I Survived!

Yeah, I've got tons of marking to do but I haven't blogged for so long so here I am. I'm listening to Pink's new song...the one with the chorus that goes "Please don't leave me..." It's really nice.

"Please don't leave me
I always say how I don't need you
but it's always gonna come right back to me"

Anyway, Fuddin came down with stomach flu two weeks ago. It was HORRIBLE!!!! I cannot lie. It was oh so horrid! His diarrhoea went on for a week and the whole house smelt of...pardon my language...SHIT! I know... ewww right...but being his mother, I steeled myself and cleaned him and the accident area up everytime he had a go and believe me, did he go! Hehe. He was throwing up a lot too so I alternated between cleaning poo and spew. Woohoo. He wasn't eating and drinking much at all and was really weak for a few days. I had to sleep in the living room with him for 2 nights coz Granny didn't want him "spilling" onto his mattress. To make it worse, Mom and Dad also came down with the same thing so for almost a week, I was living with people who didn't eat, went to the toilet frequently, threw up a lot and basically were very grumpy (can you blame them?). Bottomline is...I DON"T LIKE! I'm glad everyone is so much better now. It's so sad to see my loved ones so weak and I'm powerless to help them.

Now Fuddin is back in school and he's bouncing along well. He has also regained his appetite apparently. Haha. Yup. I don't know whether to be happy or sad for that. Dad is still pretty weak but better. My poor daddy spent his birthday being ill. He wasn't even in the mood to blow the candles on his cake. Whatever it is, I'm glad he's better but I'm not taking chances. Gonna make sure he has plenty of rest from now on. Mom's doing well. Did I tell you she cooked her famous and my favorite "lontong" the other day? It's been a year since I had it. I refuse to eat anyone's "lontong" except for mom's.

Muslims also welcomed the fasting (and holy) month of Ramadan. I've been pretty steady. Hehe. I mean, I can function normally although I'm fasting. I go about my daily ritual sometimes not even realising I'm fasting but some days, my throat is reeeeaaaallllyyyy DRY but I just ignore it and soldier on. Hubby says the best food/ drink I can ever eat/ drink are the ones I break fast with. I agree. I miss my hubby. I mean he's not away or anything but during Ramadan, our activities are curbed. We don't go on our "dates" in the evening, we don't really bring the kids out and all that. An says he's gonna make it up to me. He's gonna "wine and dine" me after Ramadan. I like. I love, love, love you Baby!

Celebrated Teacher's day. The concert in school was surprisingly good. I actually enjoyed it. You know, I will miss Dunearn. No doubt about there. Faults and all, it's been my second home for almost 10 years. I've grown so much since the day I first stepped in here. I've learned to be a better educator and hopefully, a better person. I've made friends here I will never forget.



I've taught wonderful young people who allowed me to say young through my interaction with them. Too many memories to recount but for all these, I thank you Dunearn. Haha. So lame but I mean it.

I gotta go. I need to make myself feel better and mark a bit.

Ciao.

Ready, Get set...Fast....

Fasting month starts tomorrow. A new beginning.

Just thought I'll post some backdated photos. Here's a really cute one...look at how intent he is on my laptop!


Here's some more pics of my little munchkin doing what he does best - just hanging around. Hehe.



And oh, here's 2 pics taken during the wedding of An's ex classmate at Bukit Merah ITE. Those others were all his classmates. They still keep in touch after so long; unlike me who needs a school reunion to catch up with friends from way back. It's not that I'm anti social. I guess it's too much effort. I don't know.



Last but not least, here's introducing the new additions to our humble family. Adam and Angel (no, the're not twins).



These two little terrapins belong to the one and only Nur Ayra. She's been pretty good with them, feeding them twice a day and changing their water (with a bit of help) everyday. I bought it for her after we read a children's encyclopedia with tortoises in it and we started talking and I ended up asking her if she wanted to get them as pets. Grandma was not pleased to say the least but Ayra's been good with them so she's learnt to accept Adam and Angel.

Hmm, what else? Oh yah!!! My dining table like totally gave way la. One of the metal screws like broke in two but the other parts of the table is still good so I brought my broken, little metal part to school where a helpful colleague helped me fix it. Bravo! I am H-A-P-P-Y! I don't have to buy a new dining table. Phew. With Aidilfitri in a month, I'm really not looking forward to anything breaking down or just collapsing/ dying on me.

I'm gonna go to Geylang. Waiting for Roshan. Gonna get the boys' Raya clothes. We really hate the crowd there during fasting month and the weather is usually uncooperative (way hot!) and when you're not allowed to drink even a drop of water, it's really not appealing. Forget "soaking" in the Raya spirit, I'd rather soak in a baththub (not that I have one by the way). You get my drift. Me and hubby have never been "joiners". I mean we're very Malay in our upbringing and stuff and we have total faith in God but we just can't bring ourselves to agree or follow some of the practices/ customs practised by our community. We don't criticize those who do. Hey, it's a free country.

Anyways, I'm gonna go off.

"I'm off to see the wizard. The wonderful Wizard of Oz." Now, that was random)

Tons of marking to do over the weekend and it all has to be done on an empty stomach. Hehe. I like!!! Hehe, welcome to my world.

PS: I love you honey. You rock my world An.

Reunion!

Yeah. I went to my high school reunion last week. In my friend, Selamat's words, "This is so like Romy and Michelle's high school reunion!" Hehe.

To be frank, it wasn't that great. I didn't really remember many people but it was still good meeting some familiar faces. I also talked to some of my teachers. Now, that was cool. I actually shook my DM's hands, look him in the eye, and say "I'm a teacher now Sir." Haha. It's an understatement to say that he was pleasantly surprised.

I don't think I'll go if there's another reunion. Very leceh. Not leceh as in troublesome but as in I don't want to do it again. Geddit? Haha. Nevermind.

And I might as well tell everyone...I'm leaving Dunearn. Yup, after 9 long years, I'm leaving, not necessarily for greener pastures but I am leaving. The things I will miss...most of all, my 3Amber and my 4NA students. The rest are graduating anyway. I really feel bad aboyt "abandoning" them but I know they'll be alright...and I'm just an SMS away guys. You guys keep in touch ya?

I'll also miss the "minah" teachers here. You know who you are la. You guys are spontaneous and wickedly sarcastic! I like!!!

I'll also miss my homies. Hehe. this is turning out to be a tribute but who cares. My dear Ms Fiza and Mrs Lian. thanks for the memories babes.

There are also things and people I won't miss la but let's not get into that la huh? you know, I know.

K,k....I have to go. Daughter wants fish fillet... sweet....

We're in!

We got in! Yup, my girl is going to De La Selle School next year. We survived the balloting. We were really nervous as there were only 104 vacancies and 160 or so applicants. An went to the school to witness the balloting and when the 90^th number was chosen and Ayra’s name was still not on the list, he panicked. Thank God, Ayra’s number was chosen soon enough (number 93 if I’m not mistaken). Haha. Scary.

I really want Ayra to go to a good primary school. I feel that it will set a good foundation for her. I know an intelligent student can succeed anywhere but I’m determined to give her a good start. Being a teacher for almost 10 years, I know how much influence the school and its culture has on a child. Yes, I didn’t do any parent volunteering or what not to secure her a place in De La Selle so I’m really lucky to get her enrolled there.

National day long weekend. Didn’t really do much as An was working. Hung out with the kids and started my exercise regime. Hehe. Skipping. I did like a 1000 skips at once and my calves are still suffering the effects. I’m waddling around like a duck but I ain’t giving up. I will persevere.

Had a little party with my form class on Friday. It was a hoot. We played like kiddie games, complete with games like Musical Chairs and a Fashion Parade. We had so much fun. Maybe I’ll hire them for Ayra’s 7^th birthday party. They can be the clowns who play games with the children. Maybe I can even award them CIP points for bringing joy and laughter to little children.

Anyway, I’m really excited to be going to my secondary school reunion dinner this Saturday. Haha. It’ll be a blast meeting my friends whom I haven’t met for ages. We’ve all grown up and have families of our own. From what I gather, some of us look totally different from what we looked like back then. Still, we’re essentially still the same (I think). Whatever it is, I plan to have a good time catching up with my friends.

As for my (not so little) “pudding” (aka Fuddin), he’s doing fine. Started my so called timetable with him last night. He was quite cooperative with the “blocks activity” so that was really cool. We had to switch off the television set though coz he’s so easily distracted.

Ok, gotta go. Remember, nothing is negative if you stay positive (yah right).

The Change...

Good grief...it's been ages since I last updated. It's just that I seem to be extra busy since Term 3 started. I'm rarely without my laptop doing work at home. Then last night, I realized that I've been ignoring my kids most evenings as I've been too wrapped up in my work. It was a terrible feeling so I propmtly switched off the laptop and turned my attention to my little darlings (the big darling was at work last night).

First I took some coins and did some practical Math with Ayra. She still has problems with counting money. I feel a need to educate her on this myself as she's going to primary one soon and I don't want her to get cheated (or cheat others). Progress is mediocre but it's still a step forward. And oh, me and An went to register Ayra at DeLa Salle School last Wed. Last I heard there were about 132 applicants for the 102 available positions for phase 2C. Hmmm, the dreaded B word. Ballot! I won't know till 11 Aug. I'm keeping my fingers, toes and whate else have you, crossed. I mean, I won't wail if she doesn't get in but yes, I will be dissapointed. I guess it's also to appease myself as I didn't manage to do any voluntary work to secure her a place there. I also didn't call up the Vice Principal, whom I attended a course with last year. Guess I just have to wait and see.

As for my precious oversized munchkin, he's a happy trooper now, especially from Weds to Fridays. He loves school. My parents have even resorted to using his school bag on non school days he refuses to leave his bed in the mornings. Once he sees his black bag pack, he will immediately get out of bed, strap the bag on and proceed towards the door. Haha...it's true! I told my mom to stop being mean and give him false hope. Doesn't he look like an eager beaver here, all set and ready to go?



Teacher June and her team are now working on getting Fuddin to eat fruits and vegetables. There's been great progress. He's now eating grapes, although not much. I'm quite clueless how to fill up the toilet training form though. It looks so daunting! Mom has decided she can't do it so I guess it has to wait till the holidays when I'll be home and can concentrate on training him. I'm bent on wanting to spend more quality time with him though. Gonna draw up a weekly activity timetable for him as well.

What else. Oh ya! My hair! My long, flowing hair is goneeeeeee. Uh huh...finally gathered my courage and did it but not before I showed the hairdresser a pic of my idol... yups...Vic herself.



But as everyone knows, no one can look as good as she does so I'm a sad comparison. Still, I try.



I've been getting mixed reactions from the students and teachers alike. Most people said it's fresh but of course, there were laments of "Sayangnya!" which basically means "Oh no!" Haha. I'm alright though. Hubby digs it though. Says it been so long since I had short hair and I look good but he's biased coz I'm his beloved. Whatever. Hair will grow. The problem now is that I have to lose 10 kgs to get Vic's body as well! Errr.... I don't think I can do that unless I starve myself to death. The fasting month is coming up though... I'll be glad if I lose 3 kgs. It's not that I eat a lot...it's all that chocolate! I'm a chocolate addict! I must exercise control. I feel like I'm expanding sideways. Chocolate is evil. Repeat after me. Chocolate is EVIL.

As for work, nothing interesting has happened. I still hate it. Haha. My drama club did perform during Assembly though and they were great all thanks to the brilliance of Ms Naz who wrote the script while battling a 40 deg Cel fever. You rock, girl! We're gonna perform a short skit for Teacher's Day as well so that's great. We also celebrated Racial Harmony Day but on a small scale this year. My wonderful 3 Amber worked together and created our very own "Cultural Tree!" Cool!




Looking forward to the long weekend but I don't know why . Hubby's working and I'll probably end up in front of my laptop again. I DON"T like!

Anyway,here's me, Ayra and An fooling around. Rather random but who cares.



Hmm, cam whoring with my new digi-cam is fun! Did you see ayra's new footwear? Cool huh?

OK, gotta go. Tons of work.

Write soon...maybe.

Baby Steps Forward...

Third week of school. Rather mundane. Many things/ people seem to piss me off easily nowadays but I’m staying cool… keep calm, stay positive and breathe deeeeeeeply…. Yeah, it helps.

Anyway, Fuddin broke his bed. Haha. Yup, my little cutie jumped up and down on his bed and broke his 3 month old bed frame. It was bound to happen. There’s nothing much to do now but to go out and buy (note: not borrow) a brand new bed frame. Yup, it’s something I haven’t budgeted for but there is really no choice, is there? For the past two nights, Fuddin has been making himself rather comfortable on Grandma’s bed. Yup, apparently he sleeps like a log on her bed but grandma is now sleep deprived with all his kicking! Haha…ok mom. I’ll put you out of your misery soon.

The not so little culprit! He's the one on the left with

the seemingly "blur" face but he's smarter than what

he lets you think

As for my dear mommy, she has been on a “kuih” making frenzy. She’s made more traditional malay “kuihs” these past few weeks than she has over the past 10 years! Simply delicious! Unfortunately, just as quickly as her fad started, it ended. Hehe. So much for a lifetime supply of scrumptious “kuihs”.

Anyway, Ayra has a new interest. Fun fair rides!

Indeed. She’s exploring her “wilder” side and we encourage it coz she’s always been a little timid when it comes to such things. She really does enjoy doing the “daredevil stunts” which is really kinda cute. Still as you can see, she still has her “princessy” side so I shouldn’t be worried about raising a tomboy, right? Anyway, do you notice the very similar pose between mommy and daughter in the pics below? Scary. I have been cloned.

And oh…the potty. We bought Fuddin a really cool looking potty, hoping that it’s bright color and cool design would entice him to sit and poo/pee there. Grandma was adamant to make it work so she screamed, threatened and scared the poor boy into actually pooing in it. Alas, good things doesn’t come easy. My mom soon lost her “gung-ho-ness” and faltered by softening and allowing the little munchkin wrap her around his little fingers. Oh well, I’m not too worried though. We’ll get there in due time.

Ok, ok….got to go. Life isn’t that bad after all. I see a tiny ray of light at the end of the tunnel. Take care, people. Remember...tiny steps forward...one day at a time...

My New Toy

Ok first week of work is almost over and it's a long weekend due to Youth Day so everything's good. I've been going from school to school for interviews. Yup, I'm taking the first step to getting a transfer out of this school. Though the new school I eventually end up with may not be ideal, at least it's a change. A change that I so badly need.

Anyway, finally got myself a new camera! Yup, I used my LDS claim and got myself a red 10 megapixel Nikon camera. Sweet.

As for the kids, they're doing alright. Fuddin went back to school after a long break. He's coping well and yesterday, for the very first time, he sat on the bus! Woohoo! Yup, what comes naturally for other people may not come naturally to him so curse those people who are so dumb and ignorant that they actually label kids like him as naughty or out of control. There's a term for it, IDIOTS! It's called Autism...duh? Just because you're dumb doesn't mean everyone has to be as dumb as you. Haha!

Ok, ok...I'll stop being a bitch. Anyway, my 2 darlings have been the "victims" of my new camera (but of course).




All in all, it's been quite a shitty week, very much like any other week. Still, this is life so I try and make do. I still remember to count my blessings though to remind myself that there are many others whose lives are so much shittier than I am. Haha.

I think I'm gonna write a book. I'll name it..."Life's a bitch, so am I." Hehe :)