Dearest December 🤍🧡💚💗💙💜❤️🤍

Kickstarted the month meeting Shermane and her boys at Super Park on 1st. It has been 3 years since we went. It was awkward as the boys did not talk to lil C and she didn't want to initiate. Luckily she bumped into her ex-4 Care classmates and played together with them for awhile. It was boring after they left as lil C could just watch Jarett play trampoline repeatedly as we mums chatted. We ended with her trying out archery. We went to Saizeriya for dinner and waffles at Dal komn cafe but it was so different when the 2 boys just played on their phones. Eventually lil C also played games on phone. Gosh.. I guess it should be the last time we can meet up with our children. Lil C said the same too. But I was glad to be able to still chat everything under the sun with Shermane, my colleague turned friend of 16 years. We didn't eat much for dinner and ended up cooked noodles dry for us. It was also the World Cup season. 

2nd: Collected P6 books and then lunch at Lao Huo Tang. Lil C also knew that the food tasted much better when we dined there. We went Ntuc for groceries and it has been a long while since we went groceries shopping together. Haha.. Hub then went to Kaiye's dad wake with mum. We then had Tenderbest for dinner.. 

3rd: I went to Dorra again. The weight finally came down slightly. In the evening we went to imperial treasure steamboat at Ion with mum and Bing. Managed to see Xmas lightings and snapped some pics. We also found a Korean theme cafe at Shaw and had tea, bingsu, sweet potato fries and waffles ice-cream for lil C. 

4th: hub suggested we go to Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre. There was a Singapo人 exhibition. In the end we chanced upon a live singing and we sat down for awhile while lil C bought handmade rubber bands and key chains from the stalls. As the weather was cloudy, we decided to go to Gardens by the Bay as planned. We went to the cloud forest Avatar and dinner at the foodcourt. We didn't know that we have to buy tickets for the time slot of 6.30pm and in the end couldn't go to the Xmas carnival. What a bumper... 

5th: our 14th year anniversary. Lil C and I met hub at Robertson Quay, beasts and butterflies for dinner. Lil C was the only child there. I like the lobster porridge while hub and lil C like the claypot hokkien mee. The fries and chocolate dessert were good too. Happy 14th!👩‍❤️‍💋‍👨

Lil C still can fit in her PE attire and uniform. I move the buckle of the skirt out so that is not so tight. 🙏

8th: we went to river wonders instead of sentosa as hub said the reviews of the VR is not good. We didn't manage to see the bb panda lele. Lil C loves the boat ride and it was the first for hub. But lil C was nervous before it moved. Lol.. Lil C then asked if she could have hot choc at Starbucks. Grown up!! Hub and I shared ppm mocha. Finally tried it after so many years. ♥️ It.. 

9th: was looking at scgs website and realised I can use leadership for DSA. Shall apply for lil C next year and see how fate can bring her to.. 🙏

I read from the news that santa will be here in SG on 9th and 10th. So excited... We decided to go to MBS to see him. Haha. But no luck.. He was everywhere at the gigantic mall. I suggested to hub we can try JJLin's Miracle coffee. We like the kaya cloud. Kaya with gula melaka coffee.. We went to HDL for early dinner then head to the great bay fiesta carnival as the weather was fine. Lil C initially didn't want to go to a carnival but eventually agreed. We had some issues at the counter as they ran out of entry cards. Hub is not savvy with online ticketing. Luckily I was. Even the credits top up need to do it online then queue up again to top up into the card. It was troublesome.. We started with the flying dumbo. As we flew higher, lil C was afraid... Mummy.. Mummy.. She almost wanted to cry. I was actually scared too, could feel palms sweating. So I had to fly low then high, went up and down. 😆

After that, hub and her played games at the stalls. We were not lucky to win the big prize. Haha. But it was a good experience. Lil C was sooo star struck when I told her jianhao tan and his family were there too. She was afraid to take a pic with them. Haha

10th: we went to ti gong tua and balestier temple to pray for year end. We then met up with R and H to pass her the mightypro. We had Mac lunch with little H then head home. I carried H as she is so poor thing, have to walk so far. 

11th Sun: Dorra again but they were short of staff due to C+ and I spent 3 hrs there. Since lil C didn't want to go out for dinner, hub ordered zichar. 

12th: Lil C booster shot. All went well. She wanted to eat fried rice like H so I made for her while hub ordered LHT soup and dishes. Glad that she finally likes fried rice. Now I know she prefers savoury so no pumpkin. 

Hub came home sniffing on 13th and he said office aircon too cold and was OK when temp was increased and he said he stopped sniffing on 14th. But he came home saying he felt achy. I asked him to test ART and he was initially pek chek. We were all shocked when we saw double lines. He immediately wore mask and went to room. I also asked lil C to go upstairs earlier. In the end, I had insomnia. 

15th: my challenge come... Hub found a hotel and insisted to go and stay for a few days. Needed me to take luggage, disposable uw, pack oils etc for him. I had to rush to SS to buy pork, veg and back to cook lunch for him and lil C. Then he left... We first headed to school to collect the ftgp and CCE books then to science centre. I already booked tickets the night before. Rosemary on my scalp is my saviour. I also closed my eyes on our way to science centre. We then had dinner at the new restaurant there then took grab home. I like the spam fries and pizza. When I reached home, I misted the entire house with the spray gun and also changed his bedsheets. 

Mum came over for lunch before we headed to see Angeline on Friday, 16th. Dinner at peach garden. First time ordered steamed soon hock without hub. Then we went to return taisui on 17th and Bing rented getgo car to send us there and back. Lil C was excited.. No grab for once. I was glad to have mum with me. We had you yi you mian, fried dumplings for lunch at home. Mum watched her Indian movies while I had my legs on sofa and in the end we both had a short nap. The 3 of us then took shuttle bus to northpoint for lil C guitar lesson then we went shabu sai for dinner. Without hub, we ate slower, a pace that I preferred. Mum bought cakes from chateraise. She shocked me when she said she can walk to the bus interchange on her own. We bade goodbye and lil C and I were worried.. We headed to wait for the shuttle bus but thankfully I checked again and realised the last bus is at 7.38pm.

18th: stay at home after a tiring running here and there from Thurs to Sat. Cooked salmon rice for lunch and dinner. Just lil C and I. 

19: our lil adventure started. Went to phs by taxi for her haircut and I did scalp treatment. She felt nauseous as we took cab right after lunch at home. Gin cut her hair real short while I was away for hair wash. But she likes it. As I didn't bring sanitizer, we took train to Somerset and to YL to redeem. Then we took train back to Orchard and had dinner at itacho sushi. After that we went to h & M, fossil to try to find my wallet. I needed to buy a new one and my previous ones zip and strap spoiled. In the end, while she went to toilet, I bought it at Kate spade. Love it!! My best buy this year. Lil C wanted to take the train back as she was afraid of being nauseous again if take taxi. I was glad we did. We even had a short while listening to her songs on YouTube with my earphones. 

20th and 21st: learning lab Math Headstart class at seletar mall. I chanced upon amore and had my long deserved massage. Hub suddenly recovered and could fetch us on 21st. I went to Dorra. The lessons went well and the teacher was ok. 

22nd is dong zhi. Love the black sugar rose cube as soup base. Hub had random craving for lobster and we went to seafood place at Khatib ns team with mum. 

24th: We spent the Xmas Eve at pei House. Food was not nice especially the pizza. We bought choc and vanilla log cakes from nesuto and was yummy

Xmas Dinner spent at pei House again. Better Thai food as it is warm.. But I was worried as the boys were coughing. Even her helper.. 

26th: went for my mani pedi as they have no slot for dates nearer to cny. I bought lunch from Thomson Plaza and we spent rest of day at home

Met up with Serene and Grace on 28th. Yearly affair, not my favourite though.. 

We went to visit ah mah on 30th as she was having breathing issues. We then went to Wisma food court for dinner

Walked out to hero zi char at blk 513 to buy dinner. We spent our last day of the year quietly. Watched countdown with hub... 

Goodbye 2022. You are a challenging yet fulfilling year. Lil C and I conquered the arduous P5 journey with her stellar results. 

2023 here we come! 🙌

Oh.. it is June.. here comes the long awaited school hols

It's been a terribly busy and learning to adjust new year, semester one for lil C and I. Goodbye to Semester 1....time for a break. Yay to sleep in, no 七早八早 mornings😍..

1st was the exception. Lil C had prefect training. She slept earlier the night before and woke up like her usual school day. Thankfully although we woke up early as well for the final send off the day before for hub's grandma, we still woke up on time, bright and cheery. She ate the bread from home and even curry puff and red bean bun the school gave. Haha.. 2nd and 3rd were busy too. She went back to school for SYF training. Her leg muscles were sore..

Our food galore started on 3rd when we went to her favourite HDL for dinner. Not to my liking though.. On 4th Sat, we went to Marche Suntec for dinner and just window shop for a short while.

On 5th Sun, lil C returned to Aureus after a 2.5 year of online class. It feels surreal.. It is definitely better, less stressful, more enjoyable. After class we had Shabu Sai again...

6th Mon, we went down for a swim and we enjoyed the jacuzzi.. This week is mostly stay at home week since she had Edugrove on Tues then TPL CCI sessions on Wed and Thurs. We had dinner on Fri after I did my hair colour. Steamboat again.. This time better one at Imperial Treasure. And on 11th, we attended the Awards ceremony when lil C received the education award for P4. And on Sunday, 12th, it was exciting as we went to Intercontinental for late lunch then to the book fair and lil C had a chance to visit the National Library. After that we ventured to Jewel and lil C was brave enough to try the bouncy net with me. From almost tearing to playing confidently, she definitely overcame her fear. Kuddos...she also shared that on WhatsApp status. We ended up having dinner at Dian Xiao Er before watching the BTS light show and buying a Bt21 sling bag. It was many hours out and we last did this in Dec... Precious..

Lil C bought many books this holiday.. Her favourite activity since young.

We decided to go to WWW and her wish finally came true on 16th Thurs. We went to buy long sleeves and long tights for swimwear at Tampines mall. Also had dinner at Itacho sushi with sis and family. On a Tuesday evening... 

Lil C had a fun time. Me too. We love the ula lah where we were seated in a big float and slide down. It wasn't as scary as the roller coaster. Lil C also loved the tsunami pool and she was so brave to move the front where the waves is so strong. I was worried and went to look for her and I was afraid for a moment when I couldn't feel my feet touching the pool ground 🤣. She was also having alot of fun in the playground and was not even afraid of the water pouring high up from the water can. I was also playing with Seth and Shayne. While I was playing with Seth, lil C knocked her head after sliding down the tunnel slide as her float overturned. Thank goodness I brought oils along. After oiling lavender and valor on her head and neck, she was much better and all okay by the next day. But hub really cannot play in a water park. He started sniffing after a while. Maybe he didn't wear proper clothes to repel the water. In the end I gave him ppm and asked him to change to dry clothes and not to play anymore. Lil C loved it so much that she shared that on WhatsApp status. 

The next day is my try out bun tying day. I thought I will take a long time but in the end I took only like 10 mins. We went to HomeTeam Khatib indoor playground and then to Pei's house for dinner just because she wanted to show her buns. Haha. It's been 2.5 years since she visited an indoor playground.. The next day we went to Pei's house again and this time I tied her hair in one bun. Succeeded.. She had planned a father's day get together. I had nothing to do when hub went to play table tennis and lil C kept playing games on hp. So I went to play the piano and surprisingly I can still read notes and play. 

19th..Father's day but we can't really celebrate. In the morning, I walked out and bought the papa's favourite fried beehoon and also the traditional butter cream sliced cakes. In the evening, we just went to Shabu Sai to have dinner. 

22nd and 23rd, syf training again. Had to tie buns and glad it went well amidst the mini stress in me. I went to northpoint on 22nd after sending lil C to school and for the first time in the holidays I was alone, my previous me time. I bought kopi and went to the CC next to the mall. Just had a short rest and went to help Pei to look for paper cups. Then on 23rd, hub sent us and we went to Friends HK cafe to have late lunch. Lil C applied lipstick and gosh... 

On 24th Fri, we went to buffet with mil at Orchard Hotel.. The warm chocolate pudding is heavenly. 

This holiday she had to complete MOS experiment. Thankfully in the end her classmate decided to use the experiment I shown to her. After some NGs, they finally did the video. 

School is starting soon and she kept lamenting about how she will miss the hols and if can turn back time. Actually me too... Just hope for a good Term 3...

Goodbye to late nights and waking up late.  👀🔜

August annyeong👋

August often makes me jittery, because of the same thing happened to lil C for past consecutive three years. A coincidence? Or change of season, temperature, weather? 🤔..Crossing my fingers, toes..

Lil C has started to have zoom lessons without me sitting beside her. She requested for it after I left her alone once for TWC. I would very much want to know what she is learning but I cannot go against her wishes. She is an independent learner.

Started to learn Fractions in school and hopefully she will have no issues as it gets more complicated. She already felt ordering of ascending and descending tough.. 

I cannot imagine children will have a chance to watch English sitcoms of our time. Lil C enjoyed watching Growing Up and laughed so much while watching PCK. She looked forward to GU season 2 and it finally aired on 30th. At the same time, she has been searching for K drama on her own.

3rd: I decided to send a message to Mr Firdaus as he has been asking lil C if she wants to do the GEP otherwise she will be alone in the class. Finally it worked well..Put an end.

6th: Got hit above the eyebrow from her classmate's racket during PE badminton lesson. Thankfully it was a small scratch. I hope this can help her 過運。🙏

This year, we spent National Day on our own again, just the 3 of us. 💕 We settled for Pizza Hut as it was the least crowded. Lil C kept exclaiming that it was the best day ever while eating her pasta. It has been months since we went shopping. We bought her new school shoes as hers was torn. Somehow we walked into Smiggle (the 30% discount attracted me)..😅 I recalled her school bag is torn too so we got her one. We love the design and especially the colour combination of turquoise and purple. On top of that, hub mentioned that the handle of her water bottle is going to break. We bought one for her and also a matching pencil case with her bag. She needed a bigger pencil case for her gluestick and stapler. I told her I wish I am as young as her! She is so elated and even looked forward to go back on school on 11th.

7th: Mr Firdaus decided to nominate lil C as perfect for next year and asked to to discuss with me. That's really odd. Nevertheless, she wanted to do it, though I wish we could understand what the duties are. I wanted to give her my utmost support.💪

Started to use gua sha with cel lite for my calves, hoping to reduce water retention. Each time I stand to cook, my ankles will be in pain by the time I finish.

Finally decided to buy PPP and work on my hormones. Started on 14th and see how it goes. Also started Dragon time on day 1 of menses for estrogen and follow the chart.. 🙏

I am very thankful that we have raised a helpful and kind hearted child. It's the second time that she immediately offered to give her spare mask when her classmates masks straps broke.

11th: Together with her 7 other classmates, she was officially nominated as junior prefect for next year..She stood in front of class and the rest of classmates clapped these 8. It's amusing as they will still receive a final letter at the end of year if they can keep up with the good behaviour and eventually selected. I am certainly very proud of her lil achievement, especially when she received so much bad vibes in Jan and Feb...

13th and 14th: School closed for PSLE oral. Unlike last year whereby she can skip revision, we had to do some. We also can't go out for fun activity.

17th: Received two pieces of good news when I fetch her from school. She got full marks for her Math mock test and she is the only one in class. She was nominated by Mr Fridaus to be the Star Jieminite for this month but he need to consult the co form and subject teachers first. Hmm.. I wish he would consider their feelings and only announce when it's finalised. She was greatly praised for her neatest handwriting and model drawing. With the full marks, she was given 10 gem stamps. I was amused when I saw the teacher write “Your reward: the stamp x 10“. 😆

20th: Mixed feelings, feeling shocked and worried at same time although happy, lil C had full marks again for second mock test.. I had to remind her it's only the mock test although we are very happy for her. If only the marks can count...😆 Worried because she had two rounds of claps and congratulations in a spam of three days and I don't know what the effect can be or what's lies ahead or planned in advance... 

Lil C was also recognised as one of the five independent learners during HBL and so as her parent, I had to write on a pledge card on how I would continue to support her to be an independent learner. Thankfully I remembered the slides that the school had sent via Parent Gateway earlier. Together with my own words, I wrote well. Haha! (As said by Mr F)

Don't know why the teacher wants to do that when it's not even the actual test. He even sent a message informing me about the full marks. He is very proud of her  As for me, I care more about if she can understand the concepts and apply to questions, doing the questions carefully, checking after completion, avoid losing precious marks rather than chasing for full marks. I see it as a bonus for when they still can get full marks. 

As for English mock test which she didn't know it was one, she also had full marks. At least Ms Kaur did not make it as such a big matter. One classmate commented something like C...Again.... They are too young to think that it's only the mock.😣

With prior experience in P1, I didn't want to pressure her so much.. just wish for her to be healthy and happy, just do her best. At the same time, it's a struggle inside me too. She still played games, watched YouTube during the weekend just before the tests... However, she felt the pressure and teared a little on Sunday after we completed the Science revision. She was scared. I was anxious but had to put up a strong front, hugged and encouraged her.

24th to 27th: 坐立不安，七上八下.. That's how I feel after lil C went to school this week. I only hope she can finish each paper smoothly and stay healthy. 🙏

She finished the Science in 15 mins and seems confident. I was really mindful not to stress her and let her be when she wanted to watch TV and play slime after some revision each day after school. I asked if she is confident she had completed the revision and she replied yes. 

I was super relieved on the last paper day, not for the typical reason. I also learn to believe in her that she can do the tests, cut her some slack. 

What's unbelievable is the Mr F actually asked the class who they think will get full marks and he gave hints that the duo have the nearest work in class which made the class chorused lil C and Lakshana. It's unnecessary pressure and they had to keep asking him to announce. He didn't want to do it as it might affect those who didn't do well. They still have two papers to go. Hub and I agreed not to give back the marked papers as yet. But we don't agree to his way of hinting. 🙄

The week went by extremely quickly. I was rather at ease for her remaining English and Chinese papers as language is her forte. 理解问答 Is dependent on herself. Pray that she doesn't lose too many marks.

29th: Early birthday celebration for the MIL at our place. Don't like it but no other choice. Ended up I had to order food from Rendezvous hotel. Entertained her once again.. I was quite offended when she started to make uncalled for comments again, how many days I didn't wash the piling clothes, so many things in my cabinet.. 😣

Lil C has been looking forward to receiving the results and honestly I can't wait too! I reminded her to smile and not to be upset if she didn't get full marks. She had done her best. I hope Mr F won't be harsh. 🙏

31st: She said don't know why all her three papers just minus one mark. Glad that her carelessness didn't cost her too much but at the same time it's heart aching. Mrs Lye said Aiya...Mr F said she could have gotten full marks and Ms Kaur said not her and she made a silly mistake when her class guessed she is the one who scored.. Ouch! 

Nonetheless, I told her to see what carelessness can cause. But she still did well. At least 24% is secured for English, Math and Science. 💪

The month definitely wheezed by. I literally felt that the heavy stone in my heart was brought down after the test. The time spent and efforts made during revision did not go to waste..Lil C was able to handle her p3 work up Term 3. Till the next hurdle, annhyeong!

February

After one month with Dorra, I feel lighter although the weight loss is not much. I guess I lost a lot of the water retention I had for years. My tummy and hips are a tad smaller. 💪

Took pics on 17th and there is obvious improvement. Very happy that cellulite managed to reduce a little. ✌️

I vow to practise more self care this year and I don't want to regret it when I turn 50 and look at my body shape helplessly. Also, I want to reduce my body fats before I reach 45. 🙏

Cousin commented her fair baby gal Harper looked fairer when I carried her because I am tanned. I really looked more tanned this CNY and I think it's because it's very hot and I was out in sun hanging clothes many times a day. I hope to perserve in using whitening lotion before going out to fetch lil C from school. Gotta remember too!

Lil C told me she played captain's ball during PE. When no one wants to be the captain, she volunteered. Her friends said she cheated when she accidentally crossed the stated line and she said they are cruel. Haha! 

7th: Lil C told me she won the 书法 competition and her work will be pasted on the wall. I always know her handwriting is very neat and very glad that it's recognized by the Chinese teachers. This is probably the only good thing that took place in school for her and for me. 

Whilst she seems to be getting unwanted attention from her Science teacher when she talks to Paige, I am glad that she shares with me what she learned during class excitedly. I hope Mrs Lye's stares can stop!!

She admits that she cannot stop talking to Paige when she has exciting things to share. Sigh.. Trouble is brewing... Just into the second month and I feel stressful especially when she shared those incidents of getting reprimanded! 

Ms Low, the relief English teacher commented that she was talkative. On another occasion, she even said she nearly wanted to separate their desks if they keep talking. 😣

On 13th, she cried after school. Apparently she was the second slowest to finish stapling her Math papers. The teacher said that Paige and Nuon were slow. Lil C too.. The relief teacher also said her when she turned her head around. She was afraid that I will scold her. I decided to msg the teacher to clarify. 

A horrible day when I also had issues with the swimming coach. I hope it's really a misunderstanding and she won't bear grudges. (She cancelled 20th class, gave her the benefit of doubt that she is really unwell).

A stressful month for me and definitely a tough year I foresee! On 14th, she exclaimed that even she is attentive and don't talk in class, she still gets scolded. I wrote an email to her Science teacher to clarify that lil C might have inadvertently not heard her instructions to go to her when she asked for the group leaders as lil C was trying to ask Nuon and Paige not to talk to her. It's really tough when she sits in the middle of them. She said will monitor and see if the rest are affecting lil C's focus.

While I was glad that I could finally clarify after numerous similar not paying attention incidents, I am still worried as I cannot always do that. If her seat is still not changed, I don't know how long it will go on.

Lil C has never had issues relating to talking too much in class and not paying attention. Gosh! It definitely upsets me a lot. As advised by Angeline, she would have trouble with teachers this year. 😓

I am just hoping things can improve when teachers get to know her better. And her conduct and comments from form teacher in the report book will not be affected. 

17, 18: Mr Firdaus said like C is alert. He also told Paige not to talk to her. 🙏

19: He said she listened a lot..Hmm

20: She said she got gem stamps for her Math worksheet

It's not easy for our children in school,.handling difficult classmates and teachers. 

I started oiling white Angelica since 17th on her shoulders for positive energy. Hope it creates positive aura..

有惊无险地過了一個星期。。

After another smooth four days into the new week before trouble brewed again on Friday 28th, she said the Mr F scolded her again for not doing one question from a page. He saw her playing with her eraser. According to lil C, she didn't hear that need to do the other question and hence looked at her eraser after she was done with the first question from that page. He said, "Do you want me to scold you again". I hate the Math class as first period. At 8am, it's hard to have 100% focus. 😑

And so she cried again after school on Friday... partly because she forgot the word 就 in her Chinese workbook homework and the punishment is to copy the 听写 sentences 1 and 2 on paper and hand in. I cannot remember if I have checked it and reminded her to amend and she forgot. But anyway, it's a good learning opportunity for her. I explained to her that she cannot blame the teachers. She is at fault for missing out the word and has to accept the punishment. She can be sad as it's her feelings but the day has passed. She has to learn not to harp on it.

As for myself, I definitely need to control and not let stress gets to me. In one of the RLL, one YL leader mentioned about applying stress away behind the ears downwards and on the temples with massage. It seems to work.

Clearing throat and occasionally spitting out thick yellow phlegm has been occurring for the past months. Back flow is never ending. The winds are strong since January and her sensitive airway keeps producing mucus. Hope for the best of health!

22nd: Her TWC teacher, Ms Yong told me she took a picture of lil C for her act of kindness towards her classmate. He didn't bring a pencil and she gave the better one to him. She had chosen it from the class first. She then used one that is quite difficult to use. Very glad that my only child always looks out for her friends.💕

In school, she is the 'tissue provider', always giving tissues to classmates when needed. I don't think the form teacher see it that she is caring though. Hub said it's OK and quoted a Chinese proverb, 好事不出门，坏事传千里。😑

She showed me her individual dance for the exam on 23rd. Also got the video from the teacher. It's very fast and thankfully she can remember the steps. Hope for the best next month! 

How could the teacher be so crude and said to lil C that she is fat? Haiz.. So rude..

25th: I cut my finger again, 3rd time this month. The Japanese cutter is sharper and it bleeds non stop. I had to Google what I can do while continuing to prepare for cooking. 😓

It's definitely not a smooth February as I wish for.

Looking forward to March.. and the short school holidays. 🍀