I have been having discomfort on my top left big front tooth since Saturday, 1 September 2007. It affected the entire left side of my mouth. Initially, I wasn’t sure where the pain came from. I endured the pain but it got much worse on Monday (3 September 2007). I could chew and bite using only the right side of my mouth. So, I sent out prayer requests to some of my Growth Group members. I felt better the next day and realized that the main problem is actually my top left big front tooth. Finally, I decided to visit the dentist (the last person I want to see on earth) on Wednesday but all the appointments were booked. I managed to get the appointment fixed on Thursday, 6 September at 5 pm. Yoke Kheng prayed for me through msn before my appointment. Thank God for peace and I was not fearful.
I arrived at around 4:45 pm. The dentist attended to me 5 minutes after that. I told him my problem. He checked the surrounding teeth, knocking each one gently. I went “Ouch!” when he knocked on the affected tooth. He checked for cavity and found none. After the examination, he told me that my tooth is most probably infected. My tooth had been traumatized with much filling in the days of my youth. Now, the nerves inside the tooth are infected. The best treatment for it is root canal treatment or endodontic therapy. I was told that I need 2 – 3 sessions to complete the procedure. The dentist also explained briefly the steps involved, and the best thing is that the entire treatment will be pain-free.
What is a root canal treatment?
A root canal treatment is a treatment used to repair and save a tooth that is badly decayed or becomes infected. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp (tissues) is removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned, filled and sealed.
What happens during root canal treatment?
Step 1:
A local anesthetic is given.
Step 2:
An x-ray on the affected tooth is performed.
Step 3:
The pulp is removed from the pulp chamber and root canals. Tiny instruments are used to clean the root canals. A temporary filling is placed in the opening to seal the opening and protect the tooth between visits.
In the last session, the temporary filling will be replaced with a permanent filling.
My x-ray showed that there is a hairline crack in the tooth. The dentist asked whether I bite anything hard before I experienced the pain. I told him that I couldn’t remember biting anything hard. He said that the crack will not affect the root canal treatment, and so he began the drilling and the cleaning. The whole treatment took less than 30 minutes. I was a bit nervous but it was indeed pain-free. The left side of my upper lip was numb after that. At the end, I was given some pain-killers to relieve the pain. I took one dose of it before dinner. It was slightly painful.
The dentist explained that I should crown the tooth after 6 months. Crowns are type of dental restoration which, cemented into place, fully cup over the portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum. The dental crown becomes my tooth’s outer surface. If I don’t crown my tooth, its colour will grow darker and eventually become black as the tooth is already dead. So, crowning strengthens and improves the cosmetic appearance of my tooth. Animated Teeth
Because it is my front tooth, it is recommended that I crown both of the big front teeth. Otherwise, my teeth will look funny – one big, one small, and different colour. The whole procedure will be painless but my pocket will definitely feel the pain.
My next session is on Tuesday, 11 September 2007. The pain is still there – need to endure for at least 2 more weeks. I am beginning to master the act of eating using only the right side of my mouth. I can’t eat anything hard. Sometimes, I just swallowed the food without chewing it properly. I need to brush my teeth really carefully and gently as well. A slightest touch sends an excruciating pain throughout my whole body.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Thursday, September 06, 2007
We saw the Rasa Sayang Commercial!
Seng Chor and I caught the commercial twice on tv last night. The first time was on TV3 at around 6:45 pm, and the second time was on Astro Wah Lai Toi, 10:10 pm.Few of my colleagues spotted us in the ad as well. More than 50 of Seng Chor's colleagues spotted him. They even sang the song, "Rasa Sayang" as Seng Chor entered the office.
It's really fun to watch it over and over again. I think soon we can memorise all the scenes. Hehehe.
The photo above was captured from the video by one of my students. Cool, eh?
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
My Dad - the Durian Lover
My Dad loves durian. Whenever he comes to visit us, he would look for durians. He doesn't eat much but he likes to try out different types of durian. We took him to SS2 twice after dinner for durians. On the first night, we ordered only 1. The next night, he bought 2 for take-away.
On Sunday night, a group was going from street to street to sell durians, and my Dad bought about 10. I have been having durians for dinner for the past 2 nights. Well, I have learned the price of gluttony. So, I didn't over-eat. I make sure that I drank lots of water after that, and even drank salt water as well. :)
Durian season is going to end soon. Better eat while you still can.
We have eaten 2 packs. There are 3 more packs in the freezer.
The bag with the durian. We gave away the other 3. I didn't get to count the number of durians my Dad bought. It's probably between 8 to 10 durians.
(My Dad was here from 29 August 2007 to 3 September 2007)
On Sunday night, a group was going from street to street to sell durians, and my Dad bought about 10. I have been having durians for dinner for the past 2 nights. Well, I have learned the price of gluttony. So, I didn't over-eat. I make sure that I drank lots of water after that, and even drank salt water as well. :)
Durian season is going to end soon. Better eat while you still can.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
The Teoh Family is on tv commercial!!!
Friends saw us live on various tv channels last night. Hope to catch it one of these days. It should be shown until 16 September 2007.
The tv commercial is also available here - Rasa Sayang
Click on the first commercial - Rasa Sayang (120 secs) and you will see Seng Chor and Jordan very clearly in the beginning. I was partially hidden. The whole group appeared at the end. One of the commercials began with the picture of our group. You can actually see it in one of the thumbnails. We appeared in a few.
To find out the details of who, where, when and how, please check out my post dated Friday, July 27, 2007 at Redang with Jordan
Seng Chor has managed to download the commercials.
I think Jordan is the youngest in the commercial. He looked so blur.
This is super cool indeed!
The tv commercial is also available here - Rasa Sayang
Click on the first commercial - Rasa Sayang (120 secs) and you will see Seng Chor and Jordan very clearly in the beginning. I was partially hidden. The whole group appeared at the end. One of the commercials began with the picture of our group. You can actually see it in one of the thumbnails. We appeared in a few.
To find out the details of who, where, when and how, please check out my post dated Friday, July 27, 2007 at Redang with Jordan
Seng Chor has managed to download the commercials.
I think Jordan is the youngest in the commercial. He looked so blur.
This is super cool indeed!
Monday, September 03, 2007
Surprised by Jordan
I’m so amazed by Jordan. He did 2 things that amazed me recently…
1) He wore pants by himself!
(Sunday night, 26 August 2007)
After changing his diaper, I didn’t wear the pants for him. I left the pants on the floor. Suddenly, I saw him wearing the pants, and I was surprised. No one saw it. I asked Seng Chor, my sister and brother who were around whether they wore it for him. They didn’t. Alex was watching tv next to Jordan, Seng Chor was at the computer and Eva was in the Computer Room. We didn't know when he wore it. Later, I checked his pants and realized that the back of the pants was only worn half way up – that kind of confirmed that he wore it himself. Amazing!
Last Saturday, 1 September 2007, he demonstrated how he wore his pants. I didn’t intend to test him. I just left his pants on the floor after changing him. Seng Chor and I witnessed it. Firstly, he tried to wear the pants standing. He tried with his right leg but failed. Then, he tried with his left leg, and still couldn’t wear it. Finally, he sat down, and slowly put his legs through the pants. Seng Chor and I were really enjoying every seconds of it. Because the pants were a bit tight, he couldn’t pull it up entirely. He struggled and cried for help. So, I went over and helped him to pull it up - it was actually worn wrongly – the back of the pants were in front.
2) He chose what he wanted to wear!
(Sunday, 2 September 2007)
I showered him. We were going out for dinner with my Dad’s friends. I chose a red shirt for him, which Seng Chor bought from Bandung. He didn’t want to wear it. Instead, he opened up his drawer and chose the shirt with Buzz Lightyear on it (I bought from Hong Kong) which was placed under a white T-shirt. I tried to force him to wear the red shirt but he cried. So, I had no choice but let him wear the shirt he chose. Then, my Dad commented that the shirt looks old. I picked up 2 other shirts and tried to let him choose but he pushed them away. We waited for the right opportunity to change him.
Just before we were about to leave the house, he passed motion. My sister and I took him upstairs to change. I showed him the red shirt again and told him that red is his Daddy’s favourite colour but he didn’t seem interested. I took the courage to take off his Buzz Lightyear shirt, and put on another newer shirt – with a picture of an insect, which Seng Chor bought from Bandung as well. Phew! Thank goodness that he didn’t complain.
He is only 20 and a half months old and he has started to choose what he wanted to wear. I’m really amazed.
Expect more surprises from him…
Hehehe! My legs are in the pants.
Oops! I can't pull it up.
Help!!!
1) He wore pants by himself!
(Sunday night, 26 August 2007)
After changing his diaper, I didn’t wear the pants for him. I left the pants on the floor. Suddenly, I saw him wearing the pants, and I was surprised. No one saw it. I asked Seng Chor, my sister and brother who were around whether they wore it for him. They didn’t. Alex was watching tv next to Jordan, Seng Chor was at the computer and Eva was in the Computer Room. We didn't know when he wore it. Later, I checked his pants and realized that the back of the pants was only worn half way up – that kind of confirmed that he wore it himself. Amazing!
Last Saturday, 1 September 2007, he demonstrated how he wore his pants. I didn’t intend to test him. I just left his pants on the floor after changing him. Seng Chor and I witnessed it. Firstly, he tried to wear the pants standing. He tried with his right leg but failed. Then, he tried with his left leg, and still couldn’t wear it. Finally, he sat down, and slowly put his legs through the pants. Seng Chor and I were really enjoying every seconds of it. Because the pants were a bit tight, he couldn’t pull it up entirely. He struggled and cried for help. So, I went over and helped him to pull it up - it was actually worn wrongly – the back of the pants were in front.
2) He chose what he wanted to wear!
(Sunday, 2 September 2007)
I showered him. We were going out for dinner with my Dad’s friends. I chose a red shirt for him, which Seng Chor bought from Bandung. He didn’t want to wear it. Instead, he opened up his drawer and chose the shirt with Buzz Lightyear on it (I bought from Hong Kong) which was placed under a white T-shirt. I tried to force him to wear the red shirt but he cried. So, I had no choice but let him wear the shirt he chose. Then, my Dad commented that the shirt looks old. I picked up 2 other shirts and tried to let him choose but he pushed them away. We waited for the right opportunity to change him.
Just before we were about to leave the house, he passed motion. My sister and I took him upstairs to change. I showed him the red shirt again and told him that red is his Daddy’s favourite colour but he didn’t seem interested. I took the courage to take off his Buzz Lightyear shirt, and put on another newer shirt – with a picture of an insect, which Seng Chor bought from Bandung as well. Phew! Thank goodness that he didn’t complain.
He is only 20 and a half months old and he has started to choose what he wanted to wear. I’m really amazed.
Expect more surprises from him…
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Cheeky Boy is getting Smarter
Jordan a.k.a. Cheeky Boy was born in December 2005. That year, 4 of my colleagues also gave birth – 2 girls and 2 boys, and 1 from my church – a boy. Jordan was the youngest, and so, his development seemed slower but within the normal development chart. He was still crawling when all the babies have started walking. Moreover, he was crawling with only one leg. I was so anxious to see him walk. Actually, he started to stand at an early age – between 6 to 7 months. I thought that he would learn to walk early. Most of the babies started to walk when they were 12 months old. Jordan was hardly cruising as well. 12 months – still crawl with a limp, 13 months – took baby steps, 14 months – just after the Chinese New Year, he walked suddenly. Halleluiah! I was thrilled. Life was easier. I’m really glad that he didn’t really cruise much. I think I would have a hard time following him, but probably lose weight faster.
Now, all the babies have started to talk and read too. Some even have conversations with their parents, and have started to ask a lot of questions. As for Jordan, he is just beginning to say more words meaningfully. It’s a good start.
Lately, he has been surprising me with new words. Last night, he took a block labeled 2, and repeatedly said, “two”. He also pointed at his books and said, “book”. On Monday night, he saw an ant on the floor, and blurted out, “ant”. Every night, he looks for his teddy bears, and calls them “bear-bear”. Funnily, he calls the lizard, “cockroach”. He still looks out for cockroaches.
Last Saturday (25 August 2007) night, 10 pm+, he suddenly repeatedly asked for bread. We didn’t have any bread at home. So, we took him and drove to the nearest petrol station to buy bread for him. When he wants his milk, he would say, “Nen-nen”. It’s easier to feed him now, and he rarely wastes his milk.
When he wants something and he doesn’t know the word, he would point and say, “there”.
Occasionally, I could hear him mumble, “thank you”, when I give him something. He seems to say something like, “Let’s go” whenever we are about to go out.
I’m really, really looking forward to have a conversation with him. He can bug me anytime with his questions. He can ask as many questions as he likes. I want to read to him stories every night. I love to talk to him, and I love to hear him talk.
Unfortunately, he still rarely calls me, “Mummy”.
Now, all the babies have started to talk and read too. Some even have conversations with their parents, and have started to ask a lot of questions. As for Jordan, he is just beginning to say more words meaningfully. It’s a good start.
Lately, he has been surprising me with new words. Last night, he took a block labeled 2, and repeatedly said, “two”. He also pointed at his books and said, “book”. On Monday night, he saw an ant on the floor, and blurted out, “ant”. Every night, he looks for his teddy bears, and calls them “bear-bear”. Funnily, he calls the lizard, “cockroach”. He still looks out for cockroaches.
Last Saturday (25 August 2007) night, 10 pm+, he suddenly repeatedly asked for bread. We didn’t have any bread at home. So, we took him and drove to the nearest petrol station to buy bread for him. When he wants his milk, he would say, “Nen-nen”. It’s easier to feed him now, and he rarely wastes his milk.
When he wants something and he doesn’t know the word, he would point and say, “there”.
Occasionally, I could hear him mumble, “thank you”, when I give him something. He seems to say something like, “Let’s go” whenever we are about to go out.
I’m really, really looking forward to have a conversation with him. He can bug me anytime with his questions. He can ask as many questions as he likes. I want to read to him stories every night. I love to talk to him, and I love to hear him talk.
Unfortunately, he still rarely calls me, “Mummy”.
Friday, August 24, 2007
Peer Pressure and Conformity
What does GOD Say?
“I am the LORD your God! So don't follow the customs of Egypt where you used to live or those of Canaan where I am bringing you. I am the LORD your God, and you must obey my teachings. Obey them and you will live. I am the LORD.”
Leviticus 18:2-5 (CEV)
“There are two things, Lord, I want you to do for me before I die: Make me absolutely honest and don't let me be too poor or too rich. Give me just what I need. If I have too much to eat, I might forget about you; if I don't have enough, I might steal and disgrace your name.”
Proverbs 30:7-9 (CEV)
“Dear friends, God is good. So I beg you to offer your bodies to him as a living sacrifice, pure and pleasing. That's the most sensible way to serve God. Don't be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him.”
Romans 12:1-2 (CEV)
“Timothy, you belong to God, so keep away from all these evil things. Try your best to please God and to be like him. Be faithful, loving, dependable, and gentle. Fight a good fight for the faith and claim eternal life. God offered it to you when you clearly told about your faith, while so many people listened.”
1 Timothy 6:11-12 (CEV)
“My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything. If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won't correct you for asking.”
James 1:2-5 (CEV)
“Give a kind and respectful answer and keep your conscience clear. This way you will make people ashamed for saying bad things about your good conduct as a follower of Christ. You are better off to obey God and suffer for doing right than to suffer for doing wrong.”
1 Peter 3:16-17 (CEV)
“So don't let the errors of evil people lead you down the wrong path and make you lose your balance.”
2 Peter 3:17 (CEV)
“With all your heart you must trust the LORD and not your own judgment. Always let him lead you, and he will clear the road for you to follow. Don't ever think that you are wise enough, but respect the LORD and stay away from evil."
Proverbs 3:5-7 (CEV)
“Hold firmly to my teaching and never let go. It will mean life for you. Don't follow the bad example of cruel and evil people. Turn aside and keep going. Stay away from them.”
Proverbs 4:13-15 (CEV)
“Carefully guard your thoughts because they are the source of true life. Never tell lies or be deceitful in what you say. Keep looking straight ahead, without turning aside. Know where you are headed, and you will stay on solid ground.”
Proverbs 4:23-26 (CEV)
“Respect and obey the LORD! This is the beginning of wisdom. To have understanding, you must know the Holy God.”
Proverbs 9:10 (CEV)
“Don't be jealous of crooks or want to be their friends. All they think about and talk about is violence and cruelty.”
Proverbs 24:1-2 (CEV)
By The Bible Society of Malaysia
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
George Carlin's Views on Aging
Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions.
"How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key!!
You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back.
You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.
"How old are you?" "I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life . . . you BECOME 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony. YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!
But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?
You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.
But wait!!! You MAKE IT to 60. You didn't think you would!
So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE IT to 60.
You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!
You get into your 80s and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30 ; you REACH bedtime and it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; "I Was JUST 92."
Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. "I'm 100 and a half!"
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay "them."
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health : If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER :
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
"How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key!!
You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back.
You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead.
"How old are you?" "I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life . . . you BECOME 21. Even the words sound like a ceremony. YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!
But then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out. There's no fun now, you're just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?
You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away. Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.
But wait!!! You MAKE IT to 60. You didn't think you would!
So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE IT to 60.
You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!
You get into your 80s and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30 ; you REACH bedtime and it doesn't end there. Into the 90s, you start going backwards; "I Was JUST 92."
Then a strange thing happens. If you make it over 100, you become a little kid again. "I'm 100 and a half!"
May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!
HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay "them."
2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.
3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.
6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health : If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
AND ALWAYS REMEMBER :
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
The Secret
One day, one friend asked another,
'How is it that you are always so happy?
You have so much energy, and you never seem to get down
With her eyes smiling, she said,
'I know the Secret!'
'What secret is that?'
To which she replied,
'I'll tell you all about it, but you have to promise to
share the Secret with others.'
'The Secret is this:
I have learned there is little I can do in my life that will make me truly happy.
I must depend on God to make me happy and to meet my needs.
When a need arises in my life, I have to trust God to supply according to HIS riches.
I have learned most of the time
I don't need half of what I think I do.
He has never let me down.
Since I learned that 'Secret', I am happy. '
The questioner's first thought was,
'That's too simple!'
But upon reflecting over her own life
she recalled how she thought a bigger
house would make her happy, but it didn't!
She thought a better paying job would make her happy,
but it hadn't.
When did she realize her greatest happiness?
Sitting on the floor with her
grandchildren, playing games, eating pizza or reading a story,
a simple gift from God.
Now you know it too!
We can't depend on people to make us happy.
Only GOD in His infinite wisdom can do that.
Trust HIM! And now I pass the Secret on to you!
So once you get it, what will you do?
YOU have to tell someone the Secret, too!
That GOD in His wisdom will take care of YOU!
But it's not really a secret...
We just have to believe it and do it...
Really trust God!
Just Pass It On!
~ Author Unknown ~
Saturday, August 18, 2007
The price of gluttony
Thursday, 16 August 2007
I was invited by the Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management staff to examine the student’s practical examination. I accepted invitation gladly without second thoughts. Hey, how often do you get free food tasting?
I was required to examine three aspects of their food preparation – flavour, texture and food presentation. Each examiner was given 2 complete meals prepared by 2 different students to evaluate – entrée (salad garnished with olive oil and vinegar), main course (chicken chop with brown mushroom sauce) and dessert (pudding with caramel sauce).
We were advised to taste one complete meal first, and rinsed our mouth with mineral water after each taste. I started with the meal on my left. Firstly, I compared the food presentation, and awarded a mark. Then, I had my first bite of the salad – chewed it slowly and savoured the taste. Secondly, I tried the chicken chop – sliced it to examine the texture, tasted it first without the sauce, then added the sauce to taste again. (Hmm… I sound like an experienced food taster. Hahaha). Of course, I evaluated the food presentation first before mutating it. Lastly, I assessed the dessert – my favourite part of the meal.
I shall not disclose the marks awarded. Anyway, overall, the preparation on my left was better. To be fair, I completed the entrée on my left and the dessert on my right. I didn’t finish the main course because I had my lunch already before that. Initially, I thought I was there to judge, and just taste a bit of here and there. I didn’t know that we were also invited to complete the meal that we preferred. Well, you could also finish both meals.
I felt kind of pressurized because the students were actually outside looking through the glass door and checking whose meal you completed. Then, they would know which one of them did better. So, I tried to please both by completing a course from each. Hehehe.
Overall, it was an interesting experience. I would be delighted to accept their invitation again.
Dinner
I had 2 meals for lunch. Suddenly, Seng Chor suggested that we have durian for dinner – an invitation that is hard to resist. We ordered more than our first durian meal – 4 durians, 7 Kgs in total! This is gluttony. I should have stopped at the 3rd.
After dinner, I went to the Ladies’ Discipleship Cell. Lai Leng served us with Barley with Fu Chuk. I was extremely full after that. My stomach was beginning to feel uncomfortable. It was almost 10:30 pm.
Before bed, I felt like throwing up. My stomach was bloated. I ignored it and slept. In the middle of the night, I thought I was better but then I vomited – I think at least one durian was spewed out. I felt more comfortable after that, and I was okay in the morning.
What was the price of the gluttony?
The answer is 7 Kgs * RM 12 = RM 84!!!
I was invited by the Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism Management staff to examine the student’s practical examination. I accepted invitation gladly without second thoughts. Hey, how often do you get free food tasting?
I was required to examine three aspects of their food preparation – flavour, texture and food presentation. Each examiner was given 2 complete meals prepared by 2 different students to evaluate – entrée (salad garnished with olive oil and vinegar), main course (chicken chop with brown mushroom sauce) and dessert (pudding with caramel sauce).
We were advised to taste one complete meal first, and rinsed our mouth with mineral water after each taste. I started with the meal on my left. Firstly, I compared the food presentation, and awarded a mark. Then, I had my first bite of the salad – chewed it slowly and savoured the taste. Secondly, I tried the chicken chop – sliced it to examine the texture, tasted it first without the sauce, then added the sauce to taste again. (Hmm… I sound like an experienced food taster. Hahaha). Of course, I evaluated the food presentation first before mutating it. Lastly, I assessed the dessert – my favourite part of the meal.
I shall not disclose the marks awarded. Anyway, overall, the preparation on my left was better. To be fair, I completed the entrée on my left and the dessert on my right. I didn’t finish the main course because I had my lunch already before that. Initially, I thought I was there to judge, and just taste a bit of here and there. I didn’t know that we were also invited to complete the meal that we preferred. Well, you could also finish both meals.
I felt kind of pressurized because the students were actually outside looking through the glass door and checking whose meal you completed. Then, they would know which one of them did better. So, I tried to please both by completing a course from each. Hehehe.
Overall, it was an interesting experience. I would be delighted to accept their invitation again.
Dinner
I had 2 meals for lunch. Suddenly, Seng Chor suggested that we have durian for dinner – an invitation that is hard to resist. We ordered more than our first durian meal – 4 durians, 7 Kgs in total! This is gluttony. I should have stopped at the 3rd.
After dinner, I went to the Ladies’ Discipleship Cell. Lai Leng served us with Barley with Fu Chuk. I was extremely full after that. My stomach was beginning to feel uncomfortable. It was almost 10:30 pm.
Before bed, I felt like throwing up. My stomach was bloated. I ignored it and slept. In the middle of the night, I thought I was better but then I vomited – I think at least one durian was spewed out. I felt more comfortable after that, and I was okay in the morning.
What was the price of the gluttony?
The answer is 7 Kgs * RM 12 = RM 84!!!
Friday, August 17, 2007
Beautiful Explanation of Death
~DEATH~ WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO EXPLAIN IT ..
A sick man turned to his doctor as he was preparing to
leave the examination room and said,
"Doctor, I am afraid to die.
Tell me what lies on the other side."
Very quietly, the doctor said, "I don't know."
"You don't know? You, a Christian man,
do not know what is on the other side?"
The doctor was holding the handle of the door;
on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining,
and as he opened the door, a dog sprang into the room
and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.
Turning to the patient, the doctor said,
"Did you notice my dog?
He's never been in this room before.
He didn't know what was inside.
He knew nothing except that his master was here,
and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.
I know little of what is on the other side of death,
but I do know one thing...
I know my Master is there and that is enough."
Author Unknown
Thursday, August 16, 2007
By drzabokia
Would you like to share in my joys and pains?
Come and browse my new site: -
Oh the Joys and Pains of a Lecturer
(Special thanks to Kuya Ken - The Inspired Educator, for the title)
Glory to God!
Come and browse my new site: -
Oh the Joys and Pains of a Lecturer
(Special thanks to Kuya Ken - The Inspired Educator, for the title)
Glory to God!
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Belated Quote for July 2007
"Don't break my heart."
Miss Choong
Redang 2007
Redang 2007
(... when Shydoc scolded her)
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Splinter
Which Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Character Are You? | |
 | You are Splinter. You are patient and wise. |
| Find Your Character @ BrainFall.com | |
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Dr for a Year already
I graduated from Doctorate on 8 August 2006 - it was one year ago. How time flies!
Passing the viva is a miracle from God. Before the viva, I could think of many reasons why I might not pass the viva. But God performed a miracle for me. I just can't stop praising Him for that.
God is good. His blessings overflow. I'm happy with my work. Nothing much has changed. I'm still pretty much the same - adjusting to motherhood most of the time. Soon, Jordan will be 2 years old.
I acknowledged that whatever I have belongs to God.
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
Passing the viva is a miracle from God. Before the viva, I could think of many reasons why I might not pass the viva. But God performed a miracle for me. I just can't stop praising Him for that.
God is good. His blessings overflow. I'm happy with my work. Nothing much has changed. I'm still pretty much the same - adjusting to motherhood most of the time. Soon, Jordan will be 2 years old.
I acknowledged that whatever I have belongs to God.
Blessed be the Name of the Lord!
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Take it easy – rest and relax
Jordan still sleeps late, and on weekends, he doesn’t take his nap until almost 4 pm. I have learned to bear with his sleeping pattern. I would let him play until he grew tired. I would entertain him as much as I could. Then, he would suck his thumb, hold his napkin and sleep.
He throws tantrums more frequently. He does it by lying on the floor and whines/cries. Most of the time, we would just leave him lying down, and he would get up on his own. Sometimes he does it with no apparent reason. One second he would be crying/whining, and another second smiling. I still don’t understand him most of the time.
He amuses me most of the time with his sudden laughter. Occasionally, I get a surprise kiss while lying on the bed. The last one was this morning.
I am waiting for him to talk. He babbles most of the time, and I love to hear it.
I am not feeling so stressed up nowadays. Just taking things easy, one day at a time. Just have fun with him everyday, and let him have fun too. (He can sleep whenever he wants.)
He throws tantrums more frequently. He does it by lying on the floor and whines/cries. Most of the time, we would just leave him lying down, and he would get up on his own. Sometimes he does it with no apparent reason. One second he would be crying/whining, and another second smiling. I still don’t understand him most of the time.
He amuses me most of the time with his sudden laughter. Occasionally, I get a surprise kiss while lying on the bed. The last one was this morning.
I am waiting for him to talk. He babbles most of the time, and I love to hear it.
I am not feeling so stressed up nowadays. Just taking things easy, one day at a time. Just have fun with him everyday, and let him have fun too. (He can sleep whenever he wants.)
Friday, August 03, 2007
Who is cleverer ? Teacher or student??
One Night 4 College Students Were Playing Till Late Night And Didn't Study For The Test Which Was Scheduled For The Next Day.
In the morning they thought of a plan. They made themselves look as dirty and weird with grease and dirt. They then went up to the Dean and said that they had gone out to a wedding last night and on their return the tyre of their car burst and they had to push the car all the way back and that they were in no condition to appear for the test.
So the Dean said they can have the re-test after 3 days. They thanked him and said they will be ready by that time.
On the third day they appeared before the Dean. The Dean said that as this was a Special Condition Test, All four were required to sit in separate classrooms for the test.
They all agreed as they had prepared well in the last 3 days.
The Test consisted of 2 questions with the total of 100 Marks.
Q.1. Your Name........ ......... ........( 2 MARKS )
Q.2. Which tyre burst ?........... ....( 98 MARKS )
a) Front Left
b) Front Right
c) Back Left
d) Back Right .....!!!
(Source: Unknown)
In the morning they thought of a plan. They made themselves look as dirty and weird with grease and dirt. They then went up to the Dean and said that they had gone out to a wedding last night and on their return the tyre of their car burst and they had to push the car all the way back and that they were in no condition to appear for the test.
So the Dean said they can have the re-test after 3 days. They thanked him and said they will be ready by that time.
On the third day they appeared before the Dean. The Dean said that as this was a Special Condition Test, All four were required to sit in separate classrooms for the test.
They all agreed as they had prepared well in the last 3 days.
The Test consisted of 2 questions with the total of 100 Marks.
Q.1. Your Name........ ......... ........( 2 MARKS )
Q.2. Which tyre burst ?........... ....( 98 MARKS )
a) Front Left
b) Front Right
c) Back Left
d) Back Right .....!!!
(Source: Unknown)
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Fishing
.JPG)
Blue Fish and Fluke.JPG)
Blue FishRecently, my brother Felix in New York went fishing and caught 2 big fish. The dark fish is called a Fluke the other one is Blue Fish. According to him, Fluke meat is good 5 USD per lbs. They sashimi the Fluke and cooked curry with the Blue Fish. They were probably in the Atlantic Ocean, and it was around 70 feet deep or more.
Tomorrow night, he is going for Striped Bass with some Russian friends. If he got the chance, he might go farther for Tuna and Cod. He has always enjoyed fishing (something new to me). He will fish more before his classes resume again early September. Cool, eh?
Monday, July 30, 2007
Family and Redang
First family photo in Redang
The Teohs' 1st bicycle ride
Dancing with Jordan
On the beach
In the room
In the lobby
Extended family
Even Jordan was posing...
At the Hai Peng Kopitiam
Friday, July 27, 2007
Redang with Jordan
(19 July 2007 – 22 July 2007)
1st Day
We left the house at about 3:45 am. Pei Lu was in our car. Yoke Kheng drove the other car with Kenny and Sahaya as passengers. The journey was good. Jordan behaved well. He was still in his pyjamas. We had a short toilet break along the highway, then no more break until Kemaman. We stopped at the famous Hai Peng Kopitiam for breakfast – it was about 7:30 am.
We arrived at the Kuala Terengganu Jetty at 10:30 am and boarded the ferry straight away. We were the last on board but had the whole front deck all to ourselves. The journey took one and a half hour. Jordan had a good view of the sea.
The bus from the Berjaya Redang Beach Resort picked us up, and upon arrival at the resort, we were welcome with a drink. After checking in, Seng Chor went for his first dive. Jordan roamed about in the room – playing with (throwing) his toys. Later, he slept until Seng Chor woke him up for a dip in the swimming pool. Seng Chor also took him to the sea. Jordan loved the pool but not the sea. He was a bit scared. He was also afraid to walk on the sand.
For dinner, we ate at a Malay restaurant just outside the resort. It was not a pleasant dinner. Food was ok but the cashier was horrible. Yoke Kheng was even charged 50 cents for her little bowl of chili.
2nd Day
It drizzled in the morning.
Seng Chor left for his second diving trip before 8 am.
As soon as Seng Chor returned, Jordan woke up. It was after 10:30 am. I rested well.
Seng Chor baby sat while I played card games in the next room.
At about 1:45 pm, Seng Chor went for his third dive.
At 4:30 pm, I went for the Ayura Signature Massage (90 minutes).
“The signature massage took me back to the traditional art of healing and renewal where a heated poultice of aromatic herbs and spices is applied on the meridian points of the body to soothe sore muscles, followed by an invigorating massage to ease joint pains with Oriental Spice aromatherapy blend.”
It was my first ‘real’ massage. The last time I had a massage was during my confinement, at home. This is my first massage in a resort, and definitely not the last. I felt like a queen. On arrival, I was escorted into a room. It has a bathroom with a nice shower area. The bed for massage was in the hall. The room was filled with a soothing music. I was asked to change, while the lady waited outside. Next, she washed my feet with warm water. It reminded me of the time when some of the ladies in the church took turns to wash each other feet to symbolize servanthood. It felt good. Then, the massage began – legs, hands, body, shoulder and head. It was wonderful. I didn’t realize that the time was up. I thought it was just 1 hour, but it was 90 minutes already.
My leg muscles ache a bit after that, but it didn’t last long. It was my first body massage after all. There were no other body aches – so the lady has done a good job.
3rd Day
It was the fourth and final dive for Seng Chor in the morning. It was drizzling.
Kenny, Sahaya and Pei Lu went for snorkeling. Yoke Kheng had a stroll on the beach and around the resort. I stayed in the room.
Jordan woke up at almost 12 noon! Super sleep!
Seng Chor, Yoke Kheng, Kenny, Sahaya and I played board games after lunch. Kenny brought Careers and Rat Race, and Yoke Kheng borrowed Cashflow from Xian Jiek. I got to play Careers and Cashflow. I enjoyed Careers more.
“Careers is a board game first manufactured by Parker Brothers in 1955, which has been reprinted from time to time up to the present day. It was devised by the sociologist James Cooke Brown. Victory conditions consist of a minimum amount of fame, happiness and money that the player must gain. Players set their own victory conditions before the game begins, the total of which must be sixty (or one hundred, recommended when only two are playing).
The board consists of a square with an outer track and several minor loops (called occupation paths), each of which starts and ends at a space on the outer track. Some fame, happiness and money ("victory points") can be obtained on the outer track. These victory points can be obtained more quickly on the occupation paths. Each occupation path has more opportunities for certain types of victory points than others (e.g., in Hollywood there are many opportunities to get fame points). Each occupation also has certain minimum entry requirements.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Careers_(board_game)
Seng Chor won the game, followed by Sahaya. I was close. I just need to accumulate more fame points (stars).
Later, Yoke Kheng, Kenny, Sahaya and I played Cashflow and Sahaya won.
4th Day (Sunday)
Jordan woke up early – 7 am. Probably he thought that we were going to church. Hehehe!
We checked out at 12 noon, and left the resort at 12:30 pm. The ferry was packed this time. But we still managed to find good seats at the front deck.
We arrived Kuala Terengganu at about 2:30 pm, and stopped over at KFC for lunch.
The next stop was at the Hai Peng Kopitiam at Kemaman. It was crowded. I saw a crew of cameraman and thought that they were filming a movie or just taking a break there. Yoke Kheng managed to get a table for us at the side. We placed our orders. I ordered bread with peanut butter and banana, and ice blended coffee. Behind us, there were people smoking. So, Seng Chor suggested that we move to the table inside, which was just vacated. There were 2 other tables next to us – one on the left and the other on the right. Interestingly, one of the crew members approached us, and said that they are from the Malaysia Tourism Board. They were filming for a Merdeka Day advertisement in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2007. They requested us to sing the song, “Rasa Sayang”. Wow! This will be my second time on tv. I would say that we sang well. What could go wrong? Absolutely nothing. We had 2 worship leaders with us. As we sang, Seng Chor was carrying Jordan, and Jordan was enjoying a love letter that came with my coffee. Oh, what a privilege! The Teohs will be on tv!
After filming us, they filmed the shop owner and his staff. They also sang, “Rasa Sayang”. They didn’t sing well initially, and was asked to start again. Hehehe!
The advertisement will be on aired from 15 August onwards in TV1, 2, 3 and Astro – probably for a month. So, watch out for it. I must get the tape ready for recording.
=================================================
It was a wonderful trip for the Teohs:
• First island trip for Jordan
• First ferry ride for Jordan
• First ‘swim’ for Jordan in the pool and sea
• First body massage for me
• First bicycle ride for me and Jordan
• First time for the Teohs to ride on one bicycle
• First advertisement filming for the family
1st Day
We left the house at about 3:45 am. Pei Lu was in our car. Yoke Kheng drove the other car with Kenny and Sahaya as passengers. The journey was good. Jordan behaved well. He was still in his pyjamas. We had a short toilet break along the highway, then no more break until Kemaman. We stopped at the famous Hai Peng Kopitiam for breakfast – it was about 7:30 am.
We arrived at the Kuala Terengganu Jetty at 10:30 am and boarded the ferry straight away. We were the last on board but had the whole front deck all to ourselves. The journey took one and a half hour. Jordan had a good view of the sea.
The bus from the Berjaya Redang Beach Resort picked us up, and upon arrival at the resort, we were welcome with a drink. After checking in, Seng Chor went for his first dive. Jordan roamed about in the room – playing with (throwing) his toys. Later, he slept until Seng Chor woke him up for a dip in the swimming pool. Seng Chor also took him to the sea. Jordan loved the pool but not the sea. He was a bit scared. He was also afraid to walk on the sand.
For dinner, we ate at a Malay restaurant just outside the resort. It was not a pleasant dinner. Food was ok but the cashier was horrible. Yoke Kheng was even charged 50 cents for her little bowl of chili.
2nd Day
It drizzled in the morning.
Seng Chor left for his second diving trip before 8 am.
As soon as Seng Chor returned, Jordan woke up. It was after 10:30 am. I rested well.
Seng Chor baby sat while I played card games in the next room.
At about 1:45 pm, Seng Chor went for his third dive.
At 4:30 pm, I went for the Ayura Signature Massage (90 minutes).
“The signature massage took me back to the traditional art of healing and renewal where a heated poultice of aromatic herbs and spices is applied on the meridian points of the body to soothe sore muscles, followed by an invigorating massage to ease joint pains with Oriental Spice aromatherapy blend.”
It was my first ‘real’ massage. The last time I had a massage was during my confinement, at home. This is my first massage in a resort, and definitely not the last. I felt like a queen. On arrival, I was escorted into a room. It has a bathroom with a nice shower area. The bed for massage was in the hall. The room was filled with a soothing music. I was asked to change, while the lady waited outside. Next, she washed my feet with warm water. It reminded me of the time when some of the ladies in the church took turns to wash each other feet to symbolize servanthood. It felt good. Then, the massage began – legs, hands, body, shoulder and head. It was wonderful. I didn’t realize that the time was up. I thought it was just 1 hour, but it was 90 minutes already.
My leg muscles ache a bit after that, but it didn’t last long. It was my first body massage after all. There were no other body aches – so the lady has done a good job.
3rd Day
It was the fourth and final dive for Seng Chor in the morning. It was drizzling.
Kenny, Sahaya and Pei Lu went for snorkeling. Yoke Kheng had a stroll on the beach and around the resort. I stayed in the room.
Jordan woke up at almost 12 noon! Super sleep!
Seng Chor, Yoke Kheng, Kenny, Sahaya and I played board games after lunch. Kenny brought Careers and Rat Race, and Yoke Kheng borrowed Cashflow from Xian Jiek. I got to play Careers and Cashflow. I enjoyed Careers more.
“Careers is a board game first manufactured by Parker Brothers in 1955, which has been reprinted from time to time up to the present day. It was devised by the sociologist James Cooke Brown. Victory conditions consist of a minimum amount of fame, happiness and money that the player must gain. Players set their own victory conditions before the game begins, the total of which must be sixty (or one hundred, recommended when only two are playing).
The board consists of a square with an outer track and several minor loops (called occupation paths), each of which starts and ends at a space on the outer track. Some fame, happiness and money ("victory points") can be obtained on the outer track. These victory points can be obtained more quickly on the occupation paths. Each occupation path has more opportunities for certain types of victory points than others (e.g., in Hollywood there are many opportunities to get fame points). Each occupation also has certain minimum entry requirements.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Careers_(board_game)
Seng Chor won the game, followed by Sahaya. I was close. I just need to accumulate more fame points (stars).
Later, Yoke Kheng, Kenny, Sahaya and I played Cashflow and Sahaya won.
4th Day (Sunday)
Jordan woke up early – 7 am. Probably he thought that we were going to church. Hehehe!
We checked out at 12 noon, and left the resort at 12:30 pm. The ferry was packed this time. But we still managed to find good seats at the front deck.
We arrived Kuala Terengganu at about 2:30 pm, and stopped over at KFC for lunch.
The next stop was at the Hai Peng Kopitiam at Kemaman. It was crowded. I saw a crew of cameraman and thought that they were filming a movie or just taking a break there. Yoke Kheng managed to get a table for us at the side. We placed our orders. I ordered bread with peanut butter and banana, and ice blended coffee. Behind us, there were people smoking. So, Seng Chor suggested that we move to the table inside, which was just vacated. There were 2 other tables next to us – one on the left and the other on the right. Interestingly, one of the crew members approached us, and said that they are from the Malaysia Tourism Board. They were filming for a Merdeka Day advertisement in conjunction with the Visit Malaysia 2007. They requested us to sing the song, “Rasa Sayang”. Wow! This will be my second time on tv. I would say that we sang well. What could go wrong? Absolutely nothing. We had 2 worship leaders with us. As we sang, Seng Chor was carrying Jordan, and Jordan was enjoying a love letter that came with my coffee. Oh, what a privilege! The Teohs will be on tv!
After filming us, they filmed the shop owner and his staff. They also sang, “Rasa Sayang”. They didn’t sing well initially, and was asked to start again. Hehehe!
The advertisement will be on aired from 15 August onwards in TV1, 2, 3 and Astro – probably for a month. So, watch out for it. I must get the tape ready for recording.
=================================================
It was a wonderful trip for the Teohs:
• First island trip for Jordan
• First ferry ride for Jordan
• First ‘swim’ for Jordan in the pool and sea
• First body massage for me
• First bicycle ride for me and Jordan
• First time for the Teohs to ride on one bicycle
• First advertisement filming for the family
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
I saw myself on tv
YES! I saw it. The recording was successful. I was on ntv7 for about 2 - 3 minutes! We are estatic that they chose our interview to air. They approached quite a number of groups that day. What a wonderful privilege! Sue and the girls spoke well.
Seng Chor commented that I didn’t look photogenic. My Mum said that my face looked chubby. Blame it on the camera. I looked shy. I should have said more things. I was blur. Yikes! It could be my one and only golden opportunity for stardom and I blew it. Sigh! Hahaha!
Seng Chor commented that I didn’t look photogenic. My Mum said that my face looked chubby. Blame it on the camera. I looked shy. I should have said more things. I was blur. Yikes! It could be my one and only golden opportunity for stardom and I blew it. Sigh! Hahaha!
Monday, July 23, 2007
Interviewed by ntv7
Starlight Cinema – Asia largest outdoor cinema festival is back! This year, it is at KBU football field. Cool, eh?
On Tuesday, 17 July 2007, I had the privilege to watch the first movie – Casino Royale with Aunty Sue, Michelle and Rachelle. It was my first outing (definitely not the last) with them. It was the first time they sat in my SLK (Small Little Kancil), driven by me. It was the first outdoor movie for them, and second for me.
Though I was a bit disappointed with the sound system, I still enjoyed myself. We arrived at the field before 7:30 pm. I thought that my colleague was able to book seats for us at the VIP tent but he couldn’t. Then, he suggested that we get some card boards from the Marketing Department. We couldn’t find them. So, eventually we all went back to The Wongs to get a piece of cloth and some plastic bags to sit on.
We returned to the field before 8 pm. We found a spot at the side – Aunty Sue and I sat on plastic bags, while the girls sat on the cloth. We saw some folks from ntv7 approaching different groups to interview, and Michelle was saying something like, “Come, come, I want to be on tv.” Rachelle was eyeing the Shandy for quite some time. So, we went to buy a pack – 6 cans. They gave us free tickets for the Premiere movie on Friday, and 6 spins on the lucky wheel. I wanted to do only 3 spins, and let Rach spin the other 3. She insisted that I spun all 6. I did, and won 5 out of 6 times – 3 popcorns, 1 can of Shandy and 2 movie tickets! We were thrilled. Before that, we even thought of bringing our own popcorns. In the end, we finished only 1 pack.
Rach and I went back to the spot with our freebies/goodies. Unexpectedly, the ntv7 hosts came to interview us. His name is Jonathan Putra (JP), and the lady is Xandria Ooi from the show Life! Session. All 4 of us were interviewed. Jonathan sat in between Mich and Rach. They asked questions, like, “Is this your first time?”, “How do you feel?”, “Why we decided to go?”, “What movies are we looking forward to?”, etc. The camera and lights were right in front of us the whole time. At the end of the interview, he got all of us to shout, “Watch Life! Session at ntv7.” (something like that). After that, we ladies thought that we could do/look better. Rach said she should have put on contact lenses. I was thinking about putting on lipstick. Our faces were rather oily too.
That’s not the end of the fun part. Before the movie started, JP and Xandria went to the front and asked questions. They gave out boxes of regular Domino’s Pizza for each correct answer. Initially, people were asked to go to them to answer the questions. After 2 or 3 rounds, they decided to approach the crowd for the answer instead. We decided to try. We waited for the opportunity, and it came – Xandria asked, “Which ntv7 programme is hosted by both of us?” They spotted Aunty Sue’s hands, and the funny thing was that, Xandria thought that it was a guy. Aunty Sue had her hair tied up, that’s why she was mistaken for a gentleman. Hahaha! So, JP and the crew came over to our little spot. Mich or Rach answered the question, and they asked more questions. Aunty Sue knew all the answers – the time of the show, topics in the show, etc. And we got 2 boxes of regular Hawaiian Pizza! Sue suggested that we give one box to Seng Chor for his dinner. So, I called him. He was on the way home from Jordan’s babysitter. I met him at the KBU guard house, had a glance of Jordan, passed the pizza to Seng Chor and zoomed back to the movie. I missed few minutes.
Gee, what an exciting start to the movie! It’s one of the best experiences that I’ve ever had. I’m so happy to share them with Sue, Mich and Rach. Oh, what I like best about the movie – the gambling part. Hehehe!
What an awesome start to my first day of the week – our little interview was aired this morning (Monday, 23 July 2007) at about 11:40 am. Moreover, today is also my beloved Mama’s birthday. My mum, Yoke Kheng, Aunty Sue and Rach saw it. As Aunty Sue said, “We’re STARS! We’re on national TV.” Super cool and fantastic indeed!
On Tuesday, 17 July 2007, I had the privilege to watch the first movie – Casino Royale with Aunty Sue, Michelle and Rachelle. It was my first outing (definitely not the last) with them. It was the first time they sat in my SLK (Small Little Kancil), driven by me. It was the first outdoor movie for them, and second for me.
Though I was a bit disappointed with the sound system, I still enjoyed myself. We arrived at the field before 7:30 pm. I thought that my colleague was able to book seats for us at the VIP tent but he couldn’t. Then, he suggested that we get some card boards from the Marketing Department. We couldn’t find them. So, eventually we all went back to The Wongs to get a piece of cloth and some plastic bags to sit on.
We returned to the field before 8 pm. We found a spot at the side – Aunty Sue and I sat on plastic bags, while the girls sat on the cloth. We saw some folks from ntv7 approaching different groups to interview, and Michelle was saying something like, “Come, come, I want to be on tv.” Rachelle was eyeing the Shandy for quite some time. So, we went to buy a pack – 6 cans. They gave us free tickets for the Premiere movie on Friday, and 6 spins on the lucky wheel. I wanted to do only 3 spins, and let Rach spin the other 3. She insisted that I spun all 6. I did, and won 5 out of 6 times – 3 popcorns, 1 can of Shandy and 2 movie tickets! We were thrilled. Before that, we even thought of bringing our own popcorns. In the end, we finished only 1 pack.
Rach and I went back to the spot with our freebies/goodies. Unexpectedly, the ntv7 hosts came to interview us. His name is Jonathan Putra (JP), and the lady is Xandria Ooi from the show Life! Session. All 4 of us were interviewed. Jonathan sat in between Mich and Rach. They asked questions, like, “Is this your first time?”, “How do you feel?”, “Why we decided to go?”, “What movies are we looking forward to?”, etc. The camera and lights were right in front of us the whole time. At the end of the interview, he got all of us to shout, “Watch Life! Session at ntv7.” (something like that). After that, we ladies thought that we could do/look better. Rach said she should have put on contact lenses. I was thinking about putting on lipstick. Our faces were rather oily too.
That’s not the end of the fun part. Before the movie started, JP and Xandria went to the front and asked questions. They gave out boxes of regular Domino’s Pizza for each correct answer. Initially, people were asked to go to them to answer the questions. After 2 or 3 rounds, they decided to approach the crowd for the answer instead. We decided to try. We waited for the opportunity, and it came – Xandria asked, “Which ntv7 programme is hosted by both of us?” They spotted Aunty Sue’s hands, and the funny thing was that, Xandria thought that it was a guy. Aunty Sue had her hair tied up, that’s why she was mistaken for a gentleman. Hahaha! So, JP and the crew came over to our little spot. Mich or Rach answered the question, and they asked more questions. Aunty Sue knew all the answers – the time of the show, topics in the show, etc. And we got 2 boxes of regular Hawaiian Pizza! Sue suggested that we give one box to Seng Chor for his dinner. So, I called him. He was on the way home from Jordan’s babysitter. I met him at the KBU guard house, had a glance of Jordan, passed the pizza to Seng Chor and zoomed back to the movie. I missed few minutes.
Gee, what an exciting start to the movie! It’s one of the best experiences that I’ve ever had. I’m so happy to share them with Sue, Mich and Rach. Oh, what I like best about the movie – the gambling part. Hehehe!
What an awesome start to my first day of the week – our little interview was aired this morning (Monday, 23 July 2007) at about 11:40 am. Moreover, today is also my beloved Mama’s birthday. My mum, Yoke Kheng, Aunty Sue and Rach saw it. As Aunty Sue said, “We’re STARS! We’re on national TV.” Super cool and fantastic indeed!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
The Family in Red
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My handsome boy and I.
=============================================
Photos were taken at Pantai Seafood Restaurant on Sunday, 15 July 2007, to celebrate Yoke Teen's birthday.
Time Off for Parents
Mothers, and by extension fathers, need to take a break in order to be better parents to their children.
Mothers need a break to pamper themselves to recharge their mind, body and soul.
(by Rachel Goodchild)
==================================================
I totally agree with Rachel. Some of the BUC ladies (especially the young mothers) are planning to take a break for a weekend, away from their husbands and children. It got to be some where out of Malaysia - shopping in Bandung or Bali or Bangkok.
For a start, I'm going to pamper myself in Redang this weekend - I will get a good massage and enjoy the spa in the resort. It will be my first time. Woohoo!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Bed vs Cot
Since Jordan slept in the cot, he has been waking up in the wee hours of the morning. It’s even worse than sleeping late. Surprisingly, he didn’t seem tired at all during the day. I was almost half dead on Saturday because he woke up around 4 am. Sometimes I couldn’t even keep my eyes open. I had to baby sit him the whole day because Seng Chor was working. I was really frustrated with Jordan but still managed to show much grace.
On Saturday night, I suggested to Seng Chor to allow Jordan to sleep on the bed with us. I wanted to prove my theory that he sleeps better and longer on the bed. And I too will get more sleep as well. My hypothesis was proven to be true. We had to wake him up for church on Sunday. We repeated the same thing – allowed him to sleep on the bed with us last night and he slept all the way until the babysitter’s house this morning.
The reason – baby dreams too, and sometimes, dreams wake them up. So, when Jordan wakes up while he’s in the cot, he would look for us and cry for attention. There’s when I lose my sleep to entertain him. When he’s on the bed, he’s ok. He knows that we are there, and he would continue to sleep. He wants to feel secure.
Conclusion – Allow him to sleep on the bed with us for now – better for me, better for him. Eh…not sure whether it is better for Seng Chor.
On Saturday night, I suggested to Seng Chor to allow Jordan to sleep on the bed with us. I wanted to prove my theory that he sleeps better and longer on the bed. And I too will get more sleep as well. My hypothesis was proven to be true. We had to wake him up for church on Sunday. We repeated the same thing – allowed him to sleep on the bed with us last night and he slept all the way until the babysitter’s house this morning.
The reason – baby dreams too, and sometimes, dreams wake them up. So, when Jordan wakes up while he’s in the cot, he would look for us and cry for attention. There’s when I lose my sleep to entertain him. When he’s on the bed, he’s ok. He knows that we are there, and he would continue to sleep. He wants to feel secure.
Conclusion – Allow him to sleep on the bed with us for now – better for me, better for him. Eh…not sure whether it is better for Seng Chor.
Japanese Name
Lee Siew Ken
My japanese name is 原 Hara (wilderness) ? Tsubaki (camellia flower).
===================================================
Lee Christine
My japanese name is 原 Hara (wilderness) 三千代 Michiyo (three thousand generations).
Take your real japanese name generator! today!
Created with Rum and Monkey's Name Generator Generator.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
I'm so in love...
... with my son ...
His 'Bugs Bunny front teeth' are getting more and more obvious. My Mum said that he has a really captivating smile which would definitely melt anybody's heart.
(The photo was taken on Saturday, 07/07/07 at MyKitchen Restaurant.)
You scored as a Bumblebee
| You scored as Bumblebee, Your match is Bumblebee! People around you appreciate your positive outlook and feel that they can rely on you. Putting others first is important to you, often at your own sacrifice. Your determination is something to be proud of.
Which Transformers character Are You? created with QuizFarm.com |
‘Shower Stories’
Last night
Seng Chor normally showers before putting Jordan to bed. Last night, after feeding Jordan, he told Jordan, “Daddy is going to shower now”. Then, I realized something and asked, “I thought that you have already showered in the evening”. He replied, “Oh, ya oh. I forgot.”
Last week
I normally wash my hair first before my body. My mind was occupied with something during one of my showers last week. As I was about to wash my body, I suddenly asked myself whether I have washed my body or not before that. I remembered washing my hair but I couldn’t remember washing my body! So, I told myself, “Nevermind lah, just shower again loh.”
These 2 stories are just the tip of our Memory Bank iceberg. I suffer from short term memory more than Seng Chor. He always attributes this problem to my PhD i.e. Permanent Head Damage. :p
Best Advice on Shower
Clean/Wash yourself starting from the top to bottom – which is, from head to toe.
Why? Because if you clean your body first before your hair, your body will be ‘dirty’ again when you wash your hair. (soap + water flows from top to bottom). Then, you will need to wash your body all over again!
Seng Chor normally showers before putting Jordan to bed. Last night, after feeding Jordan, he told Jordan, “Daddy is going to shower now”. Then, I realized something and asked, “I thought that you have already showered in the evening”. He replied, “Oh, ya oh. I forgot.”
Last week
I normally wash my hair first before my body. My mind was occupied with something during one of my showers last week. As I was about to wash my body, I suddenly asked myself whether I have washed my body or not before that. I remembered washing my hair but I couldn’t remember washing my body! So, I told myself, “Nevermind lah, just shower again loh.”
These 2 stories are just the tip of our Memory Bank iceberg. I suffer from short term memory more than Seng Chor. He always attributes this problem to my PhD i.e. Permanent Head Damage. :p
Best Advice on Shower
Clean/Wash yourself starting from the top to bottom – which is, from head to toe.
Why? Because if you clean your body first before your hair, your body will be ‘dirty’ again when you wash your hair. (soap + water flows from top to bottom). Then, you will need to wash your body all over again!
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
No struggle
Last night, my Year 3 students who have just completed their degree last month treated me Bak Kut Teh (BKT) at Klang (Bukit Raja). It's so nice of them. BKT is one of my favourite food. The dinner was truly satisfying.
After dinner, they took me to Hartamas Square for a drink - first time for me. I ordered a glass of hot Horlick - haven't had that for quite a while. It's one of my favourite drinks. Had a good chat with a few of them. It was good to know some of the students better. Now, they are planning for the next dinner - maybe seafood in Kuala Selangor.
Oh, I got to sit in my student's new Perodua Viva. He just bought it 3 weeks ago. Cool. Looks tempting. Hehehe!
I reached home almost 12 midnight. Seng Chor and Jordan were already sleeping. Jordan was actually sleeping almost at the edge of the bed. As I was about to wash up, Seng Chor carried him to his cot. He whined a bit then continue to sleep. No struggle at all!
After dinner, they took me to Hartamas Square for a drink - first time for me. I ordered a glass of hot Horlick - haven't had that for quite a while. It's one of my favourite drinks. Had a good chat with a few of them. It was good to know some of the students better. Now, they are planning for the next dinner - maybe seafood in Kuala Selangor.
Oh, I got to sit in my student's new Perodua Viva. He just bought it 3 weeks ago. Cool. Looks tempting. Hehehe!
I reached home almost 12 midnight. Seng Chor and Jordan were already sleeping. Jordan was actually sleeping almost at the edge of the bed. As I was about to wash up, Seng Chor carried him to his cot. He whined a bit then continue to sleep. No struggle at all!
Simplest Recipe for ORAL REHYDRATION SOLUTION
(Extracted from the Time magazine, Oct 16, 2006)
Simplest Recipe for ORAL REHYDRATION SOLUTION (ORS)
A fistful of sugar + A large pinch of salt + (dissolved in) a jug of clear water and administered gradually
(Eight teaspoons of sugar + one teaspoon of salt + one litre of water)
SURVIVING DIARRHEA
(Please note ready-mixed sugar-salt packets are sold at pharmacies. A retired nurse told my Mum that a few years back, some friends who climbed Mt. Kinabalu took several packets with them in cases of leg cramps.)
Simplest Recipe for ORAL REHYDRATION SOLUTION (ORS)
A fistful of sugar + A large pinch of salt + (dissolved in) a jug of clear water and administered gradually
(Eight teaspoons of sugar + one teaspoon of salt + one litre of water)
SURVIVING DIARRHEA
- Oral Rehydration treatment can reverse dehydration in more than 90% of patients, even in cases of the sever diarrhea caused by bugs like rotavirus and cholera.
- When the solution reaches the small intestine, the sodium-glucose co-transport pathway moves sugar from the hollow part of the intestine (lumen) into its mucosal lining (epithelium) through the villi, small fingerlike projections on the intestinal wall. "It's like having a chemical needle in the intestinal tract," says William Greenough, a professor of medicine at John Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, and a former director of ICDDR (INTERNATIONAL CENTRE for DIARRHOEAL DISEASE RESEARCH).
- Sugar's chemical properties allow salt to be absorbed more efficiently. The salt then promotes the absorption of water into the capillaries within the intestinal walls, which carry the water and electrolytes to other parts of the body and restore fluid balance.
(Please note ready-mixed sugar-salt packets are sold at pharmacies. A retired nurse told my Mum that a few years back, some friends who climbed Mt. Kinabalu took several packets with them in cases of leg cramps.)
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
"Good Job, Seng Chor!"
Seng Chor pacified Jordan last night. He carried him and sang to him. Then, he slowly placed him into the cot. Jordan cried a bit. Seng Chor patted him, and within less than 5 minutes, Jordan fell asleep in the cot. Woohoo! Another successful night.
Well done, Seng Chor!
Well done, Seng Chor!
Monday, July 09, 2007
3 As for Jordan
After reading the article on "Meeting Life's 3 As", I would like to commit myself to provide Jordan with the 3 As.
Attention
Affection
Affirmation
Attention
- To give him my undivided attention at home when he gets back from the babysitter.
- To respond to his whining and crying whenever it’s appropriate.
Affection
- To shower him with lots of hugs/cuddles and kisses.
- To massage him.
- Say, “I love you” to him everyday.
Affirmation
- Clap my hands and say, “Clever boy!”, whenever he learns/does something new or obeys simple instructions.
- Tell him that I’m proud of him.
- Let him know that he is good at certain skills – like holding his bottle to drink.
Meeting life’s 3 As
(By Rachel Goodchild)
It can be easy to focus on the physical and education needs of our children and forget that there are other things just as important for their development.
These things can easily be put aside in the busy times and be forgotten, leaving our children feeling vulnerable and lacking.
There are three words that sum up the areas of mental health we, as parents, should focus on with our children. These are attention, affection and affirmation.
These three gifts help our children to become self-assured and confident, ready to learn and grow.
A for Attention
I often ask parents of children who are misbehaving how much quality one-on-one time they are giving their children.
I know my children will misbehave to get my attention. To counteract that, I try and give them attention before that happens.
In that way, they get praise and positive attention rather than negative attention.
Children are designed to want to be noticed and listened to. If they feel that you are not listening to them, they will find another way to get your attention – which is where bad behaviour comes in.
Giving your children positive attention, spending time with them without doing something else at the same time will fill them up with the sense of worth they are searching for.
A for Affection
My second child is hard-wired to need a lot of affection – but all my children need it.
I am careful to make sure hugs, cuddles and kisses are free commodities in our house.
We have a system at night where the two girls take it in turns to brush my hair while we read books. It is a lovely way to quietly bond with my girls, and share affection.
Hand stroking, kissing, hugs and cuddles are all important. Children also enjoy massages.
Sometimes the week can get busy – so I make sure we have lots of excuses for physical affection in the weekends – with cuddles in bed, rough-and-tumble chasing games, and cuddles while reading books on the couch.
A for Affirmation
An affirmation helps someone know what he or she is good at and who he or she is.
Phrases such as “You are a kind and thoughtful person” or “Well done for remembering to take your plate into the kitchen”, all build up our children and help them feel valued and supported.
Affirmations also make us feel good.
We play a game some nights called The Way I Love You, which is really just me listing a whole raft of things I love about my children.
They would have me do it every night – but I confess sometimes I am too tired!
However, I try to at least promise it for another night, and make sure I save some energy if that is the option.
I will include ideas like “I like the way you are working hard at predicting new words” or “I like the hugs and kisses you give your sister when she is sad.”
Each of these three As is important. Add them into your parenting patterns and you will quickly see a positive result for your children’s behaviour.
It can be easy to focus on the physical and education needs of our children and forget that there are other things just as important for their development.
These things can easily be put aside in the busy times and be forgotten, leaving our children feeling vulnerable and lacking.
There are three words that sum up the areas of mental health we, as parents, should focus on with our children. These are attention, affection and affirmation.
These three gifts help our children to become self-assured and confident, ready to learn and grow.
A for Attention
I often ask parents of children who are misbehaving how much quality one-on-one time they are giving their children.
I know my children will misbehave to get my attention. To counteract that, I try and give them attention before that happens.
In that way, they get praise and positive attention rather than negative attention.
Children are designed to want to be noticed and listened to. If they feel that you are not listening to them, they will find another way to get your attention – which is where bad behaviour comes in.
Giving your children positive attention, spending time with them without doing something else at the same time will fill them up with the sense of worth they are searching for.
A for Affection
My second child is hard-wired to need a lot of affection – but all my children need it.
I am careful to make sure hugs, cuddles and kisses are free commodities in our house.
We have a system at night where the two girls take it in turns to brush my hair while we read books. It is a lovely way to quietly bond with my girls, and share affection.
Hand stroking, kissing, hugs and cuddles are all important. Children also enjoy massages.
Sometimes the week can get busy – so I make sure we have lots of excuses for physical affection in the weekends – with cuddles in bed, rough-and-tumble chasing games, and cuddles while reading books on the couch.
A for Affirmation
An affirmation helps someone know what he or she is good at and who he or she is.
Phrases such as “You are a kind and thoughtful person” or “Well done for remembering to take your plate into the kitchen”, all build up our children and help them feel valued and supported.
Affirmations also make us feel good.
We play a game some nights called The Way I Love You, which is really just me listing a whole raft of things I love about my children.
They would have me do it every night – but I confess sometimes I am too tired!
However, I try to at least promise it for another night, and make sure I save some energy if that is the option.
I will include ideas like “I like the way you are working hard at predicting new words” or “I like the hugs and kisses you give your sister when she is sad.”
Each of these three As is important. Add them into your parenting patterns and you will quickly see a positive result for your children’s behaviour.
Cruel?
Last night, we let Jordan cried for about an hour before he finally fell asleep in the cot. Yup, ONE hour! Initially, I accompanied him. I just lied down on the bed quietly. Then, Seng Chor took over, and I went down to watch Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Seng Chor joined me after Jordan has slept. He slept well until this morning (after the alarm clock rang), and was in a happy mood.
Poor Jordan but this is the only way to train him at the moment. Cruel?
Poor Jordan but this is the only way to train him at the moment. Cruel?
Friday, July 06, 2007
Back to cot
Seng Chor and I have been trying to get Jordan to return to his cot to sleep. It was a successful attempt on Monday night. He stood and cried for about 5 minutes first, then, lied down and slept. Both of us were on the bed beside him.
On Tuesday night, Seng Chor placed him into the cot again at around 10:30 pm. Both of us left the room and went downstairs. He cried. Our plan was to allow him to cry until he falls asleep. Seng Chor read newspapers. I was washing some dishes. 5 minutes passed - still crying. 10 minutes - seemed softer but grew louder again. 15 minutes later - non-stop crying. After almost 20 minutes since we left him, we decided to give up and went upstairs to pacify the poor boy. He was still crying non-stop when we carried him out of the cot. He was in the same position throughout the ordeal - standing at the side, crying. The bedding and pillows on the cot were untouched. Poor boy! Our mission has failed too!
We have not tried again since that night. He was at the babysitter on Wednesday night as Seng Chor and I watched Transformers (super cool). Surprisingly, he sleeps in the cot at the babysitter but wants to sleep on the bed with us at home. sigh. We still struggle to get him to sleep every night. He cries every night before he sleeps. sigh.
What can we do? Hang tough!
On Tuesday night, Seng Chor placed him into the cot again at around 10:30 pm. Both of us left the room and went downstairs. He cried. Our plan was to allow him to cry until he falls asleep. Seng Chor read newspapers. I was washing some dishes. 5 minutes passed - still crying. 10 minutes - seemed softer but grew louder again. 15 minutes later - non-stop crying. After almost 20 minutes since we left him, we decided to give up and went upstairs to pacify the poor boy. He was still crying non-stop when we carried him out of the cot. He was in the same position throughout the ordeal - standing at the side, crying. The bedding and pillows on the cot were untouched. Poor boy! Our mission has failed too!
We have not tried again since that night. He was at the babysitter on Wednesday night as Seng Chor and I watched Transformers (super cool). Surprisingly, he sleeps in the cot at the babysitter but wants to sleep on the bed with us at home. sigh. We still struggle to get him to sleep every night. He cries every night before he sleeps. sigh.
What can we do? Hang tough!
Friday, June 29, 2007
Tough nights…but got surprise kiss
Seng Chor and I picked Jordan at around 7 pm yesterday. Then, we went to 1 Utama for dinner and some shopping. Jordan had some of my Mee Mamak. He enjoyed it. He was also getting friendly with some guys and a gal sitting behind us. Next, he had two rides with Barney and friends. He loved that too. Finally, we shopped for some groceries at Jusco. Towards the end, he was unmanageable. It was a bit embarrassing because he was crying non-stop. I felt people staring us, probably wondering whether we had tortured our son or not. One lady said that he must be sleepy. Yeah, that’s our deduction too – he was feeling sleepy. He cried almost all the way to the car. He fell asleep on the car seat as we were going home.
Upon reaching home, Seng Chor wiped and changed him – wiped his face, hands and legs. He was still sleeping. Then, we woke him up to drink his milk. After his milk, he turned hyper active. So, Seng Chor said, “Let’s take him out for a ride.” We traveled to Kota Damansara, and headed for the Subang Airport. Unfortunately, Jordan didn’t fall asleep. Ha! Ha! Ha! The old trick has failed. Seng Chor tried to get him to sleep again, but he ended up scolding him loudly. Poor Jordan! I think he was traumatized – his Daddy, whom he kissed so many times that morning, was angry with him. He cried for about 5 to 10 minutes. I tried to pacify him by singing and carrying him. Both didn’t work. He cried until he became too tired and fell asleep.
Confession time – I screamed at him and smacked his buttocks on Wednesday night. He didn’t want to sleep, and yet at the same time he refused to let me sleep. He snatched my pillow, and cried whenever I didn’t allow him to play. Surprisingly, as I lied down after the screaming and smacking episodes, he came towards me and kissed me. Wow! I didn’t scream at him anymore. He has tamed me with that sudden kiss. Eventually, we both fell asleep. He certainly knows how to soften your heart.
Upon reaching home, Seng Chor wiped and changed him – wiped his face, hands and legs. He was still sleeping. Then, we woke him up to drink his milk. After his milk, he turned hyper active. So, Seng Chor said, “Let’s take him out for a ride.” We traveled to Kota Damansara, and headed for the Subang Airport. Unfortunately, Jordan didn’t fall asleep. Ha! Ha! Ha! The old trick has failed. Seng Chor tried to get him to sleep again, but he ended up scolding him loudly. Poor Jordan! I think he was traumatized – his Daddy, whom he kissed so many times that morning, was angry with him. He cried for about 5 to 10 minutes. I tried to pacify him by singing and carrying him. Both didn’t work. He cried until he became too tired and fell asleep.
Confession time – I screamed at him and smacked his buttocks on Wednesday night. He didn’t want to sleep, and yet at the same time he refused to let me sleep. He snatched my pillow, and cried whenever I didn’t allow him to play. Surprisingly, as I lied down after the screaming and smacking episodes, he came towards me and kissed me. Wow! I didn’t scream at him anymore. He has tamed me with that sudden kiss. Eventually, we both fell asleep. He certainly knows how to soften your heart.
Quote of the Month (June)
“...better than his father.”
Kckk
(on Jordan’s ‘singing’ at Antioch Centre, Sunday 17 June 2007)
Kckk
(on Jordan’s ‘singing’ at Antioch Centre, Sunday 17 June 2007)
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Midnight Ride
Last night was a tough night for Seng Chor and me. We picked Jordan very late – about 9:30 pm after Seng Chor’s badminton. We arrived home almost 10 pm. For no apparent reason, Jordan kept on crying as I was trying to wipe and change him. He cried until I stuffed the milk bottle into his mouth. After drinking 7 oz his milk, he didn’t want to sleep. He wouldn’t let me sleep either – whining and crying on and off. About half an hour later, I turned on the Nursery Rhymes VCD for him to watch. He watched quietly until almost to the end. He still refused to sleep. When I didn’t allow him to play, he cried non-stop. Finally, Seng Chor and I took him out for a ride. He fell asleep within few minutes.
This morning, he woke up at 4 am, crying for milk! He finished his milk fast, and cried suddenly. Seng Chor pacified him until he fell asleep again.
This odd behaviour happens occasionally. We are still very much puzzled by Jordan’s behaviour. What we struggle most at this moment, is trying to get him to sleep. Sometimes perfect, sometimes horrendous.
Well, look at the bright side…there were wonderful moments with Jordan.
Here are some of the recent ones…
Occasionally, he pats our back when we carry him. What a nice feeling!
His kisses are so addictive. One is never enough. The best is to get a surprise kiss from him. Oooohhh, it just melts my heart away. It’s funny that he wants to kiss the lips, and not the cheeks. We turn our cheeks to him, but he goes for the lips.
Jordan suddenly said, “Dog” himself, followed by “Wow-wow”. He repeated few times. Normally, we say, “Dog”, and he says, “Wow-wow”.
(Monday, 25 June 2007)
He is still calling, “Daddy” most of the time. Sometimes, when he knows that Seng Chor is in the bathroom, he would knock at the door and call, “Daddy” in his sweet and irresistible voice.
Nowadays, he obediently takes his dirty clothes and throws them into the laundry basket.
He holds his milk bottle more steadily.
He can walk up and down the stairs with support. Previously, he crawled up.
There is still so much to teach our boy...every tiny little achievement of his, is our pride and joy.
This morning, he woke up at 4 am, crying for milk! He finished his milk fast, and cried suddenly. Seng Chor pacified him until he fell asleep again.
This odd behaviour happens occasionally. We are still very much puzzled by Jordan’s behaviour. What we struggle most at this moment, is trying to get him to sleep. Sometimes perfect, sometimes horrendous.
Well, look at the bright side…there were wonderful moments with Jordan.
Here are some of the recent ones…
Occasionally, he pats our back when we carry him. What a nice feeling!
His kisses are so addictive. One is never enough. The best is to get a surprise kiss from him. Oooohhh, it just melts my heart away. It’s funny that he wants to kiss the lips, and not the cheeks. We turn our cheeks to him, but he goes for the lips.
Jordan suddenly said, “Dog” himself, followed by “Wow-wow”. He repeated few times. Normally, we say, “Dog”, and he says, “Wow-wow”.
(Monday, 25 June 2007)
He is still calling, “Daddy” most of the time. Sometimes, when he knows that Seng Chor is in the bathroom, he would knock at the door and call, “Daddy” in his sweet and irresistible voice.
Nowadays, he obediently takes his dirty clothes and throws them into the laundry basket.
He holds his milk bottle more steadily.
He can walk up and down the stairs with support. Previously, he crawled up.
There is still so much to teach our boy...every tiny little achievement of his, is our pride and joy.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
The Art of Parenting
By Dr. James Dobson
There is hardly a parent alive who does not have some regrets and painful memories of their failures as a mother or a father. Children are infinitely complex, and we can no more be perfect parents than we can be perfect human beings. The pressures of living are often enormous. We get tired and irritated; we are influenced by our physical bodies and our emotions, which sometimes prevent us from saying the right things and being the models we should be. We do not always handle our children as unemotionally as we wish we had, and it is very common to look back a year or two later and see how wrong we were in the way we approached a problem.
Fortunately we are permitted to make some mistakes with our children. They are resilient, and they usually survive most of our errors in judgment. It is a good thing they do, because none of us can be a perfect parent. Besides, it is not the occasional mistakes that hurt a child – it is the consistent influence of destructive conditions throughout childhood that does the damage.
All of us experience these failures! No one does the job perfectly! Even if you implement a flawless system of parenting, (which no one in history has done), your children will still be children. At times they will be silly, lazy, selfish, and yes, disrespectful. Such is the nature of the human species. We as adults have the same weaknesses.
Furthermore, when it comes to children, that is how it should be. Boys and girls are like clocks; you have to let them run. The point and purpose of parental discipline is not to produce obedient little robots who can sit with their hands folded in the parlor thinking patriotic and noble thoughts! Even if we could pull that off, it would not be wise to try.
You can teach new attitudes and modify some behavioral patterns, but you will not be able to redesign the basic personality with which your child was born with. Some characteristics are genetically programmed, and they will always be there. For example, some children appear to be born leaders, and others seem to be made to follow. One of your most astounding experiences as a parent is to watch a distinct personality emerge in each of your children. As they mature, traits that make them individuals become increasingly apparent. It is part of God’s plan for who they will become.
My advice to you is to accept, appreciate, and cultivate the personality with which your little child is born. He or she does not need to fit a preconceived mold. That youngster is, thankfully, one of a kind.
Are there times when good, loving parents do not like their own children very much? Yes, just as there are times in a good marriages when husbands and wives do not like each other for a while.
What you should do in both situations is hang tough. Look for ways to make the relationship better, but never give up your commitment to one another. That is especially true during the teen years, when the person we see will be very different in a few years. Wait patiently for him or her to grow up. You will be glad you did.
Let me give you what I consider to be the key to good parenting. It is to learn how to get behind the eyes of your child, seeing what he sees and feeling what he feels. When you know his frame of mind, your response becomes obvious. For example, when he is lonely, he needs your company. When he is defiant, he needs your help in controlling his impulses. When he is afraid, he needs the security of your embrace. When he is happy, he needs to share his laughter and joy with those he loves. Raising healthy children, then, is not so much a science as it is a highly developed art, and most of us have the natural intuitive faculties to learn it.
Take the time to observe those children who live in your house. If you tune in closely to what they say and do, the feelings behind those behaviors will soon become apparent. Then your reaction to what you have seen will lead to more confident parenthood.
You cannot buy your way out of parenting responsibilities, though many have tried. Busy and exhausted mothers and fathers, especially those who are affluent, sometimes attempt to “pay off” their deprived kids with toys, cars and expensive experiences. It rarely works. What boys and girls want most is time spent with their parents – building things in the garden or singing in the car or cycling in a part.
Many families have forgotten how to have fun in everyday experiences. The things they do together can become hallmarks of their years together. No toy to be played with alone can ever compete with the enjoyment of such moment. And they will be remembered for a lifetime.
The task of procreation was never intended to be so burdensome. Of course it is demanding. And children are challenging, to be sure. But the guilt and self-doubt that often encumber the parenting responsibility are not part of the divine plan. And today, it remains one of the greatest privileges in living to bring a baby into the world to love and care for. What a wonderful opportunity it is to teach these little ones to revere God with all their hearts and to serve others throughout their lives. There is no higher calling than that!
(Published in the focus on the family Malaysia 2007 newsletter, Issue 7)
--------------------------------------------------------
This article has encouraged me much. Hope that parents / parents-to-be will be blessed too.
There is hardly a parent alive who does not have some regrets and painful memories of their failures as a mother or a father. Children are infinitely complex, and we can no more be perfect parents than we can be perfect human beings. The pressures of living are often enormous. We get tired and irritated; we are influenced by our physical bodies and our emotions, which sometimes prevent us from saying the right things and being the models we should be. We do not always handle our children as unemotionally as we wish we had, and it is very common to look back a year or two later and see how wrong we were in the way we approached a problem.
Fortunately we are permitted to make some mistakes with our children. They are resilient, and they usually survive most of our errors in judgment. It is a good thing they do, because none of us can be a perfect parent. Besides, it is not the occasional mistakes that hurt a child – it is the consistent influence of destructive conditions throughout childhood that does the damage.
All of us experience these failures! No one does the job perfectly! Even if you implement a flawless system of parenting, (which no one in history has done), your children will still be children. At times they will be silly, lazy, selfish, and yes, disrespectful. Such is the nature of the human species. We as adults have the same weaknesses.
Furthermore, when it comes to children, that is how it should be. Boys and girls are like clocks; you have to let them run. The point and purpose of parental discipline is not to produce obedient little robots who can sit with their hands folded in the parlor thinking patriotic and noble thoughts! Even if we could pull that off, it would not be wise to try.
You can teach new attitudes and modify some behavioral patterns, but you will not be able to redesign the basic personality with which your child was born with. Some characteristics are genetically programmed, and they will always be there. For example, some children appear to be born leaders, and others seem to be made to follow. One of your most astounding experiences as a parent is to watch a distinct personality emerge in each of your children. As they mature, traits that make them individuals become increasingly apparent. It is part of God’s plan for who they will become.
My advice to you is to accept, appreciate, and cultivate the personality with which your little child is born. He or she does not need to fit a preconceived mold. That youngster is, thankfully, one of a kind.
Are there times when good, loving parents do not like their own children very much? Yes, just as there are times in a good marriages when husbands and wives do not like each other for a while.
What you should do in both situations is hang tough. Look for ways to make the relationship better, but never give up your commitment to one another. That is especially true during the teen years, when the person we see will be very different in a few years. Wait patiently for him or her to grow up. You will be glad you did.
Let me give you what I consider to be the key to good parenting. It is to learn how to get behind the eyes of your child, seeing what he sees and feeling what he feels. When you know his frame of mind, your response becomes obvious. For example, when he is lonely, he needs your company. When he is defiant, he needs your help in controlling his impulses. When he is afraid, he needs the security of your embrace. When he is happy, he needs to share his laughter and joy with those he loves. Raising healthy children, then, is not so much a science as it is a highly developed art, and most of us have the natural intuitive faculties to learn it.
Take the time to observe those children who live in your house. If you tune in closely to what they say and do, the feelings behind those behaviors will soon become apparent. Then your reaction to what you have seen will lead to more confident parenthood.
You cannot buy your way out of parenting responsibilities, though many have tried. Busy and exhausted mothers and fathers, especially those who are affluent, sometimes attempt to “pay off” their deprived kids with toys, cars and expensive experiences. It rarely works. What boys and girls want most is time spent with their parents – building things in the garden or singing in the car or cycling in a part.
Many families have forgotten how to have fun in everyday experiences. The things they do together can become hallmarks of their years together. No toy to be played with alone can ever compete with the enjoyment of such moment. And they will be remembered for a lifetime.
The task of procreation was never intended to be so burdensome. Of course it is demanding. And children are challenging, to be sure. But the guilt and self-doubt that often encumber the parenting responsibility are not part of the divine plan. And today, it remains one of the greatest privileges in living to bring a baby into the world to love and care for. What a wonderful opportunity it is to teach these little ones to revere God with all their hearts and to serve others throughout their lives. There is no higher calling than that!
(Published in the focus on the family Malaysia 2007 newsletter, Issue 7)
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This article has encouraged me much. Hope that parents / parents-to-be will be blessed too.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Late Nights
Jordan's sleeping time at night is extremely irregular - anytime from 9 pm to 3 am! He's simply superb! For the last 2 nights, he slept after midnight. Well, we have been trying to justify this odd behaviour with various reasons - he misses us, misses his toys, sleeps too much during the day, not feeling well, etc.
I had one theory but I was wrong. Initially, I thought that because we picked him up late from the babysitter, he wanted to stay up late to play. This hypothesis has been proven to be incorrect. We picked him up early on Tuesday, before 7 pm, he still slept late.
Well…like everyone said, “Hang in there”. I have the grace of God to go on…
I had one theory but I was wrong. Initially, I thought that because we picked him up late from the babysitter, he wanted to stay up late to play. This hypothesis has been proven to be incorrect. We picked him up early on Tuesday, before 7 pm, he still slept late.
Well…like everyone said, “Hang in there”. I have the grace of God to go on…
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Good Night
Thank God that Jordan is better. Less runny nose. Less coughing. He slept at around 10 pm last night. We didn't wake him up. Seng Chor carried him from the bed straight into the car seat.
I am feeling better too. Amidst all the struggles that I have gone through, I stand firm in my faith. My love and adoration for Jordan remain strong.
Whatever your cross
I am feeling better too. Amidst all the struggles that I have gone through, I stand firm in my faith. My love and adoration for Jordan remain strong.
YOUR CROSS
Whatever your cross
Whatever your pain
There will always be sunshine
After the rain
Perhaps you may stumble
Perhaps even fall
But God's always there
To help you through it all.
(Author unknown)
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
SAY IT NOW
SAY IT NOW
If you have a tender message
Or a loving word to say,
Don't wait till you forget it,
But whisper it today!
The tender words unspoken,
The letter never sent,
The long forgotten messages,
The wealth of love unspent.
For these some hearts are breaking,
For these some loved ones wait,
Then give them what they are needing,
Before it is too late!
If you have a tender message
Or a loving word to say,
Don't wait till you forget it,
But whisper it today!
The tender words unspoken,
The letter never sent,
The long forgotten messages,
The wealth of love unspent.
For these some hearts are breaking,
For these some loved ones wait,
Then give them what they are needing,
Before it is too late!
(Author unknown)
Disappointments, discouragement...
When I was asked to share something at the Ladies Discipleship Cell last Thursday, I really didn’t know what to share. I have even thought about it for the whole week. I felt that all I could offer at that time was disappointments and discouragement. There was no doubt that I was blessed by the ladies’ sharing on that day. But I just couldn’t express myself. I was blessed during the church camp, but I was also disappointed. I was physically tired during the church camp. Jordan was hyper active, and refused to sleep until after 12 midnight every night. I didn’t get to eat strawberry ice cream, which I wanted so badly. It was depressing to watch videos of people enjoying their ice cream at the strawberry farm, while I was confined within 4 walls with Jordan.
Actually, I have a list of disappointments and discouragement:
I spent the whole afternoon alone with Jordan last Sunday. He didn’t want to sleep. He was not feeling well too – runny nose and blocked nose. I was exhausted because he slept late again the night before. Occasionally, I lied on the bed, almost falling asleep but I didn’t dare because I was afraid that he might hurt himself. I think I screamed at him once. I was so tired. Eventually, he did fall asleep – about 1 hour. Seng Chor came back after 6 pm. We were supposed to celebrate Seng Chor’s birthday together with Rachelle and the rest of the GG members. Sadly, I decided not to go – it was probably a decision made out of anger. I needed a break from both of them. I know that even if I go, I would not be able to enjoy myself. I would be more frustrated. True enough, Seng Chor said that Jordan was hyper active, couldn’t really sit still.
Alone, I watched my Hong Kong series. For dinner, I had an apple, pear and rice dumpling. I tried to sleep at 9:30 pm, but couldn’t. They came home around 10:30 pm. Surprisingly, Jordan was still wide awake – not ready to sleep yet. Poor him! He had difficulty sleeping because of his blocked nose. He woke up once or twice crying, and I had to pacify him.
Last night, Seng Chor and I had to take him out for a ride. It was almost 12 midnight. Seng Chor drove all the way down to KL. Eventually, he fell asleep. We probably reached home around 1 am. Seng Chor carried him from the car seat into his cot – first time sleeping in his cot after about 4 months! He has been sleeping in between us. What’s going to happen tonight? Is he going to sleep early/late? I really don’t know. Thinking about it is stressful.
I have been viewing God as a Problem Solver, and because problems were not solved in my own time, I got frustrated with God and blamed Him for the struggles that I go through – especially when taking care of Jordan. I need to turn my frustration into prayer. I need joy.
I wanted God to stop Jordan from crying immediately. I wanted God to heal Jordan immediately and help him to sleep well at night. God doesn’t work that way. Probably God wants me to show more love and patience towards Jordan. God wants to mold me in that area. This pruning is tough. The test seems to get harder each time.
I do miss him – I want to give him hugs and kisses. I want to play with him and teach him. He is still my precious and adorable son. I want to enjoy my time with him. I need to rebuke all evil thoughts that I have of Jordan. I feel like a terrible mother.
Lord, please help me.
Lord, put into my heart whatever is most pleasing to You.
Actually, I have a list of disappointments and discouragement:
- Physically tired at the Church camp. Even felt frustrated.
- Didn’t get to eat strawberry ice cream in Cameron. Sad to see videos taken at the Strawberry Farm.
- Year 3 students did badly in my module.
- Poor attendance in the Dialogue session (students and KBU graduates) – first time organizing it for students.
- Seems to be just flowing to Parenting Discipleship Cell (PDC) and Ladies Discipleship Cell (LDC). Feels discouraged after PDC.
- Struggles with Jordan.
- Physically tired almost every day – lack of sleep.
- No second baby yet.
- (I’ll stop here. I think there is more).
I spent the whole afternoon alone with Jordan last Sunday. He didn’t want to sleep. He was not feeling well too – runny nose and blocked nose. I was exhausted because he slept late again the night before. Occasionally, I lied on the bed, almost falling asleep but I didn’t dare because I was afraid that he might hurt himself. I think I screamed at him once. I was so tired. Eventually, he did fall asleep – about 1 hour. Seng Chor came back after 6 pm. We were supposed to celebrate Seng Chor’s birthday together with Rachelle and the rest of the GG members. Sadly, I decided not to go – it was probably a decision made out of anger. I needed a break from both of them. I know that even if I go, I would not be able to enjoy myself. I would be more frustrated. True enough, Seng Chor said that Jordan was hyper active, couldn’t really sit still.
Alone, I watched my Hong Kong series. For dinner, I had an apple, pear and rice dumpling. I tried to sleep at 9:30 pm, but couldn’t. They came home around 10:30 pm. Surprisingly, Jordan was still wide awake – not ready to sleep yet. Poor him! He had difficulty sleeping because of his blocked nose. He woke up once or twice crying, and I had to pacify him.
Last night, Seng Chor and I had to take him out for a ride. It was almost 12 midnight. Seng Chor drove all the way down to KL. Eventually, he fell asleep. We probably reached home around 1 am. Seng Chor carried him from the car seat into his cot – first time sleeping in his cot after about 4 months! He has been sleeping in between us. What’s going to happen tonight? Is he going to sleep early/late? I really don’t know. Thinking about it is stressful.
I have been viewing God as a Problem Solver, and because problems were not solved in my own time, I got frustrated with God and blamed Him for the struggles that I go through – especially when taking care of Jordan. I need to turn my frustration into prayer. I need joy.
I wanted God to stop Jordan from crying immediately. I wanted God to heal Jordan immediately and help him to sleep well at night. God doesn’t work that way. Probably God wants me to show more love and patience towards Jordan. God wants to mold me in that area. This pruning is tough. The test seems to get harder each time.
I do miss him – I want to give him hugs and kisses. I want to play with him and teach him. He is still my precious and adorable son. I want to enjoy my time with him. I need to rebuke all evil thoughts that I have of Jordan. I feel like a terrible mother.
Lord, please help me.
Lord, put into my heart whatever is most pleasing to You.
Friday, June 08, 2007
Jordan says...
This dialogue took place at home on Seng Chor's birthday, after dinner at the The Ship...
Seng Chor said: Daddy
Jordan said: Daddy
Seng Chor said: Mama
Jordan said: Mama
Seng Chor said: Kung-kung
Jordan said: Kung-kung
Ming Yue said: Dog
Jordan said: Wow, wow!
All the adults burst out in laughter. Jordan replied, "Wow, wow!", whenever someone said, "Dog". It was really funny. Super amusing.
Seng Chor said: Daddy
Jordan said: Daddy
Seng Chor said: Mama
Jordan said: Mama
Seng Chor said: Kung-kung
Jordan said: Kung-kung
Ming Yue said: Dog
Jordan said: Wow, wow!
All the adults burst out in laughter. Jordan replied, "Wow, wow!", whenever someone said, "Dog". It was really funny. Super amusing.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Seng Chor's 35th Birthday
We celebrated Seng Chor's birthday on 3 June 2007 with family and friends.Thank God for His blessings upon Seng Chor.
Spidey, Pirates and Jordan
Seng Chor and I took time off from Jordan for the last 2 Wednesdays. He was at the babysitter for 3 days, 2 nights last week – Wednesday to Friday. So, Seng Chor and I watched Spiderman 3 at GSC. Last night, Jordan stayed overnight again at the babysitter while we watched Pirates of the Caribbean at GSC. I enjoyed both movies but missing Jordan at the same time.
Jordan’s sleeping patterns have been quite irregular lately. Sometimes he sleeps before 10:30 pm and sometimes after 12 midnight. It’s probably another milestone for him – he will be 18 months old next Thursday. One of the reasons why we left him at the babysitter last week – after our Cameron trip was to fatten him up and train him to sleep early. Yup, he did gain back a bit of weight, but his sleeping time is still odd. One day, he was fine, the next day was not. He was like hyper active and just refused to sleep. Tuesday night was the worst – he just kept on crying. He was also throwing his toys onto the floor. In the end, Seng Chor had to take him out for a ride. That was around 12 midnight.
He doesn’t behave like this at the babysitter. Over there, he is like a perfect baby – eat, sleep, play. He really knows who to bully. Hahaha! He will be back tonight. Hopefully, he has calmed down after a good day at the babysitter.
Of course, I prefer to have him at home every night. We just need to exercise more love – patient, gentleness. He misses us and we miss him too. He probably wants to spend more time with us rather than sleep. But we are tired and want to sleep. That’s why is can be so frustrating. It is not easy to discipline him. We are still learning…
Jordan’s sleeping patterns have been quite irregular lately. Sometimes he sleeps before 10:30 pm and sometimes after 12 midnight. It’s probably another milestone for him – he will be 18 months old next Thursday. One of the reasons why we left him at the babysitter last week – after our Cameron trip was to fatten him up and train him to sleep early. Yup, he did gain back a bit of weight, but his sleeping time is still odd. One day, he was fine, the next day was not. He was like hyper active and just refused to sleep. Tuesday night was the worst – he just kept on crying. He was also throwing his toys onto the floor. In the end, Seng Chor had to take him out for a ride. That was around 12 midnight.
He doesn’t behave like this at the babysitter. Over there, he is like a perfect baby – eat, sleep, play. He really knows who to bully. Hahaha! He will be back tonight. Hopefully, he has calmed down after a good day at the babysitter.
Of course, I prefer to have him at home every night. We just need to exercise more love – patient, gentleness. He misses us and we miss him too. He probably wants to spend more time with us rather than sleep. But we are tired and want to sleep. That’s why is can be so frustrating. It is not easy to discipline him. We are still learning…
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