The Seminar

Taking a break(from daddy's seminar preparation), I went for a cuppa with Janice whilst waiting for Renee's class to end. We had a nice chat and a good(or rather not so good? lolz)time reminiscing the tough 1st year of caring for our kids. Both Jerome and Renee had quite a bit of similiarities then, like - not drinking milk, etc and that let us understand what the other had gone through in our motherhood better, :D.

Reaching home, daddy again, told me last minute that we have to leave home earlier(as he needed to get a jacket since what he has aren't really suitable/comfortable) for the seminar and I had to rush to get Renee to eat her lunch(which luckily, I managed pack her favourite beehoon from Kovan), showered and her dinner cooked/packed after I did some quick work for him(he continued on later).

Today seems to be my lucky day? I've really loved a pair of sandals by Pazzion but the skin of the open sole peeled and I had no choice but to let it go. I've tried looking for another pair of the same design since and just when I wasn't really looking(I just walked into the shop whilst waiting for daddy to return frm the loo) and there it was, sitting on the shelf, on 30% discount and they've got the last pair in my size!

The seminar, being our(or rather daddy's co.'s) first, can be considered a pretty good success and we hope we'll get even better sign-up responses from the next/future's, but that would also mean a higher commitment in the office-front(hopefully in the positive way)...

Renee was really looking forward to going to her aunty pc's home and when we picked her up later at night(it was quite late, after 10:30pm), she told us that she's had a good time there, :D.

Active Community

I'm not sure about the other parts of the town or even other towns, but the contractor engaged to care for the environment of the cluster of our blocks here has been pretty good(but upon comparison, it seems like we are also paying a slightly higher fee). Since the time we've moved in to our flat, we'll be greeted by friendly cleaners in the morning whilst they're doing their work, the elevators are cleaned early in the morning, etc etc. Regular checks/upgrade on the plantation, road/pavement/carpark.

Today, I've got an inspector from NEA coming here to check on the breeding of mosquitoes in our flats(2nd time, so far) as the weather has been changing from scotching hot to rainy conditions. I took the opportunity to raise up my concern that as we're surrounded by alot of palm trees, I'm more fearful of the mozzie breeding in them, rather than our homes, lolz. He suggested that I bring this matter up with the town council(which I really hope I'll have time or even remember to do so) but he has jotted down my concern in his reports.

What about your side?

Our New Car Plates!

Today, many months after we've got the bid on the 2 digits vehicle numbers (SJH and SJK), daddy has finally decided to put the number plates up(his was put up yesterday).

So, for those whom can recognise our 'old' numbers, don't be alarm and no, we've not changed our cars yet, lolz.

The 'extra' role of a Mommy/Wife

The role of a mommy/wife doesn't end at the homefront if your husband is in his own business, especially when he engages your help(well, without pay that is, lolz).

Since his Co.'s first advertisement, I've been attending to some of the work(and I'm not even given the opportunity to continue with my own work! arrrggghhh) in the midst of caring for Renee which include prepare/cook her meals, shower/clean her, violin practice coaching, etc etc. And this morning, after I've sent Renee to school, we have to rush and get some stuffs for tomorrow's use.

Tomorrow's gonna be very busy...

Change of Teachers

From my earlier posts, some of you would have gathered that there's a change of Renee's class teachers(both) and since Janice'd be in school early today, I decided to join her(I of cos went there a little later than her indicated time and true enough, she was late, lolz).

Being there early, I managed to speak abit more to Poh Suang, the administrator about the teachers' departure(Zhou laoshi had already left and joined a childcare centre - actually I find her caring values suitable for ccc, e children in that ccc will benefit) whilst Janice went to speak to Mrs Ong directly when she arrived later(well, nothing's much revealed except that she'd be joining a PCF kindergarten). Actually, it's not entirely a bad thing for a change of teachers(unless your child has problem adapting or the replacement teachers are no good) but of course, it cannot be too often especially for younger children. How so? Ok, I hadn't been able to watch on how the new teacher(looks abit like a native Chinese) conduct her sessions but today, given that the school has relaxed abit on the 'parents to wait outside' rule, both Janice and I had a good glimpse. I was pretty happy with the richer expressions she's had on her face when she got the students up to narrate/answer something and also, she went into the 'chu chu train' activity with the children which I found, brought 'life' to the classroom. Her livelier way, reminded me of the native Chinese teachers at GUG, and they really drew on the attention of the children - better absorption when the kids are attentive/keen.

So, now the last hope we could have would be that :
1) the new English teacher is a good one(passionate about her job/children) and speaks well

2) If the new teachers are good, they won't be leaving so soon

Haiz, the woes of today's concerning mommies/parents....

A Good Thing

We have a little more time today(either no other students or at a later time), so with a little chat here & there with the teacher in between/end of lesson made available, I gained more information again.

For one whom had not thought so, I now begin to truly agree that to play a violin is indeed not an easy task as emphasised by her teacher(whom plays 2 instruments and many a few others in the various music schools). Today's lesson simply strengthen its saying and I'm not sure how I'll be able to guide her at home when it gets too hard for me(since i'm not the one learning so I don't practice like her), lolz. What makes it worse is that the smaller the violin, the tougher it is for one to avoid bowing onto other strings every now and then. One slight 'missed' spot would give u a different pitch. It is definitely not easy, what with the high/low pitch, long/short bow, fast/slow bow, up/down bow, long/short notes, vibrato, etc etc besides the usual 'string notes'(these are merely what I've found out so far, am sure there're alot more).

Ok now, for the main concern - I've told Ms Mok about Renee's 'problem' with pressing on the correct position of the 'B' note when playing from 'E' to 'D'+'C'+'B'(together) notes in the Twinkle song and so, I was surprised to hear her telling Renee "good" when Renee swiftly shifted the finger right back on position(without losing a 'beat') whilst playing(usual test play after its first lesson).

I withheld my surprise and waited til Renee's finished the whole song before I informed Ms Mok that Renee started this finger shifting yesterday, after I've asked her to try and find a way to correct herself(since my ways din work for her - like asking her to place her thumb higher like most kids, etc). Her answer caught me off-guard. I had thought that she'd surely say ya, it's not proper and she has to try and place all 3 fingers correctly but instead, she told me that it's inevitable for beginners to have this problem and that Renee's 'solution' is actually good(well, I guess for the time being rite?).

Whilst talking, Ms Mok commented that Renee's bowing had improved quite a bit and one reason for the above problem is that she's nervous(hmmm, she did seem to play better when she first started on this song, til she tried to better herself) and thus, tend to grip the violin too hard when she play '3 fingers' note. But overall, after having heard her played the song, she complimented that Renee's doing pretty well, after just 1 week. I shall however, not go onto details on how she found it so, especially her last comment when we were about to leave, heee(this is just for records' sake, so I can remind myself about her progress).

On the topic of the instrument, although one knew that the quality of a violin and even its bow affects one's playing but she still doesn't encourage buying an expensive one for young children change their set very very fast. Citing herself as an example, she had started on a full size one and she's already changed 5 already. But I guess I might take this matter with her again when it's time for Renee to change her current one(to see what's the best alternative for an ok but not too ex one).

A Good Girl?

Renee has been a relatively good girl today(with lesser nonsense/demands/tanthrums, from her) and that just makes her extra looovable! Simply love her loads when she's at her best, :D.

And finally, after trying to find an alternative in vain, to sort out her finger pressing on the 'B' note(that makes her song out of tune) yesterday, I gave up and told her to figure it out herself. Today, she seemed to have found an alternative during her practice! Though not exactly the proper way I'd say but it's a good start for 'problem solving', wouldn't you say? heee. As for the 'problem', I'll have to take it up with her violin teacher the next lesson(hope I won't forget, heee).

At school, the children's favourite Mdm Chew(Zhou laoshi) had left and Renee had missed the chance to bid her farewell since her last day was last week when Renee had not attended school, :(. And today, I received a note informing us that the English teacher, Mrs Ong also, would be leaving on the 27th Feb and Mrs Chua, the VP, will be taking over the lessons for the time being. Oh man!...

A Lost Bag...

From the numerous times I've got her her happy meals at McDonald's, there's this plastic box with a 'handle' in the shape of a strawberry that she loooved soooo much and would bring it along with her(she uses it as her handbag, lolz) almost whenever we brought her out. For the many times she's brought it out, she had heeded my warning of not losing it but unfortunately, she lost it today...

She was sad but dare not make any noise as both daddy and I had told her not to bring it along.

Amidst all the toys she's gotten from McDonald's, this was the 2nd 'toy' which she had loved dearly and also, lost(both, with me even trying to contact Mcdonald on the earlier one)...

A Nervous Tune

When Renee's first started playing her 1st song, she was reluctant about her practice, as being a perfectionist(as per her teachers and PD), she didn't like the occasional 'out of tune' she'd produced, especially when she had to change from no 'finger pressing' to full 3 fingers pressing notes(there'd be an extra beat pause when she did so, but now, after 2 days of practices, she's better, less than 1 beat).

Actually, she was surprisingly not bad on the song last Friday and I guess that was why she was more confident and had even surprised me by saying that she'd like to play for her ahmah and everyone today. However, not sure if it's due to her being nervous, she didn't do very well during her practice today and her confidence's dampened. Thus the refusal to play when we got to my mom's, hahaha. After some coaxing, I took out her violin and she automatically began to play but with the 'har' look on. Knowing that she's still a young kid, they were all very supportive and still applauded when she's finished the song(with many notes out of tune, hahaha). She had been very nervous(alot more nervous than when she 1st performed it for her papa), so I asked her to stay calm and play it again. Arh, this time round, it was better, though not as good as during her practices, but it was good enough - Uncle EH said "oh this time better" and with that, she 'closed shop' immediately, hahaha.

New Blanket, again?

Not sure if it was me whom had passed my stomach upset virus to Renee 'cos she's been complaining of tummyache for the past 2 days. So I decided to bring her back to the physician for something to soothe her tummy before it worsens.

On our way back from Hougang Mall(to get more hairbands for Renee), I've got an urgent call on my mobile and I realised that I've put it on soft mode the whole time and had almost missed the call to confirm an advertisement placing for daddy(work) tomorrow! The deadline's 5pm and with that call, I had only less than 15mins to rush home to review and confirm the amended layout.
Good thing I've got a good representative and when she called me back 10mins later as I've requested, she relented to wait for another 5 mins when I told her that I've already reached our home carpark. So, phew, managed to get it done on time!

The lady selling patchwork/country style stuffs is back at Hougang Mall and I saw a blanket which I couldn't resist. This particular one even came with a matching pillow case and at a 'reduced' price of S$30, it cost even cheaper than the 'super sized towel' which we've gotten from Ikea for Renee to use as blanket! :

Though the towel's got nice top & bottom borders, it still is uncomparable to this blanket set (which is of good quality too) - quilt like but minus the filling, hee

Daddy should be on his way home now from his golf(if he's on time that is, as u can see, it's only 1/2 an hr to 10 0' clock) and too bad, I've decided to skip the jog today(it's not planned for today anyway) as I don't wanna miss my favourite tv serial 'The Ghost Whisperer' which will be broadcasted at 10pm, heeeee.

'Yang Ngor' Renee watching youtube whilst waiting for her daddy :

Home Workout?

Renee was so tired from waking up early + her refusal to nap before lunch, that she went to nap when her daddy came back from his golf for a nap.

Daddy had inconsiderably not come home by 10pm(the time I go jogging 'cos dun wanna jog alone too late) and I was about to give up on the latter of my Mon & Thurs jogging plan, that I thought perhaps, I could just try a little jogging around the home! Renee asked skeptically where I was going when she saw me putting on the socks(ya, as if I'll leave her alone at home, haha) and tried to follow suit when she realised what I was about to do. I of cos did not allow her to, since she's just had her milk, :).

It did seem comical at first - a woman jogging around the home and so I kept the area small, really small - to that only around our bed, hahahahaha. Hey, it's still a work out ok and it 'worked'! I've kept on the small jog for about 20mins and when I was cooling down with a little stretching, I can feel my heartbeat increased and was perspiring, yeah, heee.

*shhh, don't tell daddy about this as he'll take advantage(i think he doesn't really read our blog nowadays)...

Artwork Display

Renee must have felt bored for not going to school since Tues and although I've brought her out, I guess it's still different as she has her friends in the school(she even dreamt of them the past 2 days...). So, despite having already done some paintwork this afternoon, she still requested for some sticker scene artwork whilst waiting for daddy to come home. Remembering the sand artwork which CH had given her earlier, I took them out for her:

Performances

Ever since I've started searching for a music school/violin teacher for Renee, I've been looking at videos on youtube of people(young and old) playing their instruments, mainly, the violin.

I remember an ex-colleague whom used to play with the Singapore Orchestra had told me that it is every musician's dream to play with an orchestra and to go on Solo in one(not recital) proves you're really good.

Not sure how far(or even how long, for that matter, lolz) will Renee go but I hope she'll achieve her goal if she's really keen.

Just a couple of videos to share :

'The 12 yr old prodigy'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tw0Ua7TRi6c

Renee and mommy's 'favourite boy'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZJcH1I9x8k (a recital? but he plays well, at that age)

Recently, I've also found this young violinist's videos of which some I believe are pretty useful and I hope by the time(if Renee would pursue that far) Renee 'needs' them, they'd be just as available, like this one :

'Vibrato'

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLTDCW5Rv8o

This is the instrument I like(it seems tooooo big for the little boy but he still played so well), heee.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ul-s3_pYtoM&feature=related

Her 1st Song!

Today, on her 9th lesson, Renee begins on her 1st song!

Judging from her keen practices, despite her 'protests'(she'll actually even take the violin out and place the music book stand in place -which are normally done by me :>), one can tell that she was indeed looking forward to this day. Even Ms Mok asked : "she's been practicing more this week?"('cos she'll normally 'test' her on what she's learnt before beginning the next), this is how obvious, hahaha but nevertheless, a good thing, :D.

Although she feared its difficulty and claimed that she can't do it, she still end up doing a pretty good job on 'first day'.

When daddy was back, I asked if she'd like to show him that she's now able to play the song and she said "no" but the next minute, I saw her taking the violin case and music book & stand out to the hall! hahaha. She played the whole piece all by herself and when daddy applauded, U should really see how glad she was though she was subtle about it, :). This makes me feel alot better and all the 'torment' I've gone through during the practices(esp. the theory part) worthwhile, hahaha.

During lesson, I took the opportunity to clarify with Ms Mok on the sound that our violin makes and I'm wondering if it was the quality or was it due to Renee's bowing. First she said "what to expect with a violin at this price" - luckily, it was her who told us to get this one, hahaha, then whilst playing a piece with it, she said it is indeed the violin's quality. Phew, that kinda set my mind at ease a little(although I still should not lax on Renee's practice on her bowing).

Daddy had inconsiderately arranged an early golf game again tomorrow(really told him off this time , hopefully he'll rem next time, haiz) and it's a good thing that we're not letting Renee resume school yet(Janice told me that there are altogether 4 kids, including both of ours whom are not attending school, probably due to this same 'avoidance' reason 'cos so far no further new cases report, *crossing fingers*), I could at least let her follow me to the market and have an early nap thereafter. Else, I will not want her to wake up so much earlier on a school day...

No School Day

On daddy's instructions, Renee skipped school today and I brought her to the physician for a follow-up in the afternoon. I was quite worried at first as it's been a while since I've driven to that place on my own and thank goodness, it had been smooth journeys to and fro, :D.

She wasn't grouchy when we got to the physician's and for being a good girl, she was rewarded a trip to her favourite mall(as requested earlier in the morning) - Compass Point, hahahahaha! We were having a snack at Mac's when I suddenly craved for ice-cream and Renee eyes lit up the moment I suggested having one. She's really well rewarded today(even though I'm the one who ate up >90% of the ice-cream, hehehe).

Itchy handed me went to cut off the 2nd strap of my Crocs sandals(which I placed in my car for days when I wear slightly higher wedge shoes) for ease of wearing but it turned out to be rather 'un-wearable' as it'd became too loose. Good thing I've got a new pair(kids' size Scutes and Renee asked me to get her a pair too when she saw me took it out recently) before the CNY and could use it now.

And oh ya, my legs are aching bad now! It still wasn't that bad earlier this evening and I thought to continue my jog if the ache didn't get much worser...good thing I didn't, 'cos it did, :( hahaha.

Work Out II

Oh boy, I am already aching ALL OVER now and I'm so NOT looking forward to the real ache that usually kicks in 24hrs following an 'first-time/over sooo long' exercise.

Daddy hadn't counted on my seriousness to go jogging on my own and he had remarked earlier(when he saw my tee hanging on his pants rack) : "u're serious ar", hahaha.

When the clock ticked nearer to 10pm(the time which I've set to go for the jog), Renee said : "mommy, please don't go exercise, I'll miss you. can you go tomorrow?" hahaha, so funny.

Daddy asked if I was really going to jog and then suggested that I should go climb up and down the stairs instead. He said that that's sure to cause me real ache tomorrow. Halo, who wants the ache? I only want a work out!

However, I still took on his suggestion and after a little warm-up, I began my ascend but couldn't take it after I got to the 12th storey and I had to climb down, wobbily, hahaha.

I took a walk around the cluster of blocks here and jogged for at least half a circle round before I started to feel the wobbiness of my legs again, :D. Then I decided it's time to stop and do a little bit of cool-down stretching. Many people were playing at the open court next to the pavilion near my block, so I went over to the playground instead.

After a little stretching out in the cool breeze, I was still perspiring when I got home(which was only slightly more than 20mins later, heee). Daddy said that I should have listened to him and stucked to just the stairs climbing, when I told him that I felt giddy and a little nausea. He said that I've done too much for a start but I'm not the type who would push myself over the limit. In fact, as I try to recall now, it seems that I used to feel this way when I first started our jogs years ago...

Anyway, I'm feeling better now, after my shower and less guilty feeling of having snacked on 'coke and chips', lolz.

Work Out?

With the recent rapid weight gain and constantly feeling lethargic, I guess it's really time to call for a fitness regime - for weight management and most importantly, health maintenance!

Upon checking with a fitness studio which I used to frequent when I was doing aerobics(for >4 years) and although I was happy for a while to learn that they've had their normal monthly packages back but disappointment still entailed me when I tried to route into 'my timing'. Actually, they now have quite a few time slots that I could take up but that would require abit of help from daddy whom had hinted rather strongly that I could not depend on his schedule. So, there goes my short span of happiness, :(.

Remembering how I used to jog around our neighbourhood with daddy before I was pregnant with Renee, I decided to give it another try. However, noting that it's gonna be less motivating doing it alone this time round, I went to get myself this pair of cross-training shoes and a sports bra, so that I would not back out, kekeke. No matter how short the exercise it's gonna be, I hope(really really really hope...) I will be able to stick to it! Ganbatte ne!

Artwork Display

After her practice today, Renee wanted to play with her Playdoh set again and looking for alternatives for her, I recalled the booklets of craftwork which her aunty Lili had got for her sometime ago.

These are the finished artwork(well, with me helping 80%, hahaha) - The Seasons Animal Calendar, with each 'season' indicated by the box behind each frame:

HMFD again?

I was on the way to pick Renee up from school when I got a phone call from Jerome's mommy, Janice that her husband's got an email from the school that they've got 1 case of HFMD and what's most concerning is that, the affected child attended lessons from the same classroom as Renee's class!

Now that I've just retrieved my emails, I noted that the school had sent the bulk emails at around 11am this morning. Geez, if only they had phoned me, I may decide not to bring Renee over.

A quick check with the VP + adminstrator when I got to the school and was told that last Thursday was actually the last day of the affected child(not sure if they meant last day of schooling with Kinderland or otherwise, it didn't occur to me then to clarify on this), from the morning session and if I got the info correct, according to the parent who phoned the school this morning, the symptoms have shown on Friday. Aiyoh, why did he/she only phoned to inform the school on late Monday morning then! Rather irresponsible lor, haiz...

Daddy said not to let Renee go back to school for the next few days, just for 'extra' precaution's sake, even though the school will not close the affected classroom if there's only 1 case(they will only do so when there're 2 cases reported).

'Comfort' play...

In order to soothe Renee's sadness for being tricked last night, I had adhered to her request to play with her Playdoh set today.

So this morning, although we had both woken up late, we managed to find time after her practice for her to enjoy a little dough making before we go out when daddy's back from his golf :

Renee asked me to take photos of her 'work', hahaha

Bullied?

Today's the Valentine's Day and it's also Renee's cousin(daddy's side), Xuan Le mei mei's birthday. We had always thought that XL is only about 2 weeks younger but with this birthdate clarification, we all realised that she's actually >3 weeks younger than Renee(yet she's taller, hahaha).

Renee has been looking forward to this celebration/gathering and had been asking me almost everyday if it's already Saturday, hahaha. At their home, we had steam boat dinner instead of the usual buffet spread and some of the gifts were opened even before the cake cutting session, :D. 1 of the gifts, was a clay ice-cream making set and the children, including the 2 older male cousins, all hid inside 1 of the rooms to play with it.

A while later, Min Ni came down and informed me that Renee's crying and on my way up to check on her, I saw her already climbing down the stairs to look for me... Upon query, she said it's because XL mei mei(whom likes to and always claimed that she's a jie jie, :>) and Yu jie jie had not let her join in the 'play' 'cos they both claimed to be jie jies and the game is for older children, kekeke. Seconds later, Min Ni brought her back up...

Another while later, Renee came down looking super angry and on the verge of breaking into tears, she said that her 'ice-cream' went missing. I went up with her this time and Min Min made her another. However, her small happiness didn't last and minutes later, she came down crying with anger again. This time round, 'dua mmm' offered to go up and make her another but it was without the pink dough and realising that there aren't any pink dough anymore, she cried silently...

Ye Ye(grandpa) asked her : "why are you always being bullied?", hahaha. On the way home, I told daddy about this comment and that Renee seems to be too soft, even at school. She does assert herself at times but I noticed that most of the times, she's the one who 'let go' of what she had wanted or taken possessession of. Daddy said that it's not a bad thing and we shouldn't see it as being 'bullied' - holding on to something too strongly and being too assertive is hardly a very good characteristic...

Later we learnt from her(on our way home) that actually, the 2 older boys had tricked her : "I don't want to play with the boys anymore. They asked me to look somewhere and suddenly my ice-cream is gone!", I was actually amused by the narrated scenario but was also surprised that Renee knows how to use the word 'suddenly' though daddy said that she had knew it long ago(oh man, how can I not know it when I'm her main caregiver?).

It's so much easier for me now that Renee's self-taught herself on how to write, I can pass this 'writing' job to her hahaha

Can u see Renee with the saxophone? lol

Anyway, for those whom are concerned, need not worry, it's just part and parcel of growing up, we'll try our best to guide her on the correct values of life on the way... and Yes, she still had a good time there, :D. This time round, she stucked to Yu jie jie(a half-japanese and local girl, whom had only recently 'opened' up to the group of cousins despite having met up a few times) and even told her to 'choto matte' after calling out to her a few times to wait up, lolz.

A Valentine's Day Gift

Since it's the Valentine's day tomorrow, it naturally became the 'theme' of the day for literally all schools and at Kinderland serangoon, some children were performing 'LOVE' songs from Hi5/Barney/etc, during the assembly. At the end of the day, the children were given this - I called it the Valentine's Stick lolz... which she gave to me just now and said : "mommy, I love you", awww.... Then she went on : "Mrs Ong and Ms Quek said - if you love someone or like someone, you have to give this to the person. So mommy, I give this to you"(daddy hadn't heard nor saw her act, not sure if it was on purpose, hahaha). Oh, ain't that sweet? I totally relished on this especially when this piece of memory is gonna be sooo precious if she began to 'drift away' when she grows up....

Where're my stars?

The slack in practice has caused Renee's 'stars' collection to become scarce and finally noticing it, she began to ask for her stars now since we are also resuming her practice routine, :D.

She managed to collect her 5th star today and for the 'exchange', she surprised me by choosing 'paintwork' for the reward! Needless to say, as a mommy, I was very pleased with her 'choice' but it was already pretty late then, so I told her to get a candy instead and I'll let her do the paintwork tomorrow. Today, although she has forgotten about the latter, I remembered and she's been a good girl - eating her lunch fast and oh ya, let me digress abit here, I've let her tried my beehoon breakfast last week and she had lovvved it! So, I've requested Eileen to buy it again today(marketing day) and I've kept it for her lunch and also, since just steam up some cai sim, the beehoon and baked the luncheon meat(which she had said 'yucky' to in the past, hahaha) for her afternoon meal.

With her finishing her lunch early and not so much fuss on her practice(maybe cos on the route to her very first song soon) - though initially, she wasn't quite willing to bow on what she's learnt yesterday as it's getting more difficult but she heard its results as she practiced and didn't even notice that I've not really been counting the number of times she's bowed the 'bars' of tunes lolz. That actually helped smoothen the practice and so, with more time spared, I brought the paintwork out for her to dabble with...

Shoes, shoes and more shoes!

After collecting the items from recent sprees(part), I realised that I've been buying and buying shoes for Renee! Geez, minus those that I've taken out for her to wear currently, she still has 6 or 7 pairs of NEW shoes(awaiting to be worn or rather, for her feet to grow, hahaha)! Oh no, I must really stop buying shoes for her...

From the few times I/we've brought Renee to the pools/waterplays, it did seem cold for her to be dressed in the sexy halter neck swimsuit and I've been looking for an alternative since. However, what I've found here were mostly not nice and some are even quite costly. So, when I saw this online, I quickly placed an order. It's the pink with hearts print set you see below - a sun protector swimsuit(UPF 40), heeeee.

The undies came abit 'too late' though, cos I've already bought 2 x 3pcs set earlier and this pair even arrived in the wrong size(I've ordered XS(4) but they arrived in XXS(2-3))! The organiser claimed that she's ordered the correct size(well...) and I'm sure it's gonna cost more to return it, so might just have to forget about it or see if Renee can still wear them :< (meantime, I guess I'll just hv to wait awhile for the organiser to revert with the merchant's reply...).

Music

They're to bring the percussion set to school every Wednesday for their extra music curriculum and with Ms Mok switching her violin lesson to this day too, it seems like Wednesdays have now become a 'music day', :D.

Yuan Xiao Jie

Today's Yuan Xiao Jie and although it marks the end of celebration of the CNY, it doesn't make any difference to the day itself - I was again not, only Renee's but also daddy's chauffer today, ferrying him to and fro the workshop(he's getting his car's 'spring' changed for a much better drive).

Renee had came back from school last Friday, coughing with phlegm and as my gastric isn't that well, I thought we might as well get ourselves checked by the chinese physician today. A change of plan and we went straight home instead, after picking Renee up/visiting the Buddhist Temple. Daddy was supposed to meet a client for dinner but it was last minute postponed til tomorrow, so he's able to have dinner with us, hurray - since it is Yuan Xiao Jie, :D.

At the physician's, myself was given 2 types of prescriptions and since I wanted to take them the 'original' way - herbs brewing(instead of them in powder form) for better 'healing' effect, we decided to buy this - I call it 'the BREWER', heeee. This should make life or should I say, brewing chinese herbs alot easier. All we have to do is to simply put in the herbs, fill up with the indicated amount of water, switch it ON, wait for a couple of hours and voila - the 'remedy' is ready, with a beeper informing you too. No need for the constant checks on the brewing 'status' anymore!:

The smaller 'pot' is for brewing/double-boiling tonics

Renee seems to be very 'heaty' and her body's very warm, like fever's attacking anytime, so apart from the bottle of mixture, the physician prescribed 2 bottles

of this, to cool/detox her body

I've forgotten to inform the physician that Renee's complained of tummyache for a few hours on Sunday morning(she was ok a while after I've applied 'ru yi' oil on her tummy) but he hadn't detect anything wrong with her tummy, so I guess it could be due to the 'heatiness' as it'd done so once before(will monitor anyway).

*It's funny how heatiness can cause so much discomfort/problem to one's body and although the western medicine does not entirely agree, they however can't explain how one's ailment/symptoms dissipate after the chinese medication. From personal experiences, we've found out that chinese medications are actually more effective in many areas....(A few areas I can strongly name offhand now are - our digestive system, women's menstral symptoms and 'heatiness')

Last weekend of the CNY

Renee's put on her magnetic stud earrings and showed to her aunts eagerly when we arrived at Elsie's yesterday. However, the left side's kept dropping when she was playing and I finally removed both sides' for her despite her protests when one of the 'back piece' got lost the 2nd time. She hadn't asked to wear them or even the other clip-on pair since, :D.

Before we headed to Elsie's yesterday, I had thought thatwe could have the blanket(which I've asked Li to purchase on my behalf earlier) exchanged at Ikea for a bigger sized one but due to the rush(by daddy), we had to forego and went straight to her home. But we managed to get it exchanged today, :) and just when we were about done with the payment, Li text us to go over to her place for yet another session of mahjong, hahaha.

Inspired by something I saw from a magazine at Li's, I set to work on it the minute we got home and now we have a new look in our wardrobe/bedroom(very slight though, in terms of look but workwise, not so hahaha).

This CNY had been indeed been pretty 'gatherings-ful', :D.

Soapy

Noticed Renee hasn't been able to pump out the disinfectant hand soap from the dispenser I've placed in the 'common toilet' and an easier to pump container would be too bulky(not much easier either anyway), so I decided to get the automatic soap dispenser which I've seen many months ago at a store. However, the product's OOS when we went to the store yesterday! Haiz, so much for procrastinating...

Today, after school, I brought Renee to CP and remembering the dispenser, I tried another store and found it there! - the last 3 pieces even. At this store, there're also other brands of automated dispenser available which are more costly and could hold a bigger quantity but for the time being, this one's fine for us. The one that I've got comes with a chime option rather enticing for children although I think our Renee wouldn't need further encouragement since she loves to 'pump for soap', hahaha but it would be useful for me to monitor if she's been soaping and soaping, :D.

Went to get more hairclips and in search of 'clip-on' earrings for Renee(she's been requesting for it since she saw her friend Vanessa brought hers to sch), I bought another 'drop' earrings for myself. The salesgirl recommended me to Montip for Renee's and I managed to get 2 pairs for her!

Artwork(drawing) Display

Last night, whilst waiting for daddy after Renee's tucked to bed, I was watching the TV when I sighted one of Renee's notebooks stood open on the rack underneath the television. On closer look, I saw this drawing of hers and when I asked her to explain her drawing just now, she said that the circle(on the left) is a photo frame and on the right, she drew birds(can u see the 2 on the top corner?) and there's mommy and renee riding on a shark! lolz:

The school's art class has commenced its first lesson yesterday but Renee did not attend as I've decided to 'wait and see' for the time being. Besides, she's only just started her violin lessons and I do not wish to 'crowd' her with too many other 'extra' activities, given that she's already complaining of having not enough time to play with her toys already, hahaha.

*Ms Mok has 'cancelled' today's lesson(ya, again) as her dog wasn't feeling well. Although this time round, it is due to something unforeseen(2nd time actually), I took the opportunity to 'speak'(via sms) to her. She offered to change the usual day to Wed as I've requested before but now, I'm on 2nd thoughts, in case I might let Renee join the school's art class. Awaiting for her reply...

My intuition, my stud!

Another lesson learnt today for not listening to/taking action on my intuition!

I've been having this feeling that I might 'lose' 1 of my earrings(a diamond stud, which is a part of my wedding gift/dowry from mom) for a week now and something kept nudging at me to take it off even though I've tighten the stoppers. However, the latter action did not stop me from losing it... in the shower just now. Searched every corner of the toilet but still failed to find it - guess it must have gone down into the deep drain... :***(

I supposed that gives me an excuse to get a new pair, hahaha, Nah... I'll just have to find out if it's worthwhile to get another 1 pc from the jeweller first, :(.

Daddy's girl

With the recent break from her practices during the CNY, Renee became lazier and although her practices are getting shorter and shorter, she's still complaining of being tired - due to the constant shifting of her standing and violin holding position. Also, I guess the pressing of the strings are hurtful for beginners esp. on young and tender skin/fingers... That's also why I'm allowing shorter practices although the more she bow, the better she gets.

She's also very good in using the 'cry' method to gain her 'escape' from, errmm I duno, literally everything I guess hahaha and she really cry hor - the big tears type! Just this afternoon, I was revising the notes recognition with her(just a few only ok) and she started to whine... in order not to be too affected by her whining, I turned to my stuffs and told her to 'think' about it and tell me which note was it. Then, she began to cry and said she has to phone her daddy(oh yes, she's been dialling her daddy's mobile no. all by herself lately) and cried : "papa, you have to come back now. mommy dun want to teach me anymore. I cannot tell her what she ask me. you have to come back now to shiork shiork(sayang) me" hahaha. *I have to keep my back to her so she can't see me laughing, hahaha*

Paintwork, here I come!

Hahaha, ya, this is what Renee said when I finally took the painting stuffs out for her to dabble on just now.

She has to collect 2 more stars from her violin practices to exchange for her candy and today, she did 2x practices(well, for that, I also shortened the already shortened practice, hee. Actually, if it gets too long, kids can't focus and will get sick of it) to complete the '5' and to my surprise, she willingly trade it for paint work! Here's her enjoying it :

She even helped me to clear up the stuffs when done, :D(if she will continue with the good work?, I duno hahaha):

Geez, another hot day today... wonder how much hotter the weather's gonna be a few months later..

Weather's changing...

It's a good thing that I've cut Renee's hair short as the sun was burning hot today! Even I have to clip my hair up before I went back to pick her up(can't cut leh, cos just did soft rebond, it'd be such a waste of $, so I have to 'tahan', hahaha).

Renee's finally received a 'star' of her 'key change' bowing today, after a super long break and without much practice last week(only let her resume her practice couple of days ago, heee). Ms Mok commented that she's actually pretty good and learns fast, except that she's lazy on her theory and I'm to buck her up on that area... oh no, more blood vomitting for me!

Daddy's 'resumed work' today and he's left home early this morning. He's fogotten that Renee would be having her violin make-up lesson and called to say : "har, you are out ar" and when I told him that we'd be back soon when the lesson ends 1/2 hr later he said : "aiya, so early still, thought of asking you to pack dinner" - it's obvious that he moves around the home blindly, else he would have known that I'd be preparing dinner when he saw soup boiling in the slow cooker, haiz.

Both of them are now taking a nap, so that gave me a little more time to prepare the ingredients for a couple more dishes, :D.

Renee's been waking up late since the CNY, despite being back to routine when school after the CNY holidays - guess she must be tired from the late nights/mornings(except Fri when we allow her a late nite again as my family was here). I must wake her up earlier tomorrow...