* Han Jin says: "Why do I need to do Kumon everyday?
* Han Jin says: "Stop scolding me!" Daddy says: "Stop beating me!"
* Han Jin asks: "What will happen if there is no water in the world?" Me: "While, all of us will die of thirsty." Han Jin: "We can drink milk." Me: "All the cow will die as well so there is no milk." Phew, feeling smart.
* Han Jin asks: "Why all the baby chicks are yellow, while mummy hen are white?" Me："....urr, I don't know. I will google." I couldn't find the answare on internet. Feeling stupid...
Han Jin is camera averse these days. So here is some video taken in Apr (reciting Chinese idiom) and in Jan (martial arts after watching Ip Man).
* 瀚今说：我为什么每天要做Kumon？
* 瀚今说：不要教训我了！爸爸说：不要踢我了！
* 瀚今问：如果世界上没有水，会怎么样？ 我说：我们都会渴死的。瀚今说：我们可以喝牛奶。我说：牛也渴死了。啊，觉得自己可以应答。
* 瀚今问：为什么母鸡是白色的，但是小鸡是黄色的？我说：呃，我不知道，我去网上查。可是网上也查不到答案。你知道吗？拜托。。。
瀚今最近不喜欢照相，这是以前的录像。四月的时候讲学校学来的成语，一月的时候模仿叶问师傅。
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Monday, August 8, 2011
Waterplay 玩水
Had a busy Sat, we stayed home on Sun morning, partially due to the wet weather, to catch up Kumon worksheet, missed the fun at Ikea.
We made it up in the late afternoon! A trip to Vivocity to buy National Day attire for both kids, and had some fun at the water side. Daddy also had his dinosaur Nokia phone fixed. Talking about this, I have to praise my hubby a little on his thrift on himself and generous on kids and me; his good cooking skills; his loving father figure; his faithful spouse; his family man; his good take home pay; his filial piety; his sense of humor.... wait, it's not anniversary, not Valentine's day, not birthday. Why am I praising him? umm, need to appreciate the other half on an ordinary day! :)
忙碌的周六过去了，周日就闲闲在家里过了半日，下午才出去Vivocity玩水和买孩子们国庆庆典的衣服。哦，我们买了烤箱，我借了烤点心的书，万事具备，只欠一个爱下厨的煮妇。。。我一直想要学烤好吃的点心和蛋糕，但是真的对厨房没有一点爱。。。
We made it up in the late afternoon! A trip to Vivocity to buy National Day attire for both kids, and had some fun at the water side. Daddy also had his dinosaur Nokia phone fixed. Talking about this, I have to praise my hubby a little on his thrift on himself and generous on kids and me; his good cooking skills; his loving father figure; his faithful spouse; his family man; his good take home pay; his filial piety; his sense of humor.... wait, it's not anniversary, not Valentine's day, not birthday. Why am I praising him? umm, need to appreciate the other half on an ordinary day! :)
忙碌的周六过去了，周日就闲闲在家里过了半日，下午才出去Vivocity玩水和买孩子们国庆庆典的衣服。哦，我们买了烤箱，我借了烤点心的书，万事具备，只欠一个爱下厨的煮妇。。。我一直想要学烤好吃的点心和蛋糕，但是真的对厨房没有一点爱。。。
School Search 小学
Following the P1 registration this year, we have to scope down the schools for Han Jin next year.
Some time ago, we made a trip to tour Nanyang Primary, the then preferred school as it is viewed as the top primary school in Singapore by many. However, the results for Nanyang is not rosy, as balloting is required even for kids staying within 1km in phase 2B. So, Nanyang is largely out of the picture for conservative me, who might not be able to weather through the tensed balloting for my children's future.
Actually, when it comes to primary, there are two school of thoughts and I see merits in both. One school advocates branded school where the children meet the right group of peers, the other believes ordinary school where your kid can shine anyway if he is the material.
Since Nanyang is out, we left Nan Hua and Henry Park, and we paid a quick visit to both this Sat morning.
Nan Hua: squarish layout (am I viewing property?), Chinese culture, beautiful fish pond, impressed by the Chinese poems on the corridor arch. A little run down, pretty noisy as it is along MRT line.
Henry Park: quiet, relatively new with a modern finish. Irregular layout hence might be hard to find your own classroom. Had a hard time to find the washroom when Mei needed to pee. Can you spot the washroom hidden in a zoo?
Nanyang: a pic from the Internet. Great landscape and building nested in a quite surrounding, strong Chinese atmosphere, seems to have the combined merits of Nan Hua and Henry Park, but it is a school out of reach.
我们心仪的三所小学：
- 南华：可能性90%如果我们搬家
- 恒力：可能性99.99%如果我们搬家
- 南洋：可能性60%如果我们搬家
怎么办？
Some time ago, we made a trip to tour Nanyang Primary, the then preferred school as it is viewed as the top primary school in Singapore by many. However, the results for Nanyang is not rosy, as balloting is required even for kids staying within 1km in phase 2B. So, Nanyang is largely out of the picture for conservative me, who might not be able to weather through the tensed balloting for my children's future.
Actually, when it comes to primary, there are two school of thoughts and I see merits in both. One school advocates branded school where the children meet the right group of peers, the other believes ordinary school where your kid can shine anyway if he is the material.
Since Nanyang is out, we left Nan Hua and Henry Park, and we paid a quick visit to both this Sat morning.
Nan Hua: squarish layout (am I viewing property?), Chinese culture, beautiful fish pond, impressed by the Chinese poems on the corridor arch. A little run down, pretty noisy as it is along MRT line.
Henry Park: quiet, relatively new with a modern finish. Irregular layout hence might be hard to find your own classroom. Had a hard time to find the washroom when Mei needed to pee. Can you spot the washroom hidden in a zoo?
Nanyang: a pic from the Internet. Great landscape and building nested in a quite surrounding, strong Chinese atmosphere, seems to have the combined merits of Nan Hua and Henry Park, but it is a school out of reach.
我们心仪的三所小学：
- 南华：可能性90%如果我们搬家
- 恒力：可能性99.99%如果我们搬家
- 南洋：可能性60%如果我们搬家
怎么办？
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| 南华门廊上的唐诗，恒力隐蔽的洗手间，南洋的建筑 |
Child free gathering 清酒
Thanks to Chen Ni (at the corner of the photo with a glass of lime juice), who arranged a weekend gathering for the 5 families on Sat, we gathered at a cozy restaurant run by a couple, husband being the chef who is Japanese while wife is a Nonya who serves Sake in a Japanese style.
We left all kids and maids at Chen Ni's, enjoyed a meal with no screams, on the Chinese Valentine's day, and on a backdrop of S&P downgrading US Treasury bills. A number of us are trading stocks, so not really a good time to celebrate, but we kept the spirit high, especially with the delicious food and the delicate Sake.
As it happened to be Chinese Valentine's day, I took photos of each couple, happily married. Chen Ni is by herself, while Sin Wee is in London on a 6-month business trip. She is a wonderful wife, and a wonderful friend. Salute!
The Sake took the center place in the picture as I really love it. It probably will become the next favorite of mine besides wine, in the range of drinks. I hope I can find the exact fragrance in a market.
拜六，音乐课后，我们聚在一家颇有私房菜意味的小餐厅，店面不大，我们九个人占去了大半个店，老板是日本人，老板娘是小娘惹，服务生像是自家的孩子，菜盛在精美的盘子里，清酒放在玻璃杯里。
We left all kids and maids at Chen Ni's, enjoyed a meal with no screams, on the Chinese Valentine's day, and on a backdrop of S&P downgrading US Treasury bills. A number of us are trading stocks, so not really a good time to celebrate, but we kept the spirit high, especially with the delicious food and the delicate Sake.
As it happened to be Chinese Valentine's day, I took photos of each couple, happily married. Chen Ni is by herself, while Sin Wee is in London on a 6-month business trip. She is a wonderful wife, and a wonderful friend. Salute!
The Sake took the center place in the picture as I really love it. It probably will become the next favorite of mine besides wine, in the range of drinks. I hope I can find the exact fragrance in a market.
拜六，音乐课后，我们聚在一家颇有私房菜意味的小餐厅，店面不大，我们九个人占去了大半个店，老板是日本人，老板娘是小娘惹，服务生像是自家的孩子，菜盛在精美的盘子里，清酒放在玻璃杯里。
- 贞霓提前预定位子和点菜，老板不是每天开店，仿佛做的不是生意，是心情；
- 孩子们和保姆们留在了贞霓家，几步之遥，有炸鱼香肠BeyBlade, Barney, 也是不亦乐乎；
- 很久没有单独吃饭了，适逢七夕，牛郎织女估计也放下扁担，过一下二人世界了；
- 只是S&P刚刚宣布降低美国国债的信用评级，周五已经大跌的股市，来临周一不知道会怎么样。。。
- 喜欢上了清酒，像是多了醺醺感的醪糟，米酒的清香。以前也喝过，只不过这次经过老板娘的手，多了味道，希望在超市里可以买得到这样的不烈的清香。
Saturday, August 6, 2011
当下 moments
佛说，当下。活在当下，过去和未来只是时空上的概念，原来这个理念是起源于佛陀？
珍惜当下，以下记录这个礼拜七件让我停留脚步，体会当下的时刻。不知道七在佛教里是否是个特别的数字，我总觉得七是个有灵性慧根的数字。
I chanced upon a Buddhist saying on 'Moment' which I couldn't locate or remember the exact words. 'Cherish the current moment, be grateful of what life has given, live each moment with an appreciative heart'. This was what I believe, meanwhile, I didn't know it was the wisdom of the Buddha.
The 7 moments of this week, where I stop, inhale the fragrance of THE moment.
拜三下午休息，我难得的兼职安排，从最初对这个面部护理的沮丧，到现在接受事实，决定去享受既然已经不可以改变的事实。于是很平静的呼吸，踏进百利宫，听到抒情的爵士乐，伴着大钢琴的音质，在百利宫里绕梁。其实这里几乎每天中午都有现场的音乐，只是今天的心情特别平静，准备好了去体会当下。- 平静的当下。
* After the facial, a cup of hot ginger tea, on a raining day; a bowl of red bean soup in white china. The white china in smooth curve, reflecting lights and entice returning customer, which I am not one of those. This place is still out of my lead, probably for quite a while in life. Nonetheless, appreciate it. A moment of indulgence.
做完护理，一杯热的姜茶，在一个下雨天，窝在让我显得弱小的大沙发里，还有一窝不甜腻的红豆沙，装在流线弧度的白色细瓷里。不去管商家的用心，这一刻，我只想享受慵懒。 - 慵懒的当下。
* It was what Han Jin said 'raining dogs and cats' on Thursday morning. Daddy called the whole family for a stop at the road side, to watch a giant snail embracing the rain. It stretched out of the shell, crossing the metal grill on the drain carefully, and happily enjoying the morning rain. Four of us watched it crossing the drain. Snail isn't quite as slow as I thought. A moment of discovery.
拜四早上下着瓢泼大雨，瀚今开心的重复英文里的大雨（直译就是下猫下狗）。爸爸叫住我们，看路边一直胖胖的蜗牛过水沟。我想象它是快乐地享受着毫不吝啬的雨和无人打扰的静。那种在雨打芭蕉中的静，那种忽略周围一切变动，向内看的静。原来蜗牛并不如我想象中的慢。 - 发现的当下。
拜五晚上下班，在电梯口遇到一对小儿，来不及回家，穿着三英尺的高跟鞋抱着14公斤的妹妹去送瀚今上学习班。回来，惊喜发现保姆煮了咖喱鸡和馒头，地道的不加糖的馒头。这里外面买的包点全是甜甜的皮，当时沿海一带的口味，所以什么都不加的馒头是好久没有吃过了。敲了邻居的门，在钢筋水泥的快节奏中，敲邻居的门其实是需要一点勇气和冲动的。Sally一家去了马来西亚过周末，爷爷一个人在家，递过那一碗咖喱鸡的时候，爷爷老迈的手有点抖 （不是我在煽情，是老人家不自主神经的抖，我婆婆以前有一阵子也这样）。我的一对小儿每天经过爷爷窗口时都要打招呼，一天几次，每次一定要抱起妹妹，她看得到爷爷才开心。我们自己的两个爷爷都不在身边，小儿和我都喜欢这样有一个就近的人可以叫爷爷。- 分享的当下。
* Friday morning, rushed to office, noticed something on my desk. Rushed to an interview. Back to my desk. A nicely packed gift from Monica, a colleague from another department who dropped by the day before and noted my family photo on my desk. She packed something for my little girl. We have been working on a project together, great working relationship, but usually I do not expect a personal touch. Wrote a line on email, deleted. Picked up the phone and said thank you. Monica: Hope that the small gift will make the day for your girl. Oh, dear, it definitely made my day. A moment of appreciation.
拜五清早到了办公室，急着去面试新人，回来才发现一个可爱的小礼包。Monica，另外一个部门的同事，我们在一个项目上有合作，前一天她来我的位子看到我家人的照片。一个可爱的小礼包送给我的女儿。一般在公司不期待私人水平的交流，所以会感动。写了电邮，删掉了，拿起电话说谢谢。- 感谢的当下。
* On way to work, noticed an orchid growing in a tree, a common sign in Singapore. However, it touched me this time, maybe because the lively green and purple tenaciously growing. A moment of life.
上班的路上，发现了一簇长在大树上的胡姬花，在热带里很常见的景色，让我驻足，可能是因为鲜艳的绿色和紫色还有顽强乐观的生命。- 生命的当下。
* Han Jin's newly shaved head, by me. The point is not that I saved $10, though I am happy about it too. It was a family time, with Daddy, Han Jin and I. We simmered the moment, just three of us with a lot of laughter. A moment with my first born.
瀚今新剃的头，我剪的。他已经在理发院剪了近一年。愿意给我理，很荣幸的。这一刻，只有爸爸妈妈和瀚今。妹妹睡了，妹妹现在经常是注意力的中心，对妹妹我从来只有妥协。所以我珍惜这一刻，和我的大儿子。- 家人的当下。
Friday, August 5, 2011
Esplanade 榴莲壳
Jia Cheng did not come to our place for the past 2 weeks. So I need to plan something for the whole family to go together, and for the family outing to be attractive to youngster as well. I was an awkward and introvert girl in my teenage years and I want to make it easier for him to feel welcomed. Maybe I am still introvert even now, so that I might not have displayed the level of warmth what I thought would be overwhelming .
There is age gap, I think. I don't really know what a young guy is interested in. Hubby suggested Esplanade. So here we are.
这个拜天我们去了滨海艺术中心（外形像极了榴莲），嘉诚应该还是第一次去。他每天认真学习，很少出去走走。看看嘉诚的照片，和瀚今细心牵妹妹的手过一条小溪。
There is age gap, I think. I don't really know what a young guy is interested in. Hubby suggested Esplanade. So here we are.
这个拜天我们去了滨海艺术中心（外形像极了榴莲），嘉诚应该还是第一次去。他每天认真学习，很少出去走走。看看嘉诚的照片，和瀚今细心牵妹妹的手过一条小溪。
Monday, August 1, 2011
P1 registration - update on phase 2C
29 Jul 2011
- Nanyang, Phase 2C vacancy is 30, 53 children registered.
- Nan Hua, Phase 2C vacancy is 28, 84 children registered.
- Henry Park, Phase 2C vacancy is 30, 68 children registered.
- Fairfield, Phase 2C vacancy is 49, 56 children registered.
1 Aug 2011
Depressing news: all 4 schools need to ballot for children stay within 1km.
I will let this topic cool for a while, simmers in, then decide what to do with it.
The shortest entry ever, but I really have no much to say.
Ok, maybe just add a bit color since I am still not sleepy after finishing design the flyer for a charity event that our RC is organising.
On the way back, Han Jin popped up another Chinese idiom learnt from school: 为非作歹(to commit all sorts of crimes). Then he asked me what is the meaning. I replyed 'I don't know' in the hope that he would suggest the answer.
'How come you don't know? 你是中国人neh?'
Daddy asked: '妈妈是中国人，你呢？'
HJ: I'm Singaporean.
Me: 你也是中国人。
He smiled sheepily into Daddy's chest.
Thanks to the school's education. My son now thinks that he is Singaporean, though by nationality he is. But I indeed want him to be proud of his origin and rich culture comes with it.
孩子的身份认知有点混乱，特别是在这个华人社会。我希望他们能以有中国的根源而谦虚地自豪，并且继承传统文化。
- Nanyang, Phase 2C vacancy is 30, 53 children registered.
- Nan Hua, Phase 2C vacancy is 28, 84 children registered.
- Henry Park, Phase 2C vacancy is 30, 68 children registered.
- Fairfield, Phase 2C vacancy is 49, 56 children registered.
1 Aug 2011
Depressing news: all 4 schools need to ballot for children stay within 1km.
I will let this topic cool for a while, simmers in, then decide what to do with it.
The shortest entry ever, but I really have no much to say.
Ok, maybe just add a bit color since I am still not sleepy after finishing design the flyer for a charity event that our RC is organising.
On the way back, Han Jin popped up another Chinese idiom learnt from school: 为非作歹(to commit all sorts of crimes). Then he asked me what is the meaning. I replyed 'I don't know' in the hope that he would suggest the answer.
'How come you don't know? 你是中国人neh?'
Daddy asked: '妈妈是中国人，你呢？'
HJ: I'm Singaporean.
Me: 你也是中国人。
He smiled sheepily into Daddy's chest.
Thanks to the school's education. My son now thinks that he is Singaporean, though by nationality he is. But I indeed want him to be proud of his origin and rich culture comes with it.
孩子的身份认知有点混乱，特别是在这个华人社会。我希望他们能以有中国的根源而谦虚地自豪，并且继承传统文化。
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