Grow old with you...

A friend of mine is thinking of proposing to his girlfriend soon. When asked how he knew she was The One, he replied simply, 'I can see myself growing old with her.'

You know, I can't imagine Dee and myself old? But I envision we'd be 2 cranky old fogeys wriggling our dentures, adjusting our bi-focals, waving our walking sticks & 'tut-tutting' at teenagers making out on the MRT.

I think I'd still love holding his old wrinkly hand then. Or straining to count the black strands of hair (if any!) from his receding locks of silver and greys...

It sure is a nice thought, growing old with someone you love.

Danielle & the Proud Pita...

Actually, the 'smug' one's Danielle, not the pita. Kekeke.

Every Fri, Lochinvar runs a cooking session for the little tots. Part of the curriculum to teach the children about diff kinds of food and healthy eating. So after school today, Danielle proudly showed off her 'creation' - pita stuffed with lettuce and cheese.

Even though all the ingredients are ready made, I couldn't help swelling up with pride? She stuffed her own pita! Now isn't that something? :)










* I knew that pita didn't stand a chance. She admired him lovingly for a couple of minutes, then chomp, chomp, munch! And he was gone...

:P

Down Hysteria Lane...

Latest update on what I now term 'Danielle's School Blues'.

She's taken to whimpering whenever we go out, thinking I'm packing her off to school. No worse, she starts crying when I'm changing her out of her clothes! Her waterworks only stop when she realises we're heading in a different direction, or when we go past, not turn into, the road leading to her 'perdition'.

Yes, it seems her 'topo' skills are in top form. Papa will be most proud...*roll eyes*

Today, the minute our buggy swung round the bend into Oldridge Road, she started howling piteously. The teacher had to literally 'peel' her away from me...

You know those tear-jerking movies that show lovers being (cruelly) separated? Or action flicks where some 'calla fare' (which language gave birth to this word? Cantonese? How the heck do you spell it?) hangs precariously off a cliff/building trying desperately to grasp onto something, anything??! Well today, I felt as though one such scene was being played infront of me.

My daughter, the proteganist, frantically tries to cling onto her 'saviour' (played by none other than yours truly). Despite her best efforts, she manages to only 'brush fingertips' with me before she's viciously consumed by the flames of 'Nursery Hell'!!!

So much for my bit of 'drama'. Let's see how the plot unravels next week. Hopefully, with a happier ending? *Fingers crossed*

Bringing up Daughter Jekyll and Monster Hyde

The 'Terrible 2s' has got to be one of the most 'trying' times in a parent's life! No, wait a minute, I think teenage years might be far worse. Another shaky bridge to cross intrepidly when I inevitably get there! Adoi! (or "Santa Maria!" with a* slap on head*. A frequently-used exclamation by Brazilian actors on those awful soaps they used to screen on Ch 8! Gag!)

There are many facets to Danielle these days. On good days, she's all sugar & spice and yada-yada-yada, is suuuuper manjah, a complete angel. On bad, she stomps around like a mini Godzilla (my poor neighbours downstairs), throwing toys around when she doesn't get her way, mimicks 'I don't like it!' (I say that too often to her methinks) and pouts. And her pièce de résistance? She hurls herself on the floor and pretends to cry (well, I choose to believe it's 'put on' anywayz! Hmph!).

Scary eh? You haven't heard the end of it yet. This is one little cookie who certainly knows how to work her way to your heart, push ALL the right buttons, and charm the pants off you.

Example:
She tears up my magazines (thank goodness they are FOC!) or scribbles on them. Then upon seeing dark clouds loom above me, quickly runs to my side and in her most cutesy voice says, 'Shhh-orry Mummy!'.

Some days lagi manjah, she'll say 'sorry' then either hug me (with a 'pat-pat' on the back coz she knows how that makes Dee & me go weak in the knees!) or hold my hand. When I'm at the end of my tether, she widens those huge eyes in 'mock ignorance', flashes her brightest smile, or breaks into an infectious laughter that makes it hard for me to stay chafed at her.

Little conniver!!! *shake head*

But one thing's for sure, she definitely takes after me in being 'manjah'. At meal times, she leads me to a designated spot with 'Mummy, sit here' then promptly brings the 'cat pillow' (present from Cin and EeLin) and asks me to put it behind my back to 'relax'. For no rhyme or reason, she'll take my right hand and kiss the burn mark on it to make it 'feel better'. She takes out my red Nikes for me when we're going 'gai gai'. When I take a 'bite' from her oh-so-chubby right arm, she proffers me her left. Before she sleeps & we're lying side by side, we'll go through our ‘roll-call’ repeating, 'Mummy!, 'yes, Danielle?', 'Mummy!', 'yes, Danielle?', till one of us finally drops off to Zzz-land...

Geez... feeling all warm & fuzzy writing all this down.

Hang on, did I say she was a monster just now? Hmmm.... :)

Pandora's Box of Memories

In Greek mythology, Pandora (meaning 'all gifts') was created by the Greek gods to be 'a poisoned gift for man'. She was given several traits/gifts by different gods but the most significant one, and what she's famed for, was a 'pithos' (or storage jar) given to her by either Hermes or Zeus.

Until then, mankind had lived a life in a paradise without worry. Epimetheus told Pandora never to open the jar she had received. However, Pandora's curiosity got the better of her and she opened it, releasing all the misfortunes of mankind - plague, sorrow, poverty, crime, despair, greed, vice, old age, sickness, insanity, spite, passion (why this is a misfortune evades me?), and famine.
- adapted from Wikipedia

In the same way Pandora had a box which held in all of Life's misfortunes, I believe we should all have our own locked-up box of memories. Why? Because there are memories that are better off stored away, un-visited, and hopefully, forgotten through time.

Why do I write this? I don't know...just felt like it I guess. It's something that's been occupying my mind since the weekend. Or perhaps a certain blog entry I read was the trigger...

Memories are, for lack of a better word, paradoxical? Some make us feel on top of the world - put the BIGGEST smiles on our faces, make us laugh out loud in public as if deranged, or heave a HUGE sigh of relief when we recall that much-loved tune. Others bring us down to the doldrums - make us shed a tear, contrition or regret, pensive and lost.

Sad memories are a persistant ache that never seems to go away.

For me, I'd like to think I can obliterate my unhappy memories. Banish them to the far corners of my mind where I'd like them to remain. I've had mistakes I cannot mend, regrets I cannot make up for, people I don't want to cross paths with, ever. Such regretful and repugnant bygone days are enough for me to wish myself amnesia, just so I can forget.

But for some, sad memories are retained so they'll never forget those they've lost along the way - the ones they've loved, but lost.

Being a sentimental person myself, I recognize the need to cling onto such memories. Keeping the memory alive is like telling yourself the person never left. That he or she is still around, is beside you, holding your hand, telling you they love you. It seems almost ironical, but I guess sad memories can be happy as well? For the mere memory of all the things you ever did with that one so cherished, is certainly bittersweet.

For in that one, brief moment, it seems like they're there with you, and yet no longer...

Whilst I empathise with the need to retain certain sad memories, I think 'a step back' needs to be taken to see whether such memories stymie our ability to move on and lead happy, fulfilled lives. If certain memories are impeding the way you lead your life, perhaps putting such thoughts in cold storage might do you good once in awhile?

Surely, it would be a graver mistake to live your life in the past, and never venture out to conquer the future?

Perhaps memories are like merry-go-round(s), they can go on and on (if we want them to)... but just as we choose when to hop on, we should know when to hop off. We shouldn't let memories bring us around in endless circles. For it's one thing to recollect sad memories, it's another to brood incessantly till one day, you begin to relish dwelling in them.

Now, what would I do if placed in such a situation? Being so emotion-driven, I wonder whether I'd choose to stay on or hop off that gloomy merry-go-round of memories I'd have undoubtedly put myself on? Knowing me, I'd probably have amassed the most depressive of memories to ensure multiple rides down a dismal memory lane! I shudder at the thought of the damage I'd inflict on my life - living it like there's no tomorrow. It would be such a sad, hopeless existence...

Pardon the ramblings of this rather reflective woman. It's probaby brought on by continuous rain and a cold night.

As much as I have tried to pyschoanalyse, I'm no Sigmund Freud here. I guess what I want to say is one does hold the key to one's own future. No, I stand corrected - God holds the key to our future. But He doesn't influence free will. He cannot influence if we choose to lose ourselves in our own memories and misery. But because He is a God of Grace, He promises hope for the future. And that is something worth thinking about.

It's an uneasy decision that requires some soul-searching perhaps. But ask yourself whether it's time to lock up certain memories in your Pandora's Box and maybe, throw away the key?

'The Godmother'

(Play music. Theme from 'The Godfather')

I am proud to announce that as of ToDaY, I am officially a 'GODMOTHER'!!! (echoes...)

After 9 good months of waiting... My godson, Ethan CHU Kai Xin has finally arrived! (notice 'caps' & 'bolding' on the word 'My'? Hands off you vultures! I saw him first! Bleh! Kekeke)

Quick Stats:
Born: 10th October 2006, or 10/10/06 (v. gd, easy to remember)
Weight: 3.03kg
Length: 49cm
Time of birth: 6:42pm
Head circumference: 32.5 cm

Congrats to Mich and Brian! Proud new parents but soon-to-be sleep-deprived zombies??!! *evil laughter*

Welcome to the world, little one. Godma wishes I was there to hold you...(& now you may rise and kiss my right hand. Hehehehe)

My sleeping 'Fairy'...

No, I wasn't kidding when I said she sleeps with her 'magic wand'.

Probably thinking up little spells in her dreams now... sleep tight, baby.

A Kitchen Revived!

This gorgeous pot of flowers (including white pot from Oxfam) is a gift from the newly-weds - Andrew and Meiling Lane. So far only 2 buds have bloomed. Even then, they sure do brighten my 'trips' to the kitchen! :)

Had the Lanes over for 'Thai-styled' dinner on Fri (6 Oct). I think Andy almost 'choked' at the spiciness of my tom yum goong! (in fact I think he did? His perspiration could fill a reservoir!) They enjoyed the yum woon sen tho'. So relieved that the food turned out ok! Was worried someone would start foaming at the mouth or go into spasms. Hmmm... but it seems every time I have people over, I cook Thai??? Well, at least that's been tried and tested!

Meiling brought a 'hay bi hiam' mince pork dish and introduced us to the most delicious chocolate mousse dessert from Waitrose. Yums!

In the meantime, there are a total of 8 buds on the plant so I've got 6 more blooms to go! Sweet!

* Managed to snag me some tiny snow-skin mooncakes from Reuben! Ori brought them over specifically for moi! Finished them all at one go last night! Am 'belly' happy now...Buuuurrrp.

楓

A little 'mood' music to suitably usher me into Autumn? Maaaan, I think I deserve a little indulgence in 華文歌! Am feeling deprived!? (Shuddup you naysayers! You know who you are! Bleh!)

楓 - 周杰倫

乌云在我们心里搁下一块阴影
我聆听沉寂已久的心情
清晰透明
就像美麗的風景
總在回憶裡才看的清

被傷透的心能不能夠繼續愛我
我用力牽起沒溫度的雙手
過往溫柔已經被時間上鎖
只剩揮散不去的難過

緩緩飄落的楓葉像思念
我點燃燭火溫暖歲末的秋天
極光掠奪天邊
北風掠過想妳的容顏
我把愛燒成了落葉
卻換不回熟悉的那張臉

緩緩飄落的楓葉像思念
為何挽回要趕在冬天來之前
愛妳穿越時間
兩行來自秋末的眼淚
讓愛滲透了地面
我要的只是妳在我身邊

在山腰間飄逸的紅雨
隨著北風凋零
我輕輕搖曳風鈴
想喚醒被遺棄的愛情
雪花已鋪滿了地
深怕窗外楓葉已結成冰

I absolutely love this song. Geez, can anyone download more chinese music for me? *Colossal Hint* Yes, indeed I have no shame. Kekeke

Thank you for the Music

Wanted to add in something on my experience at Hampton Court, but on a very different note. Something closer to my heart...

Before I walked the grounds , I swung by the Palace Shop to browse a little whilst waiting for Dee to visit the Gents. As I walked up & down the aisles, glazing over shelf after shelf of palace memorabilia, was struck by the soft strains of music that suddenly filled the shop. As the music played on, I recognized the tune. It was Bizet's 'The Pearl Fishers' (or 'Au Fond du Temple Saint'), one of the most famous and beautiful operatic duets ever written for a tenor and baritone.

Listening to that oh-so-familiar opera piece filled me with indescribable nostalgia. I kept getting goosebumps with each undulating note. Why? Other than the fact that the music is so well composed, it also reminds me of my Dad. In fact, the very reason why I can identify this song is because of him. Through my growing up years, my dad intentionally or perhaps unintentionally, introduced my siblings and me to a wide gamut of music - from classical to country, pop oldies to musicals, choir singing and of course, opera. Without his influence, I wouldn't know Pucinni from Pachelbel, Tony Davies from Tony Bennett. I'd probably think Hadyn and Handel were one in the same person. So in a way, I thank God I am 'born into' such knowledge...

Anyway, back to 'The Pearl Fishers'. For those who haven't yet heard this beautiful operatic piece, do yourselves a favour - give it a go. Am sure like me, you'd fall in love not only with its dulcet tones, but the perfectly-blended baritone-tenor duet.

With this entry, I'd like to pay special tribute to my Dad...

Dad, thank you for introducing us to 'your' world of the greats - Mozart, Mario Lanza, Jim Reeves, and even contemporaries like Hayley Westenra, Michael Crawford etc. I think we sometimes take it for granted - this knowledge of music; this appreciation for songs that's been ingrained since young. Altho we are not music aficionados in the way you are, thank you for teaching us to appreciate music. For because of this, you've made our lives so much richer.

As I listen to 'The Pearl Fishers' over and over on my comp, memories of days where we sat on the sofa at home come to mind. On days where I'd bother to sit with you & enjoy the music you were playing, I'd tell you my personal favs - Nessun Dorma, O Mio Babbino Caro and of course, The Pearl Fishers. And you'd play them for me, even in different versions. Such memories do not come to me just because I am away from you now. They come to me even as I go about meeting the daily demands of life. And these are cherished memories I will hold onto forever.

I hope it made you happy having your daughter sit next to you, quietly appreciating music together.

I know it made me.

I love & miss you, Dad.

A Day Out to Hampton Court Palace

In the 16th century, King Henry VIII became the first royal to inhabit Hampton Court Palace. Whilst there, he lost his heart to many a beautiful lady-in-waiting. Yesterday, we too, lost our hearts within its walls - but to its beauty, its magnificence and splendour.

To merely describe Hampton Court as 'beautiful' seems to underrate it somewhat. To me, the word that comes to mind when I look at these photos again is... breathtaking.

Perhaps it was the nice weather we were having. Everyone was in a buoyant mood & happy to exchange their wintery togs for 'warm-enough' sweaters and cardigans. Thank God for the beautiful weather that aided our visit to the palace!

Hopped onto a surface train non-stop from Clapham Junction to Hampton Court. The former train station is dubbed 'Britain's busiest train station'. Hmmm, not sure how true this is but I guess signs don't lie?...

Arrived at Hampton Court in 30 minutes. Then, it was another 5 min walk to the palace but along the way, crossed a bridge with the most picturesque scenary. Pity our 'lao pok' but nonetheless trusty Canon is not equipped to capture the idyllic scenary as I saw it. And I'm not an adept photographer either... Oh well, here's a peek anyhew...There were geese and ducks swimming in the river.

There are 6 tours to uncover at Hampton Court but shan't bore with the nitty-gritties. Just to say that the time spent there was definitely well worth the while. Dee and I intentionally chose this weekend to visit the palace as every 1st week of the month, there are 'live' food demos on medieval cooking. Hampton Court is famous for its prolific Tudor Kitchen which saw kitchen staff preparing meals for up to 1,200 people on a daily basis! Imagine that!

Having been to the Tower of London, I must say of the two, I prefer this one. The tours at Hampton Court were made all the more interesting with performances by medieval minstrals and costumed characters depicting different personalities from King Henry VIII's court. Got to hear what medieval music could've been like and that was definitely a highlight for me and Danielle. In fact, she enjoyed the music so much, she was rooted to the ground! But I think the best part about visiting such places of interest is that there are audio aids which give excellent commentary that reveal the history, the personalities and the mysteries surrounding the palace.

We spent a good 6 hours at the Palace and still didn't have time to cover everything! Will definitely go back again to cover Worsley's Chambers and the must-see Hampton Court Palace Gardens and Maze.

Thank heavens we bought membership for 'The Historical Palace' Tours! We need it! :)

Mastercard Moments!

If I were ever a copywriter, these would be my version of the captions; taking a cue from Mastercard's 'Priceless' ad concept:

Photo 1:
Cost of stripey long stockings bought by Ah Ma from Korea - 1600 won
Cost of Dee's haircut to 'look this good' in photo - 8 pounds
Cost of cheesy grin on daughter's face when perched up on door, alongside stuffed toys - priceless.

Photo 2:
Cost of honey dew from Sainsbury's - 99p
Cost of stuffed Elmo sitting on dining table - S$9.90
Cost of Danielle feeding self and pretending to 'bua bodoh' as Elmo looks longingly for a bite of the honeydew - priceless.

This is why you know I'll NEVER make a career out of copywriting! But at least you know why I love being a shutterbug and whipping out my camera at any time of day, & everywhere I go! :)

Full-Fledged Fairy Girl?

Danielle received something v special from my sis yesterday- a fairy wand! (an accessory to the pink fairy dress she'd sent earlier, see pix)

Good thing she recently learnt the words 'magic wand' from Cinderalla, borrowed from the library last week. Since opening her present, all she does now is brandish her new wand around the house and 'cast spells' on unsuspecting objects and parents!

Thank you for your lovely gift, chi. You made our little girl v v happy. And to prove just how much she lurrvs it - she even sleeps with it!



Now all she needs to complete the 'look' is learn to fly? Kekeke.

The Power of a Praying Wife

The title of a book I haven't yet read but feel I shd, especially now. Andrew has already purchased a copy for me, I think...?

Been meaning to write something about my hubby-man for awhile now. But undoubtedly, my experiences with Danielle consume my blog more since I spend more waking hours with her, than I do my own husband.

'McDee' has been feeling rather 'defeated' - no, more like 'cheesed off' of late. Work's been getting him down and although we do pray about it together, it's still been 'challenging' at work.

Perhaps he's feeling the stretch from all that travelling. He's been in and out of Bournemouth every week now - clearing work, shovelling out the 'shit'. If he were French, he'd prob say he's up to his ears in merde.

Many a time, he feels helpless because he's been placed in the least ideal of situations - doing the partner's 'pet project'; yet having a partner who is hard, unsympathetic, quick to judge, brutal in his remarks and is careless to his staff. The redeeming part is he is like that to ALL his staff. But this, coupled with the fact that he has inexperienced staff and is new himself, seems as though Dee has landed himself an avalanche of misfortunes.

For the first time here, I saw a v worn man go to work. He didn't see me look out from the window as he made his way to the Tube station, but I saw him - shoulders bent, like the weight of the world was on his shoulders...

It really pains me to see him like this. And I am virtually 'powerless' to help? Told him I feel like he's got the shorter end of the stick by coming here coz he not only has to be the sole bread-winner, he still gets less time with Danielle and his wife (tho' markedly better as compared to Singapore). I, on the other hand, get to experience a somewhat psuedo 'tai-tai' life, spend heaps of time with our daughter and on occasion, get to explore every 'nook and cranny' of our borough! I'm not trying to run down what I do here (since being a stay-at-home mum is no joy ride too), but I can't help but feel guilty that he suffers at work whilst I stay at home and enjoy 'the good life'?

When he shared with me his constraints and frustration at work, I told him I was the last person to be able to dish out good advice. Why? Coz unlike him, I'm easily defeated. He, on the other hand, gripes all he wants but end of day, is one to exhaust even his last breath to finish off a race. And that's something I've always admired about him. He's not a 'quitter'. He doesn't give up without a fight. But even the strongest of soldiers tire out from the strains of war...

The only way I can help alleviate his stress is to be a good and supportive wife - make sure he doesn't need to worry about household matters, ensure he comes back to a chirpy 'welcoming party', warm meals, a cosy house. But my best show of support is to pray unceasingly for him.

As he resumes work in the coming week, please join me in praying for him...

Prayer requests:

• That he remembers to rely on God, trust Him whole-heartedly (God's timing and plans), and be faithful servant
• That he'll be able to articulate his points across clearly to staff and partner (the way we put our points across seem to differ from the English??? Absolutely beyond me!?)
  
• That he'll be able to handle/manage his partner well
  
• That he'll be a good leader to his surbordinates, assistance to his peers
• That he'll be an asset to his team/company
  
• That he remain focused, diligent, unwavering
  

And lastly but most importantly,

• That in all things, he does his best for the glory of God, not for himself.
  

School Progress Report (Day 3)

It rained the WHOLE day today. And to add to the v depressive weather, was almost late in sending Danielle to nursery. She needed to make 'doo-doo' at the last minute! As usual, she went 'undercover' but the minute I heard her straining 'grunts', I gave her marching orders to use her potty. After that, we scrambled like mad out of the door!

Ran all the way, with her in pram to Lochinvar. Poor dear started crying when we reached the gates. She knew exactly what was going to happen next... Left her distraught in the hands of her teacher, Teresa. Then hurried home in the rain, frazzled and upset.

You know, it's kinda bittersweet having your child unwilling to let go of you, or have you out of sight? On the one hand, you want her to be independant. On the other, it feels so darrrrrn good to be wanted, needed?

Don't know how I'll feel when she finally skips to school, and gives that dismissive wave that seems to say, 'it's all right, I don't need you to accompany me. You can go home now, Mummy'.

It's ironical, I know. Blame it on sentimentality. Sigh...

I'm so going to miss these days when being her Mummy... is being her all.

The silly things Mummies do...

Beth told me once that "the sign of a truly 'good' mum is her ability to distract easily". Think on your feet, be creative, innovative...and fast!

Bathtimes are never predictable with Danielle. Some days she's like 'come along mummy!' and happily undresses herself. Other days, I'm short of clobbering her over the head, rendering her unconscious, then dumping her in the bathtub!

And it doesn't just stop there, once I'm able to get the bath going by blowing bubbles, singing silly songs, making even sillier conversations (cooing 'Doesn't this shower gel look like honey?', 'Oh look, Mummy's created a mohawk out of your (shampooed) hair!'), and creating lots & lots of suds, getting her out of the bath is another ordeal altogether. *rolley eyes*

Of late, I've had to dramatise our towel 'wrap up' sessions. I call her towel - 'The Hooded Towel!' (yes, I say it with exclamation mark and all the right theatrics). She's tickled by it and that's been successful in getting her all toweled up & snug under 'da hood'. Phew!

It's a good thing for her I like playing with accents. She has many 'Mummy(s)' to choose from that way. Perhaps it's Rodeo Mummy today, Fish Market Mummy tomorrow? Who knows? Whatever gets her going, I say!

(Hang on, disclaiming first - am NOT saying am a good mum, merely stating that the strive to be creative can sometimes lead mums to come up with zany, OTT quick-fix ideas! So there! Bleh.)

School Progress Report (Day 2) - Parting is such sweet sorrow...

Walked Danielle to school this afternoon.

Today being her 2nd time at nursery*, I wanted to ensure she felt loved & secure before we parted for 2.5 hrs again. Figured a walk would do the trick since walking side by side (& hand in hand) fosters greater interaction as opposed to hollering to the back of her head while she sits in her pram (or 'pushchair' as they term my S$50 el-cheapo foldable here).

As we approached Lochinvar, I gently told her that Mummy would be saying 'byebye' and leaving her in school so she can learn & play with other little kids. I promised to 'be back very soon'. She paused to think, and got the message. Then as though internal alarm bells were going off inside her, she quickly turned her heel, pointed to the opposite direction (away from school) and pleaded, 'Mummy, this way, this way!'!

Sorry kiddo, it's no go this time... or in fact, every time you go to school. You have to learn.

As I bundled her in my arms, she started whimpering. Then when I opened the gate to the school compound, big tears starting welling in her eyes and rolling down her cheeks. Short of wailing, she clung to me for dear life as I struggled to loosen myself from her grasp. Apologetically, I 'warned' the teachers at school that she'd be a handful today. And perhaps tomorrow, and perhaps, even the next day... :(

I wonder how long it'll be before she gets adjusted to school? I cannot begin to express how heart-breaking it is, leaving a disconsolate child. Talk about having your 'parent popularity rating' plummet to an 'all-time low' - that's how I feel with every teary episode. But as my erudite father puts it, 'we have to be cruel, to be kind'. So even though her tears impale me, I MUST remain firm and resolute. Waaah, but heart pain, heart pain...

My sis reckons it could take up to 2 weeks for Danielle to settle in. She says Hui was the same during her time. Although I know Danielle will eventually 'get there', I can't help but wish the process could be less painful - for both of us?

When I went to pick her up, I quietly peered through the door first. Saw Danielle happily getting her fruit ration from one of the teachers. The minute she saw me, she burst straight into tears, again! She scampered to my side and in between sobs, showed me her slice of orange and her new grasshopper sticker. Poor girl must have been overwhelmed by emotion that I came back to 'rescue her'. Teacher says this is a common reaction with all new kids. (Chk out the pix on the right, if you look closely, you can still see a remnant tear from the afore-mentioned 'rescue mission')

My reward for today's 'bravery' (or should I say, ordeal)?

Danielle, Mummy's gonna let you peel eggs again, ok? Feel better already?
:))

* Danielle has sessions on Mon, Thurs and Fri weekly.

The 'Sound' that strikes a chord...

Received our order for 'The Sound of Music' DVD (Sing Along edition) in the mail yesterday! Hurrah!

Although it's a 'Used' copy, methinks it looks pretty darn brand-new! Purchased it off Amazon.co.uk out of sheer desperation as both Dee and I badly wanted to share our love for this musical with the lil' one.

This song, in particular, strikes a chord with me as I often sing it to Danielle to lull her to sleep.

Edelweiss, edelweiss, every morning you greet me

small and white,
clean and bright,
you look happy to meet me
blossom of snow
may you bloom and grow,
bloom and grow forever
edelweiss, edelweiss, bless my home-land forever

It's hard to describe how I feel about sharing this movie with her - probably a mix of nostalgia since it represents my own childhood, and a surge of pride that I am officially opening the world of musicals to my daughter, just as my Dad did, all those years back.

But one thing's for sure, this is one time I don't mind her transfixed to the telly! :)

The 'Misdemeanors' of a thrifty housewife? Perhaps not...

Told trusty old 'Thrift' to 'take a hike!' today. Virtually defenseless to put up a struggle (pauper that he is, heehee), he packed his crummy bag and left my psyche... not without rolling his eyes at me first, of course.

Okok, ignore my weak attempt at prose there - and no, didn't end up splurging all that much really. Just thought I did, seeing the unusual number of receipts stuffed in my wallet.

Treated myself to a plant and a 2nd-hand baking dish today. Been meaning to buy a plant for the longest time. Then, inspired by Meiling's gift of 2 bulbs of spring flowers to me the other day, I decided to get a second flowerpot and another plant to 'liven' the house. Check out my 'Shuang Xi' pot which I picked up from Salvation Army yesterday! It was quite a steal. And don't you think it's ala 'The Life Shop'? The purple African daisies are from Sainsbury's. Apparently, they are good 'indoor' plants so let's hope they survive under my care! *fingers crossed* There are heaps of 'spring flower' bulbs for sale now and I'm sooo tempted to get some daffodils as well. They are simply the prettiest yellow flowers. Andy (Meiling's hubby) says daffodils are the first flowers to bloom in Spring so whenever you see daffodils out in bloom, you'd know Spring is here... :)

Total 'damage' for today:

• 1 pot African Daisies
  
• 1 baking dish from Trinity Hospice Charity (for casseroles and pie-making)
• 2 x stamps for snail mail
• 10 x small pks Trick or Treatin' goodies (Meiling says this pagan festival (Halloween) is V BIG with kiddies here so better be prepared, sekali lao kui)

Danielle saw me fill the supermarket basket with Halloween treats and badgered me into buying these 'Jack O lantern glasses' for her. I must say, she looks quite cute in them! Heeheehee!

Other unrelated news:
Inspired by the burst of sunshine (hooray!) this morning, I brought Danielle out on an 'adventure trip' to nearby Clapham North. All this while, I've been frequenting Balham, Tooting Bec or staying within Clapham South/Clapham Common, so have scarcely been on a real walkabout round Clapham North.











We actually viewed an apartment in Clapham North when we first arrived to the UK. Seeing it again today strengthened my resolve that we made the right choice with our apartment. Take a look (pix above). This could've been the area around the Chan abode. Shudder!

Clapham North is v popular with yuppies because of the large number of trendy restaurants and watering holes that line the thoroughfare. However, it is located close to Brixton, a suburb that's not exactly on the 'right side' of town, if you catch my drift. Incidentally, Mabes used to work at Brixton and whilst it holds true to its reputation, she says it is quite an interesting suburb to visit. Hmmm, maybe I'll give it a go one day... with Dee in tow, of course.

Is it me or is it getting cold in here?

Summer is OFFICIALLY OVER. Yes, it's goodbye sunshine, hello gloom.

Try as I might to delude myself from this, I can't.

The sky starts to grey by 3ish, clothes take FOREVER to dry, & my 3-in-1 Milo swirls even more often in my Andrew Brownsword mug (depleting reserves! But B to the rescue! Hurrah!).

I am bombarded from all angles by headlines shouting - Great Activities for Autumn/Winter, Bring Your Galoshes Out!, Fight the Flu Bug this Winter! Keep Warm with these Hearty Recipes, Autumn Books Must-Reads etc. Even fashionistas have started giving tips on Autumn/Winter 'Must Haves'. Apparently, if I want to look stylo-milo this season, I should don myself in 'parkas' (or anoraks as we term them in Asia), tartans or capacious jackets. Pfffht.

And you think Singaporeans (or should I say STB?) are being our kiasu selves when Christmas decorations are up by end Oct, beginning Nov? Here, the Christmas goodies are out on the shelves by Sept! Talk about lengthening the Christmas season! Hmmm, not a bad thing for a kiasu shopper like me though. I've started to KIV many, many things I see at the shops. Hohoho! :)

I'm certainly not looking forward to the days to come. Grey skies and cold weather make it hard (not to mention depressing) for me to bring Danielle out without freezing my arse off first! I'll just have to bite the bullet and keep up the frequency of our outings, else drive each other completely nuts at home.

The good thing is magazines here do provide mums like me with cool (excuse the pun) tips/ideas on how we can keep kids busy in this gloomy, wet weather. So, armed with the much-needed info, I prepare myself to battle the cold here!

In the meantime, excuse me while I slip into my orh biang thermal undies...

A Letter to My Daughter

My dearest Danielle

Today was your first day at school! The school Mummy chose for you is Lochinvar Pre-School Playhouse down Oldridge Road, not far from our house.

Although today was your BIG DAY, Mummy ended up being more jittery than you! In fact, Mummy was nervous a WHOLE week back! Yes, your Mummy has 'issues' (learn this term, you might use it alot next time! Haha!)

As Mummy put the little hippo bag (containing extra diapers & a change of clothes for your teachers) on your shoulders, it dawned on me that you're REALLY growing up! You know those times when Mummy gets frustrated with you when your having one of your 'moments'? Despite that, I will sorely miss you at this age. You bring alot of joy to Mummy and Papa's lives, you know that?

Papa even took the morning off just to see you to school. You're one lucky girl to have both Mummy and Papa walk you to school today. :)

I think you knew you were going to be 'dropped off' when we walked into the school compound. You clung onto Mummy's legs and were v careful not to let Papa or Mummy out of your sight. Astute little girl, aren't you?

Soon it was time for us to go. We had to leave you there so you can learn to play with other little kids and have fun. We accompanied you for a little while during 'Story Time', but the minute you were not looking, we crept away. We soon heard you howling for us but heart-wrenching though it was, we took great pains resisting going back to comfort you. But it made Papa and Mummy's heart ache to hear you cry...

As Mummy and Papa walked home, we kept thinking how scared you must be, hugging your school bag, and not understanding why we'd left you. Did you think we would not come back for you?

2.5 hrs later, it was time for us to fetch you. We practically ran to the school. Not sure whether the rush was more to 'rescue' you or to 'save' ourselves from all that anxiety! The teacher told us you took quite awhile to settle down and that you cried for a rather long time. :( But when Papa and Mummy went to get you from the play area, we were happy to see you jumping on the trampoline with another little friend. It made us very happy to see you enjoying yourself & having fun.

My favourite moment that day was when you sighted Mummy at the gate. Your whole face lit up & you bounded towards me and leapt into my arms! So manjah! After that, it was all kisses and hugs between us! Later, I asked you whether you enjoyed school and you said, 'Ya'. You also told me you 'ate pizza at school'. That's good!

You must've been exhausted from your first day coz you quickly dozed off as Mummy wheeled you home. As I carried you up the steps to our house, Mummy thought how proud I was that you 'survived' your first day at school. I know you will soon make many friends and have lots of fun!

But even as you grow bigger day by day, I want you to know that you'll always be Mummy's little girl, Mummy's little 'boo-boo'. :)

xxoo

Mummy
2 Oct 2006

The truth about growing up

Tomorrow, Danielle starts her first day at nursery. My little girl is going to school.

I can't help but wish I could preserve her at this age forever...