Han Jin's Fashion Show 瀚今的化妆舞会

It's my happy off day again. Han Jin's class organised a cultural fashion show cum dressed up party in the morning. Thanks for the batman cloak Wan Yang bought from Australia, Han Jin is in the name of batman today. When I was there, I realised how much thoughts all the parents  had put in. There were Snow White, Batman, Power Ranger, Spider Man, Strawberry Shortcake, all type of fairies, Cowgirl, Witch etc. My Han Jin seemed a bit under dressed. I have to console myself that with the cast, I couldn't buy any costume and cut it in order for him to wear. Han Jin was a bit reluctant at first to walk the show. Sensitive mommy was then worried that whether he felt a bit awkward that his best friend, He Zhang, was in a full set of batman costume. But kids are kids, he turned cheerful very soon, and walked down the aisle with a certain cool look which goes well with the batman character.

Oh, Han Jin insisted to go to school on time though I originally wanted to keep him at home till 10am when the event starts. So after dropping him, we (Mei Mei, auntie Imelda and I) went to Ghim Moh for a little shopping. I found there is actually organic lollipop selling in the Organfarm I used to go for Mei's food. Bought a few and Mei obviously enjoyed it!

On mentioning of auntie Imelda, in relation to the previous entry on who is the boss at home, I finally found out how my kids got the idea that daddy is the boss. It was cultivated by auntie Imelda! One recent day, again, Mei wanted to watch TV and asked me, and auntie Imelda stepped in to say that you should ask daddy as daddy is the boss. I was startled by my maid, as it shouldn't be part of her duty to tell my kids who is the boss. Even if she indeed thinks so, given the submissive female figure in her bringing up society, she shouldn't be in any position to influence my child to ignore my authority. I was quite annoyed and told her off, which I usually wouldn't do. In fact, she is one of the few people that I'd least like to offend as my gal is in her hand the whole day while I am at work. And I do believe if I treat her with respect and care, she would do so in turn. I have always been trying to keep her happy. Do you think I should talk to her again on this matter, or is that too much?

Ok, back to today, Mei had low grade fever and phlegm for past few days. After the show, I brought her to Kinder Clinic at Holland Grove by Dr Ravi, who patiently asked and explained, accommodated Mei's fear of doctor by examining her outside the consultation room, and second time even come out of the clinic. Much appreciated. I would recommend Kinder Clinic, both Dr Ravi at Holland Grove and Dr Gong at Gleneagles are good paediatricians. We were given the medicine, plus backup antibiotics if situation doesn't go well in next 1 or 2 days. Just now, when I put Mei into sleep, she had cough triggered vomit on me... Maybe I will start the antibiotics tomorrow.

After a quick lunch, I went to Aveda Spa at Paragon. My hubby bought a spa package with the then True Spa two years ago, which was taken over by Subtle Senses, which went bankrupt mid last year. It was a 48 session package and we only used 3 times. This Aveda Spa, probably at mediation by some spa association, is so call helping the customers to redeem their unused packages. However, when I was there, I found out I have to top up $300 over, together with my unused value at $2,600, can only redeem 5 facial sessions... And accordingly to the girl, they are high end spa service provider and the facial session indeed cost more than $500 per session even for their own client. Talked to Daddy over the phone, and we decided to bite the bullet and probably just experience the 'high end' beauty industry, as otherwise, the chances of us getting anything back is very slim. I will update you how different a $500 facial is vs a $50 facial.

With a downpour at Orchard Road, my mood is much dampened as well.

Coming back, Mei seemed fine. So we went to Ikea for some quick buy which turned out to be not so quick. Auntie Imelda borrowed over $60 today from me to buy stuff at Ghim Moh and at Ikea. That is over 10% of her salary... Mei tried my sunglasses on the way to fetch Han Jin and I even took a few shot at traffic light. Heehee..

今天我又休假，早上艳阳高照，下午大雨滂沱，傍晚又雨过天晴。心情也大致如此。

瀚今的班上早上开化装舞会，小朋友们穿着各种各样的服饰走台步，有花仙子，白雪公主，小精灵，牛仔女郎，小草莓，咸蛋超人，蝙蝠侠。。。。瀚今是蝙蝠侠造型，不过不够全副武装，前去加油的妹妹也有小兔子造型。

瀚今瀚月

认真走台步的孩子们

去瀚今学校之前，在锦茂逛了逛，居然发现有卖有机棒棒糖的。呵呵，妹妹吃的很开心！好像第二个孩子就没有第一个那么在意不要吃垃圾食物了。。。去了瀚今学校之后，带妹妹去看医生，这几天有些咳，上次的经历吓到我了。。。

下午，去乌节路上百利宫一家美容院。原因是爸爸在妈妈刚生完妹妹时买了一个按摩的配套，一直很忙，48次的配套总共才去了3次，原来的美容院在去年倒闭了，已经做好了什么都拿不回来的准备，看着一脸无辜的爸爸，也只能无声胜有声了。。。可能是因为所谓美容协会的调停，一些业内美容院出来用相应的服务抵消，刚接到电话时挺开心的，毕竟好像会有点补偿。去了之后，也知道不可能拿回45按摩服务，却发现我们要再补多$300多新币，才拿回5次面部护理，加上原来还的钱，一次护理要近600块。据说这是百利宫的消费水平。百利宫像是我2000年还在西安的世纪金花，不知西安城里现在最in的是哪里。。。很沮丧，但是只好接受了，远超过我的消费水平呀！一次$50的护理我很开心，一次$100的我也能接受，这样的价钱真的很浪费！嫌市区的停车费贵，我都是搭巴士去的。。。近3000人民币一次的护理，老妈你别骂我！出来是瓢泼大雨，我偏偏穿了一双花格子的布鞋，踩乌节路的水，郁闷呀！

一路巴士坐回来，只好阿Q一下了。。。我老公说，难不成是给脸上贴金子。就去体验一下吧。就当300块买5次护理吧！

阿Q完了，心情好了，带妹妹去宜家家具城买些东西。妹妹很开心的在每个showroom里走过，坐在推车里。结账的时候，才60多块买了一大堆东西，还有会员咖啡喝，想想那冤枉的600块一次的护理。。唉。。stop，宜家不错，东西时尚，价钱公道，质量一般。。。赶着去接瀚今的路上，太阳又出来了，妹妹很喜欢太阳眼镜，在弄坏了她的和哥哥的之后，就玩我的了。。。

两个蝙蝠侠，妹妹在诊所，妹妹在宜家，妹妹试戴妈妈的眼镜

Wine Appreciation 红酒品鉴会

As a volunteer of the local RC, I was arrowed as the chairman of Youth Chapter, to attract youth of below 35 years, a difficult task and I don't have the time to put my heart and soul at it. But I do enjoy the neighborhoodness that volunteerism brought about, and indeed, it does not require that much of time, as we have a very supportive RC chairman.

This round, we organised a wine appreciation vs local delight event. It was planned to be a rooftop garden event, with moonlight and candles, but due to the weather, we had to hold it in-house. Nevertheless, all the participants enjoyed themselves very much. We had Jeffrey Soh, a renowned figure in local wine industry, to show how to pair fine wine with local food and it was well received. I dressed up, gave the opening speech, though much the credit should go to our chairman, Margaret, and Freddie. I sipped the 5 types of wine, and was a bit high at the end of it..... a well spent evening. My other half and my son joined the event as well, so do my newly-moved-in neighbour, Sally and her husband.

Wine & Food

- Bibby Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with deep fried prawn roll and deep fried crab claw;

- Tosti Asti with Nonya Laksa;

- Bibby Marlborough Pinot Noir with Hainanese Chicken Rice;

- Ca'Moni Merlot with Bun with stewed Pork;

- Drayton's Botrytis with Yam Paste with Coconut Milk and Mini Chocolate Fondue.

我在社区里做义工。少过35岁还愿意做义工的人不多，所以勉强还算年轻的我被冠上这个区青年团的团长。还好做义工是没有太大的压力，没有时间就少去一点了。最近组织的一个活动，就是今天的红酒品鉴会。其实我这个区的义工主席做了很多前期准备。

红酒是我的喜爱。特意装扮，要致开场词。也是第一次用假睫毛。特意放了一个妆前妆后的照片。。。区别蛮大。。。还在四处找美女的同学注意，一定要看看美女卸妆后的样子，不太会化妆的妈妈都能做成这样。。。

品鉴会请来了Jeffrey Soh讲解红酒和食物的搭配。包括怎样评鉴红酒。以下五种红酒：

- Sauvignon Blanc：是一种白葡萄酒。有水果味道，和煎炸食物很搭对。但有一点酸。

- Tosti Asti：有一点甜的白葡萄酒。和辛辣的食物比较配。初喝葡萄酒的人应该会喜欢。

- Pinot Noir：很薄的一种红酒，不太对我的味，比较喜欢厚重，干涩，有回味的。但是据说是百搭，和什么食物都可以。

- Merlot：Merlot 和Shiraz一直是我比较喜欢的类型。与比较油腻的食物配对。只是它自己，也是舌齿间甘醇，苦涩。。。

- Botrytis：第一次喝，是很甜的一种和甜品配对的酒。据说很贵，因为要用更多的葡萄。太甜，居然有蜂蜜的味道。

妈妈讲了开幕词，帮忙倒酒上菜。偷闲喝了每种酒，呵呵。。。

臭美的妈妈，邻居Sally和老公还有爸爸和喝奶的瀚今，开心的参与者。

回到家，喝得有点多的妈妈。爸爸很配合的帮妈妈拍照。。。

A perfect day 完美的一天

It's my off day again. A busy day indeed, I have done quite a number of things today:

- sent Han Jin to school in the morning;
- placed orders for two stocks and got filled. The market is sort of crashed lately, partially due to the mid-east unrest, New Zeland earthquake, and the Budget announced last Sat which reduced personal income tax rate (Hurray!) but raised CFP employer contribution rate and foreign worker levies, giving construction and service sector an increased cost. In this bear market, I took the risk and bought in some stocks. Hopefully, there is associated rewards;
- brought Mei Mei to Gymboree for a trial class of music. She does not like it as much as KinderMusic. I'd think the teacher is not as good as teacher Fuzzy at KinderMusic in terms of engaging kids. So, we did not sign up the membership. Instead, we registered a trial class in KinderMusic and went to Julia Grabiel to enquire the bilingual playclub that Han Jin used to be in. It surprised me that we have to wait for about a year for the time slot of choice. So, in the end, I got another not so ideal time slot for trial on coming Sat.
- went to 3 banks to consolidate my financial position;
- highlight of the day!! I bought a Canon PowerShot S95, recommended by Rachel! Enquired the model that Hu Ping recommended (Sony Nex 5), it costs over 1K and have to change lens according to weather... Gave it a pass as it is a bit over my budget and a lot over my photo-taking skills;
- had a nap with my SKII facial on;
- monitored the market and happy to see both stocks gained marginally, in a down trending market;
- had a one hour conference call with Pune, and happy that one of my projects is making progress;
- fetched Han Jin home and the usual end of day chaos starts....

Here are some photos by Power S95!

今天又休假，我可爱的星期三！做了很多东西，有这样一天不用工作真好！

清晨送瀚今去上学，再三叮嘱老师要先把他和几个非常好动的小朋友分开。回来紧接着送妹妹去Gymboree的音乐试读课，她不是很喜欢，可能地板太硬，老师有点刻板。于是又去了KinderMusic，解释我们近两个月没有去的原因，下周去试听一下。又去了JuliaGabriel学前发展中心，我想要的时间居然要等近一年，最后只好先在另外一个时段试听一下。瀚今之前很喜欢JuliaGabriel的双语游戏课程，希望妹妹也会喜欢。有点担心小家伙的华语呀！

回到家已经到了中午，吃完饭，去DrLow的诊所拿去皮肤专科的介绍信，去了三家银行。重点介绍：买了向往好几天的照相机 Canon PowerShot S95. 对效果挺满意的，清晰很多，不用闪光灯也比较清晰，虽然还达不到理想中有明显景深的效果，可是便携式的只能这样了。

回到家已经要三点了，匆匆看了看股市动态。最近市场有点熊，中东不稳定，新西兰地震，刚宣布的国家年度计划又出台一些利于个人，不利公司的措施。迎风进了点货，有些怕怕。喝了早上泡的凉茶，敷上面膜，小小美容觉：）

醒来和妹妹玩一下子。参加了一个项目的会议电话，有进展：）一个小时后，再去接瀚今，接着一天例行的忙碌的晚上。孩子睡了，和老公分享了一下新照相机和对市场的看法，再分析了一下股市，觉得还可以再冒点风险。。但是怕现金流通有问题。。

觉得今天过得很充实！我要的所有的快乐因素都有了：和孩子比较充裕的时间相处；和老公有沟通的时间；做一点点工作还有满意的进展；花点钱；投点资；小小宠一下自己；看看Facebook，blogspot, 和QQ上的朋友。只是还应该给妈妈打个电话。这就是完美的一天了！

为大家带来Canon Powershot 的照片！好像放上blog, 跟卡片机的效果差别不是太大。。。5555。。。

相逢若是初见时，不见花开花谢

最近把blogspot转去QQ空间，被加入了几个QQ群，找到了些个许久不联系的朋友。。。这是我十七岁时卫校毕业的照片，找得到我吗？

人生若只如初见，何事秋风悲画扇。等闲变却故人心，却道故人心易变!
骊山语罢清宵半，泪雨零铃终不怨。何如薄幸锦衣郎，比翼连枝当日愿!

再update一下我初中时的照片。

Who is the boss at home? 皓俊5岁生日

In a traditional Chinese family, the father is the authority head who supports the family solely and has the final say of everything. In a current Chinese family, the wife is usually the one who is in control, evidenced by the numerous controls that some of my friends in China have over the financial and domestic matters as well as the tight control over the husband. It might be prompted by the insecurity of married women in this ever changing, ever tempting society. In an ideal world, I fancy a strike of balance that both parties contribute ideas, discuss issues and concur solutions. I have been whining to my friends in the past few days that I have given up too much decision making power to the other half. I might be the financial minister of the family, who runs all the admin matters, produces monthly P&L, does research on the options, presents proposals, and be scuritinised of the proposals by the prime minister. Actually, I wanted my kids to have the impression that Daddy is the king, however, not to their knowledge, mummy is the empreress behind the vail. :) It hurts me a little when Han Jin insists that we should ask for daddy's permission when mei mei wants to watch TV. Seems I have little power left in my hands by always showing respect to the supportive husband. No doubt, he is supportive of any decision that I make, but lately I didn't make any decisions all by myself, and I guess it became a habit that daddy has the final say.

I kept wondering in this current society, when women become more and more successful in career and contribute equally financially, what is the role that we play at home? When we become capable of making decisions in office, standing up to our male counterparts, or giving orders to our male subordinates, are we still the submissive little wife at home?

I still fancy the balance of power at home. And, to be balanced, I will take a step to make a decision... to buy a better camera, and to buy an iphone.. hahaha....

下午去了图书馆，几张瀚今瀚月认真读书，抢书的照片。

In the library, I hope to cultivate their love for books

夜幕降临，皓俊5岁生日庆祝开始了，大大的PowerRanger（咸蛋超人？）蛋糕。孩子们在楼下的游乐场玩的很开心。其实这样简单而温馨的生日很美！对孩子们而言，有蛋糕和大堆垃圾食品（玲玲为此被抨击哦），还有朋友们的欢聚就已经让他们很开心了！虽然我的卡片机照不出灯光下的橙色温馨，可记忆中暖暖的烛光和火花会存下来！

HaoJun's birthday party under the moon, with lots of junk food and activities, kids loved it

Great Food from Grandma 有外援的聚会

Weekend again, and time for gathering again. Wen Hong's Granny came to Singapore, which benefited me a lot, from the care given by Auntie Lucy, to the latest great food that Po Po (as we fondly called her) cooked. Po Po is a very hospitable person and cooks many signature dishes. The gathering was held at my place, but with all the food items brought in by friends. Great time again! My humble place is full of laughter. After the food and wine, we moved to the playground downstairs to let the kids have some fresh air and release the energy. I need a bigger place??

In the afternoon, since I don't have to prepare the dinner, simply bought some fruits, drinks and wine, I got to take some shots of my little ones and myself.

文红婆婆来新加坡了，我热烈鼓掌欢迎。受益匪浅呀！今天婆婆煮了四大名菜！聚会在我家，但是都是朋友们煮了带来的。不用煮饭的聚会我喜欢呀！只是准备了酒水水果和炒米粉，还有蛮多时间拍照片的。

before afternoon nap; 午睡前的兄妹俩儿

午睡起来又摆美

主厨婆婆，婆婆一家，假假煮的妈妈

婆婆的四大名菜：梅菜扣肉，小酥肉，鸡爪，水煮肉片。
Angelina家特别佳菜：咖喱鸡
阿为奶奶经典推荐：水煎包
佳佳家小朋友的最爱：披萨

缺席：皓俊家，去参加朋友的生日晚会了。上婆婆的四大名菜！想吃了吧？
缺席：蓁蓁家，小蓁蓁口腔溃疡。快点好啊！

最近想买的东西很多：苹果的i phone，Canon S95 的照相机，烤箱..... 买吧？不买了？买吧？不买了？买吧！

PS：老妈，你的朋友来了！大一点儿的召唤力！

瀚今宝贝+元宵节快乐+中国媳妇 Han Jin + Lantern Festival + Daughter in law of China

A little low right now... I just yelled at Han Jin when he did his Kumon, which is a test after completing a level and it was supposed to be finished withing 10 mins, but it took us more than an hour, yet still not finished. I felt so sorry that I couldn't control myself any better. Afterall, he is just a 4.5 year old kid, and I am the dearest person he has in this world. I yelled at him, and almost used the word 'stupid'. I need to better control and manage this. Indeed. Of the precious 2 hours I have with my kids each day, we should not spend it in such a way. I kissed him and sayanged him before he fell asleep, and now he is in sound sleep. Hope he has a sweet dream without the tiger mom...

心情不是太好，觉得很对不起瀚今。刚才瀚今做作业的时候冲他喊了，本来10分钟要完成的数学题，花了一个小时多还没有做完。我应该更好地忍耐和教导，4岁半的孩子，可能给了他太多的压力，来自最亲爱的妈妈。一天就只有这么两个小时，和我的宝贝们在一起，不应该是这样度过的。尽量地安抚他，在他临睡前，做个好梦，宝贝，不要记着发脾气的妈妈。明天妈妈会做得更好一点的。我要一点一点进步。

花了一点点时间让自己平静下来，打开电脑，看到朋友的祝福，才意识到今天是元宵节。没有吃元宵，也没有跟孩子们讲什么是元宵节。Google了一下元宵节，明天早上讲给瀚今听。元宵节快乐！

http://baike.baidu.com/view/1949.htm http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lantern_Festival

After Han Jin's appointment on Tuesday, tough daddy was determined to send Han Jin back to school. Softer mummy was hesitating and would like to keep Han Jin at home for a few more days/weeks. However, I gave in and agreed to send Han Jin back on Wed, which I was on leave, so that I can take him back anytime if necessary. We reached Little Skool House by about 9am and most classmates were already there and getting ready for outdoor play. Han Jin refused to go in initially, and we had a deal that he would just go in to say hi to the friends and teachers. Kids are such wonderful creatures, and they genuinely care. Once Han Jin was inside, everyone came surrounded him, asking numerous questions and Tsai Lao Shi had to discipline to have them raised up hands one by one. Han Jin was showered by warmth and care, and I think he did miss his friends. He confirmed with his best friend, He Zhang, that he is still his best friends.

The class was then ready for outdoor play. Han Jin and I stayed in the school to play toys and read books. Around 10 plus, the kids came back and Han Jin joined them again. Sensing that he enjoyed the company and activities, I retreated quietly while signalling to the teacher. I stayed in the waiting area for 10 mins, heard Han Jin calling mummy, but no cry. I went down to the lobby, read a piece of newspaper, stayed until 11:30am, went up again, asked Auntie Mable to check on Han Jin, and was told he was ok. For the rest of the day, I was uneasy, unsettled, and called the school many times to confirm that he was ok. Went to fectch him at 5pm, he obviously enjoyed himself very much, and stayed back another 10mins to finish his drawing!

His spirit was kept high for the rest of the day, and I am amazed by how fast kids can adapt and regenerate!

拜二看过医生后，比较强硬的爸爸坚持让瀚今去上学，温软一点的妈妈很想让瀚今在家多休息几天或几个礼拜。最后爸爸胜出，拜三妈妈休假的时候送瀚今去学校，这样我可以随时接他回来，有必要的话。去了学校，小朋友非常关心瀚今，围着他问长问短，呵护倍加，瀚今也很开心。我留下来陪瀚今到10点多，又在外面待到11点多，多次跟老师确认他没事，才忐忑不安地走了。一整天都提心吊胆，不停打电话去学校。早早去接他，瀚今玩的很开心，停留了十分钟画完化妆舞会的邀请函才愿意跟我走！

孩子多么会适应和再充电呀！反倒是妈妈多虑了。


今天和Donna还有其他几个同事约好吃午餐，听Donna讲她去中国见未来公婆的经历。很开心的Donna！看来爱情的在我们的Donna和Mr ABC （American Born Chinese，美籍华人）之间盛开地很美！希望可爱的Donna快点成为我们的中国媳妇哦！

Had lunch with Donna and the girls. Our sweet Donna is dating Mr ABC and deeply in love. She spent the CNY in China with the future parents in law and the big family. She shared the email from the father in law who did a slide of Donna's pictures! She's so much loved by the family! Hope that she become daughter in law of a Chinese family soon! How sweet! Loving couple!