Adik & School

It's boxing day and both of us chose to go back to work. We've been out of the office since Dec 13.

Me: An, do you want to go school today?
Adik: Yes! Is Abang going to school?
Me: No. Abang has no school. So he will go to Nenek's house
Adik: No! An don't want to go school! ( and he screamed!)

I guess I need to have several convincing reasons come March, June and Sept 2014 school holidays!

8 Seater Car!

Yes, Abang said he wants to get an 8 seater car when he grows up. Conversations between Abang and his parents:

Abang: When I grow up I want to buy an 8 seater car
Me: That's a big car! Why
Abang: So I can ferry my wife, my two kids and my parents out
Me: Your two kids?!
Abang: Yes. One boy, one girl!

And he is only 6 years old!

Understanding Abbreviation

Scene: Car ride on the way home

Abang is starting to read fluently and in one of our rides home, he was reading the various signboards.

So he knows that
"Rd" is Road
"St" is Street
"Cl" is Close

He came across "Bt" and he said it's Buttocks.

Great. We live in Buttocks Panjang.

Welcome to Bad Service!

I've stayed in really nice hotels and I've stayed in Martinez several times now while in Cannes. I am blessed and I am thankful.

Today,  after traveling for 18hrs, I was asked to wait for an hour because the hotel room was not ready. And when the room was ready, I asked front desk for my luggage. I was brought to a store room, and I was asked to look for my own luggage! There were like 5000 bags in the room (OK I am exaggerating!! but still!!)  and I have to look for mine, on my own! The staff just left me there.
Are you kidding me? ??!!!

That will NEVER happen in Asia. And it wouldn't cost so much per night either.

And my biggest pet peeves - No kettle in the room! urgh.

Guilt @ Play!

Every year I do this annual pilgrimage to Cannes. And every year I feel guilty for leaving my kids behind. In fact I feel guilty when I go on long work trips. Period.

Leading up to the travel day, I declare myself supermom - because I want to do everything and anything for my kids and hubby. I would iron and hang up their uniform - Monday to Friday, make sure the fridge and pantry are all stored up with food and snack; rush at work to leave office at a certain time to rush and fetch the kids. And then rush again to play with them and pack my stuff. Half the time, I don't remember what goes into the luggage and start to fret about this and then. It is exhausting! And I have been doing this for the past 7 years, well since I have kids.

I know I am over compensating and while I may sound like I am complaining, most of the times after going through that moment, I ask myself, why did I do that for? Hubby has said it over and over again, they'll be fine and can manage.

Why can't I just take it as that and learn to relax?

Something cold

We were at walking along Orchard Road.
Abang saw an ad that reads "Ice Cold Beer"
Abang said to me "Mama, I want to drink ice cold biiiirrrr"
I was stumped and so was hubby.
It took us a few seconds to react and then went into an explanation.

A Stranger in My Homeland

At Ngee Ann City.
In one of the boutiques ...
Sunday afternoon. I am in my tudung, came straight from religious class.

Me: Ok, I'll take this.

Sales Person (SP, Singaporean): I'll wrap this up for you

Me at the payment counter.

SP: How would you like to settle your bill?

Me: Here

SP: Can I get your passport please?

Me: Huh? ( I know it's for GST refund purposes but was surprised by the request nonetheless)

SP: You are Indonesian right?

Just so you know, this is the second time the same episode happened to me. The first one was in Paragon.

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At NTUC, Clementi Mall
Buying diapers for my son

Sales Person  - let's call him Abang

Abang: excuse me excuse me...

Me: turned to look and smile

Abang: You may want to get 2 packs... there is a discount

Me: oh

Abang: Yes, it's so much cheaper.... you Melayu or not Malay.

Me: laugh. Saya orang Melayu lah bang...

Abang: hah, tu lah. Tak tahu nak cakap Melayu atau Inggeris. Murah dik, can save $12.

Me: Terimakasih. Rezeki saya :)

I think Abang paiseh

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But when I travel out of my homeland....

In Indonesia, the cab drivers think I am from Surabaya. I was told ladies from Surabaya are very pretty. Makasih ya, Mas.../ Pak...

When I travel in KL, I like to use the word "kot" and "kan". Very Malaysian some say. They think I am a KL-lite. But once they hear me speak in English, they know I am Singaporean. Aksyen sikit according to one of my good friends. Geez..

When I am in Manila, the taxi drivers speak to me in Tagalog. When I tell them I am not pinoy or don't understand the language, they think I am lying. Does saying "kanan", "bigas", "kanena" acceptable??

And when I am in Thailand, I become bloody coy because the Thais talk about me openly in their language and all I have to do is smile and try to speak gently... ala Thai people!

Bahasa Melayu Meets Mandarin

I remembered telling Abang in various conversations/ situations that lying is not good and berdosa.

On our way home, I took a wrong turn and when he asked I said I wanted to introduce him to a new route.

He said "Mama, putosa tau kalau bohong!"

Me: Putosa?? Apa tu?

Abang: Putosa lah... Allah marah kalau cakap bohong!

Me: Leerrr.... it's BERDOSA! Not Putosa!

 

He Listens

In a car ride with Abang one day I told him that I am getting older each day and would he look after me when he's older.

Abang: of course lah mama. I will buy a house next to yours if not in the same block
Me: *smiling* awww... do you really want to do that?

I went on to say that it's important to help your parents money when you start work. It does not have to be a big sum but a small token is good too. Dapat berkat. Gave him examples of how my late father would send money every month to my grandma in Penang, how both me and hubby contribute to our own moms today.

He was silent and then he said -

Abang: I want to give "yoyot" (great grandma) money when I see her

Me: huh "yoyot"?

Him: Yeah, you say must help old people right and Yoyot is old

Me: OK. How much do you want to give

Him: I have $120 you know

Me: So much? Where did you get that from

Him: Nenek and Nyai lah. for my birthday. I think I'll give yoyot $100

Me: $100!! So much?

Him: Yeah. I don't need that much now.

Me: Speechless

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Traffic Traffic Traffic Everywhere Everyday!

I know. Everyone complains about traffic and I am no different! 90mins to get home! That's not the first time it happened!

I drive pass 2 ERP gantries everyday, pay my roadtax, COE and I make an effort to leave home early, and yet, I am caught in traffic almost everyday. Seriously, ALL the measures to curb traffic FAIL BIG TIME! I continue to get penalized for policies that do not work!

And they recently announced 40-50% downpayment - depending on your OMV. What are they doing to solve the current traffic jams on the road? Having a car may not necessarily be a luxury for some people/ family. It's a necessity. I really pity the newly weds and those with young families - how can they now afford to buy a car in future? And the old folks who have been driving all their lives, they too probably can't afford to get a new car once the COE to their current car expires!

Everytime when I travel to Jakarta, Bangkok or even Malaysia, I keep telling myself that I should be thankful the roads in Singapore are a lot better - even with traffic we can still make it to work on time. I am beginning to think otherwise now. Recently I noticed that I use traffic as a reason for being late. I get SMS messages from staff telling me they will be in late because they are caught in traffic or they just cannot get a cab.

Random Conversations - New Citizens, FT

Me: So, ABC have you been following the debate on Singapore 6.9m population

ABC: Yeah. So many people already.

Me: Did you get to vote?

ABC: Yes, Twice (and he said it proudly)

Me: Good, come 2016 you know who to vote

ABC: Are you crazy? If I do that, then my Singapore citizenship will be revoked!

See if a new citizen is so scared shit of our current government.

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Over lunch with an FT.

XYZ: have you taken our new company car?

Me: Yes, it's HUGE!

XYZ: did you have a conversation with Simon

Me: hmmm yes... why

XYZ: he has so much to say about your gahmen. If he is not happy, he can always migrate what

Me: Easier said. Singapore is not your home, he grew up here and has family. And at this age, he should be at home playing with his grandkids instead of working. But he needs the money... he said everything is so expensive how to survive.
Would you retire in Singapore? Will this be your home?

XYZ: no.

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In a car ride in a foreign country

Nano Nano: I think I can see myself retiring in this country. Maybe I should buy a property

Me: Yes, you should. You can definitely afford it.

Nano Nano owns property in SingaLand (3!) and in UK

Nano Nano: When its's winter in UK, I can always come down to this place, chill by the beach, go to the hills.

Me: Good life ah. No need to work. Got rental from Singapore to support your lifestyle.

Nano Nano:  :)

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Alamak!

I was looking forward to the circuit training session during lunch hour. All geared up - happy that the place I was going to is pretty close to the office, I've missed using those machines at the gym and hey it's circuit training - great workout!
The minute I stepped out of the lift to the 3rd floor, I could feel my excitement slowly diminished. As I entered the gym..... it was a real disappointment for me. It's not the kind of gym that I'd go...

The only good thing is, I did do the circuit training and I was drenched in sweat. I must have burnt like 300 -400 calories.

Let's just say, I definitely DO NOT want to be associated with the aunties and "ah sos" again!
Yes,  those aunties had short curly hair and I'm pretty sure they do line dancing in the evening!!!!

Where did the last 3 months go?

I remembered holding on to my table calendar and planning my leave days last Sept. It's mid December now and I really don't know what hit me. Time just passes by, events took place, I was going to various places, several milestones and took on roller coaster ride with my emotions head on.

Oh my goodness, where did the time go? I'm counting down the days or rather hours (? not sure if I can) to going on leave. No concrete plans yet - I do need to change my brake pads and tyres. I guess I can leave that to my dear husband to do.

Looking forward to chillaxing in the last 2 weeks of December. Hope you are too.

The Run that Never Happened

I've been very generous this year - generous at registering for various runs and that's all to it. I did not even completed one. Ironically, I trained for it. I get super excited when I ran 4km in just 28mins and aimed to run 5km in 30-35mins. 10km in 1hr.

Shape Run - registered, collected my tag. On the actual day, I had to be in KL to work. That was in July.

Great Eastern Run - registered, collected my bag. 10km. All excited. On that day, I fell sick. And to make it worst, I have not fully recovered. Am still coughing, am still sniffling and it's been 2-3 weeks already!

Run for Hope - registered. On the actual day, I was hoping for my two boys and husband to fully recover from fever and that awful cough. Thanks to me! share share share!

Stan Chart Run - registered for the entire family. I am running - after my kids as we will be in Penang that weekend to attend my cuzzy's wedding.

The only run that we did was Passion Run/ Walk. In the rain, with ponchos and I didn't even break into a sweat!

This morning, since I was early for work, I decided to drive down along Thomson and Ang Mo Kio Ave 1. Passed by Bishan Park - gosh I miss running in that park. It's been 2 months - I was traveling and till today have not recovered from my flu and cough. Can't wait to put on that running shoes again. 4km in 30mins? I'll be happy if I can do 3km in 30mins. Start from the beginning... again.

Random Conversations

On his ambitions....

Abang: Mama, when I grow up I want to be a paleontologist but do you think I can do that when I grow up?

Mama: Why do you ask that?

Abang: Because there are so many constructions going on today! I know, I want to be an engineer

Mama: that's good too. What do you want to develop?

Abang: underwater train! It can take us to Hong Kong, Malaysia, Australia, France and when you go on vacation, you don't have to take aeroplanes already! The underwater train is so fun you know Mama because you get to see underwater sea creatures in your journey!

He also wants to be a cashier - because he thinks the money belongs to him, a bus driver because he is fascinated by buses and he says doctors are gross because they deal with blood.

On Children...

One day over dinner.

Abang: Mama, when I grow up and go to work, you will look after my children right?

Mama: Huh? Children?!

Abang: yes, like when you and Abah go to work... nenek and nyai looks after us what

I guess???

Short hair vs long hair

Abang: I like girls with long hair

Mama: are you saying you don't like me?

Abang: *sheepish* no lah. I love you

Few weeks later, I straightened my hair and it looks more feminine and long

Abang: I like your hair like this.... very girl.

Mama: !!!!

On Cars

Abah: Abang, when you start work, can you buy me a car? I want a fast one

Mama: Yeah, so Abah and Mama can go to the mosque and religious classes together

Abang: you two can take bus what!

Adik Likes School!

Day 2. I left him in class and had my bowl of Yong Tau Fu at the Houseman canteen. Yum.
I went back to the school and he was having a great time singing. Alhamdullilah...he seems to be a lot better than the other kids and yes, his brother.

Tomorrow, I am set to spend the day shopping, reading and people watching in town. I may even throw in a facial session. The plan is to leave him at the daycare center the entire day. Here's praying that all will go smoothly.

Featuring me!

I don't usually do this but decide to feature this particular one.

I've done several interviews for trade, consumer magazines for the brand (part of the job requirement), and I thought this one is good to share. Plus, my comms colleague came running to my cubicle - all excited when he shared the news with me!
check out this site.
http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/534982ad#/534982ad/34

Maidless

From getting a new maid and now maidless! Hah! My luck with maids is really lousy this time round.
So! While I was in Cannes, the new maid at home gave mom a hard time, she cried almost everyday and insist on going home. When I called mom, the first thing the maid said to me was, she wanted to go home. Let me tell you how I feel - super annoyed. Imagine - me at the airport, waiting for my luggage, looking out for my kids, on the phone wanting to speak to mom, instead, I had to deal with such news. I sent her back 2 days later and registered my youngest son to daycare! So sudden and abrupt you may think, I don't really have a choice.

Mom turned 70 recently and while she insists that she is fine, she's exhausted by the time we leave her place. My youngest boy is super active, he wants nenek to carry him each time he hears the helicopter and planes fly by. I think in a day, that happens like 10x!

Last night as I was washing the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen, I asked her again if I could get her a maid - last week she said no, this time round, she just said "it's up to you, tak payah kelam kabut". That's a good sign. Also, the last thing I want to deal with when I get home from work is housework at mom's!

2 letters

I collected 2 letters last week.

The first one says - Congratulations, You have Won... 2 pairs of return tickets to Bali on Garuda Airlines. We have to travel by 20th November. I was informed of the prize towards the end of Sept when I was in Manila, in the car ride. My colleagues were excited for me. Bali - great I thought. That's probably the last place I want to bring myself (and perhaps my kids) to. I was reminded to collect the letter again when I was in Cannes. That's how excited I am with the win.
If you really want to know - we are not going to Bali. Hubby agrees. The main reason for me - I want to stay put here in SG. I have been traveling since Sept and I am very tired already. And the reason for hubby - the kids are still too young for Bali. Hurray. Tickets are non-transferrable. Too bad.

The second one is from LTA - yes again. It's a warning letter - telling me that I could have been fined and given 4 demerit points for speeding along Lornie Road. It's my 3rd letter already and I am making conscious efforts to stay within the speed limit! This morning as I was driving, I caught them on the overhead bridge - so what did I do? I waved at the camera! :)

New Maid Yet Again

Yes, a new one arrived last week. Very young - but she is already a mother. Her mom is my age - great, she can be my daughter.

I saw her briefly - collected her and the same night I left for a business trip. I do get daily updates... dejavu.