On Turning 30

I had a few gatherings last month- secondary school friends, poly friends, and that big topic arose-turning 30. Quite a few of them had already reached that milestone, while later ones like myself could buy a little more time before reaching there.

I reached there yesterday (technically 2 days ago). Thanks to technology, i received more birthday greetings than ever before. :) Lest i sound ungrateful, i was very touched when i received each one, appreciating the effort that was taken to send the message. :)

One of them asked how i felt turning older. I thought I'd feel over the hill since the twenties are now officially gone, but even i was surprised by my own answer. I said that i finally feel like i've grown up, that i'm no more a little girl. I am excited about the things that lie ahead of me. There are so many things to be done, so much to see, to accomplish.

i had a rather quiet affair, considering Ben & my birthday is just a day apart. We had a small celebration at home, just the four of us plus lina. Unfortunately, S wasn't too well so we cancelled dinner at Hanabi. Ouch. Although i was really looking forward to it, i really couldn't bear to go seeing S so uncomfortable. I really didn't have the heart or the appetite after seeing him throw his dinner up.

Towards the end of yesterday, I wasn't the most pleasant person to be around with. I was just feeling so down. I haven't been well myself and was so exhausted. In fact, i went to e doctor on thursday coz i felt generally unwell but wo pain, yet when the doctor checked my throat, he said it was very inflammed and that i was also running a fever. I didn't realise i was ill. Only when i found myself slurring in class a few days ago then i realised something wasn't quite right.

i really hope to rest well and be able to wrap up the academic year well plus keep the house in good order. I'm now 30, and it's time for me to take action.

Our Regular Weekends at Great-Granny's Place

contributed and edited by cousin Claire! :)

My Kids

When I see my students, I see directors, majors, businesspeople, salespeople who'll make it big, salespeople who shouldn't be in sales, teachers, accountants, accounts assistants, tai-tais, homemakers, drivers, shop assistants, shop owners, athletes, police officers, unemployeds, people who'll forever be trying to fulfill their dreams.

I speak to people, I hear stories. Stories of how they've exasperated their teachers countlessly. Stories of how much trouble they've gotten themselves into. Stories of how they've overcome themselves and moved to a higher level.

And the biggest problem I see in kids: their self-perception.

When they think they are hopeless, they act up terribly. When they see that they have hope, to never give up trying, they act according to the expectation placed on them. Although they might fall and fail at times, they get up and do't give up trying.

My worry is not for the troublemakers and the kids who often fail. My worry is for those who never make trouble and never fail. For when they taste failure, they might hate its unfamiliar repulsive taste and throw away their whole life - at a late age. Then it might be too late.

I celebrate and comfort when my kids fail. For it makes them stronger. They hate it, of course, but they have learnt to affirm themselves in other ways - ways that are often frowned upon in traditional school settings.

They talk a lot. They'll become great salespeople.

They move about a lot. They'll never stop coming up with ideas to get out of life's occasional rut.

They get into trouble for breaking rules. They'll go against conventional norms and break new ground as they think of things never thought of by those who are well-trained for school.

I love my kids.

My Own Place

I had such an awesome weekend! :) Finally, we managed to spend some quality time together as a family, and more importantly, as a couple. Finally, we managed to heave a sigh of relief as our transitions for this phase of our lives are coming to an end. We've done so much in the last 4 years it's amazing... marriage, in-laws, TWO KIDS, new jobs, bleak finances, studies, studies AND work, church, ministries, etc.

As we sat in the living room appreciating the overall design (of our home) that we came up with together (will post pictures up), I had the familiar sense of my childhood all coming back to me. The wind, the feel, the emotions. It was great to be home once again.

I am no longer displaced.

Shalom and the 28 Piece Puzzle

He's been very intrigued by how his sister assembles the puzzle together. So he's been trying to help. Usually his role is just to pass the next puzzle piece for his sister to place. However, he decided to do it on his own.

His concentration was amazing. His focus was unfaltering.

As I guided him to place each puzzle in their rightful slot, he got more and more excited. We cheered each time as he managed to put every piece in. Finally, he did it. All 28 pieces.



And he posed for this picture too! :)

My Happening Dotter

We went to her best friend's birthday last month and the birthday girl had a performer who did tricks, balloon sculpting and tattoos. Ab, who've never had a tat before, wanted one. Usually little girls would want flowers, sparkles, or anything frilly or pretty. So while she was waiting in line, Eve asked her what tattoo she wanted.

"Lion!"

Eve was surprised. But Ab was very sure. We thought she'd change her mind when it came to her turn.

When she was next, the tattoo-er asked her nicely, "What would you like?"

"Lion!"

So she got her lion.














A close up...


Can you see the lion? :)

Kids say...

I bought a pair of earrings from a colleague's friend yesterday. I showed Abigail when I got home.

Me (showing her the earrings on my ear): Look Abby, Mummy's got new earrings!
Abby (delighted): WoW! That's NICE!

Then out of the blue,
Abby: Auntie uh?

I was absolutely speechless.