Two days before he was due to start work, H texted him on two occasions. No reply. And on the day that he was supposed to start work, he didn't turn up. H called him and he "kapp" the call. So blardy unprofessional. How hard is it to pick up the phone and tell us to our faces that our offer sucks and he has decided not to join us?
If it is not people like this, it is people who can hardly speak English. Their resumes all very well-written but call them up for interview, they cannot even understand simple English. How to tutor in English.
Speaking of English, a lot of people think that just because they speak English, they can tutor Maths, Physics and Chemistry. Aduh! I even have a MODEL that wrote in for a job. And her list of experiences are catwalk modelling here there everywhere. I was sooooooooooooo tempted to call her in for an interview and ask her to do Integration by Parts as part of our recruitment assessment! Don't they ever read the jobs ad PROPERLY?
That's the rant about staff.....
Ranting Awayyyyyyy....
I think this is going to be more of a RANTING blog than anything else. I have tonnes to do but I just feel like screaming. Since I can't do that, I'll just tap tap away on my keyboard! I donno lah. Is it me getting old or what? I feel very "mang chang" with every little bit of thing. Am very "mang chang" with H just this morning. Is it me? Or is it him being an @$$?
And all because of "taking photos". Stoooopid right?
He has misplaced my point-and-shoot and I commented that it's easier to use that to take the photos of the stuff we want to sell (yeah... want to sell a LOT of stuff from our apartment - that's another story). Then he went on yapping about "How hard is it to use your iphone blah blah blah". This went on for about 5 minutes and we were still IN bed.
Then when I got up, washed and changed. I took a photo of the Lazy Chair that we want to sell. Waaaa... so many comments from him about drawing and undrawing curtains blah blah blah. Then he went on about me making big things out of small things.
Easy for him to say. Just lying in bed and telling me what to do. Blardy @$$. Don't you just hate men?????
And all because of "taking photos". Stoooopid right?
He has misplaced my point-and-shoot and I commented that it's easier to use that to take the photos of the stuff we want to sell (yeah... want to sell a LOT of stuff from our apartment - that's another story). Then he went on yapping about "How hard is it to use your iphone blah blah blah". This went on for about 5 minutes and we were still IN bed.
Then when I got up, washed and changed. I took a photo of the Lazy Chair that we want to sell. Waaaa... so many comments from him about drawing and undrawing curtains blah blah blah. Then he went on about me making big things out of small things.
Easy for him to say. Just lying in bed and telling me what to do. Blardy @$$. Don't you just hate men?????
Wednesday, February 01, 2012
Resurrection
Waaaaaa... Ages since I updated my blog. You guys must be wondering if NomadicMom is still alive. Well, she was gone for awhile but has now been resurrected!
Where shall I begin. To much has happened since my update. Really don't know where to start. How about the fun stuff first? Like I am off to Bangkok this weekend. Nope. No husband. No children. Just little ole me. Meeting Sis No.2 there. She will be flying in from Singapore...
Other current updates... Boys' grandpa is here for a visit. Initially was a babysitting trip because we thought that H had to travel, and with my maid going off for a week and me going to work, we needed an adult at home to be with S2. Out little fella had acute appendicitis which had to be removed on CNY's eve. Talk about timing!!!!
Blog more soon!!!!
Monday, October 10, 2011
Anniversary Run?
Been so busy... till I don't even know what is my name. Okay. Okay.. That is an exaggeration. But I think tomorrow may be our 'official' anniversary. Yup. We have two anniveries to mark our union. The 'official' one at the Registry of Marriages and the 'Chinese custom' one. Why I said tomorrow MAY be the day because I also don't know. Yikes! How bad can one's memory get? Perhaps it is too late to send out Anniversary Invitations to mark the special day. It is our 15th Anniversary after-all. Guess we'll have to wait for the 20th or 25th anniversary then.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Been Neglecting my Blog....
Boy! Have I been neglecting my blog. Been soooooooooooooo busy with the Centre.
In fact, I should NOT be here trying to blog.
Everything is KELAM-KABUT. Even kids also KELAM-KABUT.
Complaints from teacher and detention and all.
Have I been neglecting them as well?
Not trying to defend myself... though I have been busy working, I have been home when boys come back from school... and I'll go with my usual "how is school, what homework do you have, any problems etc ". Short of me taking their books out and holding their hand to write or type, what am I supposed to do ah? Been getting complaints that they have not been doing their homework. I sit here next to them every night in the Study area summore. Must PHYSICALLY CHECK that each piece of homework is done?
They are so big liow .... and still need that? I donno lah..
Anyway, they are both being punished by the father...
In fact, I should NOT be here trying to blog.
Everything is KELAM-KABUT. Even kids also KELAM-KABUT.
Complaints from teacher and detention and all.
Have I been neglecting them as well?
Not trying to defend myself... though I have been busy working, I have been home when boys come back from school... and I'll go with my usual "how is school, what homework do you have, any problems etc ". Short of me taking their books out and holding their hand to write or type, what am I supposed to do ah? Been getting complaints that they have not been doing their homework. I sit here next to them every night in the Study area summore. Must PHYSICALLY CHECK that each piece of homework is done?
They are so big liow .... and still need that? I donno lah..
Anyway, they are both being punished by the father...
Thursday, September 15, 2011
New Maid...
Continued from here....
We did have pork quesadillas, pork omelet, fried bacon, pasta carbonara with pork bacon the last few days. Had to test her out - whether she would handle the pork or not. I guessed she passed.
When I came home yesterday, she had already made the boys' teatime snack as requested by the boys. Maggi mee for S1 and fried bacon for S2. And in the evening, told her to make the pasta and the carbonara sauce with bacon. She did understand my instruction of al dente. I didn't use al dente, of course. I had to use my finger and thumb to try to illustrate the 'bite' on the pasta. Yes. The pasta WAS al dente.
After dinner, I asked if she wanted to continue to work... and she was like blah blah blah..menyenangkan. Aiyo. I where understand. Told her to just say YES or NO. And she said YES. I clarified with my partner this morning - apparently it's supposed to mean "working here is nice". I thought she meant "easy".
Today, bought some foods from the supermarkets - chicken, salmon steak and broccoli. Gave her instructions to deep-fry the chicken, pan-fry the salmon steak (to medium done) and stir-fry the broccoli. And the dishes did turn out okay.... except fried chicken not salty enough. The salmon steak was done just right - NOT hard like rock. The sauce was okay. The broccoli was still nice and crisp. Not lam-pek-pek like how most maids would cook it. So overall, no complaints.
She said she can make Thai Pomelo salad one wor.... Will get her to make one of these days.
Okay lah. Got to go pack my bags for tomorrow....
We did have pork quesadillas, pork omelet, fried bacon, pasta carbonara with pork bacon the last few days. Had to test her out - whether she would handle the pork or not. I guessed she passed.
When I came home yesterday, she had already made the boys' teatime snack as requested by the boys. Maggi mee for S1 and fried bacon for S2. And in the evening, told her to make the pasta and the carbonara sauce with bacon. She did understand my instruction of al dente. I didn't use al dente, of course. I had to use my finger and thumb to try to illustrate the 'bite' on the pasta. Yes. The pasta WAS al dente.
After dinner, I asked if she wanted to continue to work... and she was like blah blah blah..menyenangkan. Aiyo. I where understand. Told her to just say YES or NO. And she said YES. I clarified with my partner this morning - apparently it's supposed to mean "working here is nice". I thought she meant "easy".
Today, bought some foods from the supermarkets - chicken, salmon steak and broccoli. Gave her instructions to deep-fry the chicken, pan-fry the salmon steak (to medium done) and stir-fry the broccoli. And the dishes did turn out okay.... except fried chicken not salty enough. The salmon steak was done just right - NOT hard like rock. The sauce was okay. The broccoli was still nice and crisp. Not lam-pek-pek like how most maids would cook it. So overall, no complaints.
She said she can make Thai Pomelo salad one wor.... Will get her to make one of these days.
Okay lah. Got to go pack my bags for tomorrow....
PARTY! PARTY!
Yup! Yup! Yup! I am flying back home to KUL tomorrow to celebrate my 40th with my sisters. Okay. Okay. Technically, my birthday is not till next week.... but my school is having a REUNION and 40th Birthday Dinner for the Class of '88 on Saturday. I was err-ing and ahh-ing for a while before deciding to go home. Afterall, how often does one turn 40?
My dinner (PARTY??) tomorrow with my sisters .... the colour theme is BLACK and RED. I saw a dress at GUCCI's window display last week.... and it IS a gorgeous dress. Decided to go in today to ask about the price... just to kepoh. Of course I knew I wouldn't buy it.
Guess how much the dress was....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
USD 2,200/-!
And you know what? Because I was gonna do some banking .... I did have THAT amount of money in cash in my handbag. My friend kept joking "Eh! you got money in your handbag what. One for you and one for me!". (Yes. People do carry cash around here cause a lot of cash transactions as opposed to other methods ....)
In case you are wondering... am ditching the three boys here on their own. H kept asking the boys "where shall we go to have OUR party whilst your mom is away? Bali?"
The boys were like choi-huei-ter-sor, then he said "you all want to just stay at home and play games is it??". Well... that's exactly it. They just want to veg-out at home without mommy here to ngam-ngam-chamm-chamm.
My dinner (PARTY??) tomorrow with my sisters .... the colour theme is BLACK and RED. I saw a dress at GUCCI's window display last week.... and it IS a gorgeous dress. Decided to go in today to ask about the price... just to kepoh. Of course I knew I wouldn't buy it.
Guess how much the dress was....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
USD 2,200/-!
And you know what? Because I was gonna do some banking .... I did have THAT amount of money in cash in my handbag. My friend kept joking "Eh! you got money in your handbag what. One for you and one for me!". (Yes. People do carry cash around here cause a lot of cash transactions as opposed to other methods ....)
In case you are wondering... am ditching the three boys here on their own. H kept asking the boys "where shall we go to have OUR party whilst your mom is away? Bali?"
The boys were like choi-huei-ter-sor, then he said "you all want to just stay at home and play games is it??". Well... that's exactly it. They just want to veg-out at home without mommy here to ngam-ngam-chamm-chamm.
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