Monday, December 8, 2008

Another 'Kid' to Love

Another "Kid" to Love

Sigh...I did it again. There are no reasons why...and don't ask me how it happened.
I adopted another 'kid'...this time round, it is the 4-legged kind.

Most of you would know that I already have 3 Divas at home.

There is Holly, a beautiful silver tabby which I brought home from the SPCA. She has kohl-lined eyes, and is the kind of cat that thinks she owns me...not the other way round. Up to today, she is the Alpha Female, and insists that she eats atop the counter so that she is physically 'higher' in status than the other two.

Squicky and Queen came as a pair. They are pure-breeds, mind you, and yet, I did not pay a cent for them. I adopted them when they were given away by their owner. Squicky is a quirky smoky persian who has an indomitable sense of adventure. Sigh...I think I have spent a fortune on her collars...which somehow mysteriously disappear each time she leaves the house.

Queen is a mild-mannered Ragdoll with such a blur disposition that she has been dubbed "Duh Queen". She is manja, and loves to sleep under my neighbour's golf umbrella so that she is shielded while she 'suntans.' Despite her clueless personality, I think she is sneaky enough to get away with a lot of naughty things.

There is an uneasy treaty in the house...and clearly marked territories. Holly's kingdom basically is Zafran's bedroom, and conquers his bed. Queen loves my bed, while Squicky...sleeps wherever she pleases.

The 3 Divas...cannot stand each other, so they go out of their way to avoid each other.

So now how...
I have gotten Murphee...a snow-shoe Birman. Actually, she came as a set, with Bluebell, a grey american shorthair...but my sis decided to keep Bluebell. Their owner, actually loves them to bits, but she is very ill, and is unable to care for them. She was weeping quietly when we took her beloved cats away.

Will world war III break out in my home?
Stay tuned...(for I expect all hell to break loose when you have 4 'women' in the house).

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Oh Really?

Oh Really?

I want to share something I found quite interesting. After almost 20 years dealing with teenagers, I found out that there is something known as ODD.

Oppositional Defiance Disorder(ODD)...apparently is an 'illness' that inflicts teenagers. As you can guess from the name, teens who suffer from this ailment...wil simply go out of his/her way...to openly rebel, and go against whatever they do not agree with. In short, they are often confrontational, and needs to have life THEIR OWN WAY!


Oh my...
So it is now the easiest excuse to give whenever an angst-ridden, moody, melancholic,angry teen lashes out against whatever he thinks as 7$$@! toot ! toot!? It is bad enough sometimes having to hold my tongue, and skirting my way through explosive mood swings of some of the young minds I teach...But personally, I still feel that whatever terms you call it, one should never allow to throw explosive tantrums, and be outrightly rude just to suit his whims and fancies!

Years ago, I had a child...who I can really label as lazy, insolent and have no respect nor regard for authority. I pretty soon found out why: When I spoke to the indulgent mother...she was ... you tell me.

According to the mother...under no circumstance must SHE offend, or hurt his feelings. SHE had taken so long to conceive this child "sent from heaven", and...the temple medium had told her that he must be "treated like king"...as he was a "reincarnation of some HIGHER BEING!"...

What am I to say?...Excuse me for breathing in the same air, O mighty one?
Puhlez...

An appeal to parents:
Remember, all children are born with 'clean slates'. It is really up to you to mould, guide, teach, educate and raise them well. They do mirror your own actions...and the way they behave, sometimes, is a reflection of you. So think...and do the right thing.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Make A Difference

Make A Difference
(Self-Reflection)

This year, the school decided to go MAD (not literally of course...though there were days when I thought I was heading for the loony-bin; but that is a different story).

M.A.D. - Make a Difference
This is the tagline that is quite commonly used by organisations and individuals all around the world. It is a call to everyone, to make, create and do any action, that will leave a positive impact on others.

"I am only one, but I am one.
I cannot do everything, but I can do something.
And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do."
- E.E.Hale -

As I take stock of the events of this year, I wonder how much I have really lived up to that line. Have I really made a difference...to something, or someone? I am not really sure, but I think I have tried. And though I do not know the impact my actions and deeds, I will take the opportunity to thank those who have MAD me.

This is my affirmation to all my unsung heroes...

My parents...whose guidance and support I cherish
My Hubby and kids...

My dearest friend, Faz,...who stood by me
My sis, Nanis...for keeping me sane
My mentor...have believing in me
and my kids...who helped me re-discover the purpose of vocation.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart,
for making a difference in my life.

Thank you, thank you , thank you.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Grateful to be alive

Grateful to be Alive.

Instead of whining, complaining, venting and raving, today becomes a day to give thanks.

The heavy rain that fell...reminds me of how humid and hot it can get during dry spell.

The bland food I ate...reminds me of the article on how mothers cook tree barks to feed their hungry children.

The little discomfort I experienced...reminds me of how others suffer even more.

There are many grouses in life...
But they will always seem insignificant to the greatest gift God has given us...

Dear God...thank you for keeping me alive.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

A Memo from Mom

A Memo from Mom
(in response to "A Memo from your child" article)

A year ago, I posted the article "A memo from your child" (author unknown). Today, as a harried mum of three children (and many other special kids), I decided to write something in response [something like what they do on Youtube].

My dear children,
You have all grown up so fast. When you were younger, there were days when I wished that you would all be up and about, without me having to worry about night feeds and boo-boos. And I know, as I look at the mirror and see the wrinkles and grey hairs, I know that it is in my mind's eye that you are fixed at a certain age. So, since I will still always be your mum, here are some things I want you to remember.

1. Don't laugh at my views of things. I am not as narrow-minded and old-fashioned as
you think. I am strait-laced at times...because I care.

2. Don't think that I am too strict and rigid. I have to instil a sense of self-
discipline in you...so that you can live in a world of rules.

3. Don't think that I only know how to nag...worry more if I don't.

4. Don't shut me out of the things you do...for I still am very much a part of your
lives.

5. Don't laugh at my incompetencies to cope with the latest technologies...for you
are the product of a very different world from mine.

6. Don't give me 'heart attacks' by the impulsive and unexpected things you may find
exciting...I want to live long enough to see my grandchildren.

7. Don't compare me to the parents of your friends...Yes, they may have more money,
more freedom and more indulgences...but I have never said no unneccessarily.

8. Don't scoff at my values...these are the things I believe will keep you anchored
in turmultous times.

9. Don't think I will be forever 'young'...as you grow and spread your wings, I am
growing old too.

10.Do always remember that all (ok...almost all) of my actions towards are governed
by the fact that I want nothing, but the best for you.

I may have made many mistakes as a parent, and I may have stumbled along the way. I may not have made the right choices. But I am very clear on certain these 2 things.
I am very proud of all of you...and I will always love you.


Signed with Love,
Mama

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

I Really don't want to know

I Don't Want to Know

I am sure that there are many things left unsaid...and not explained. Today was one of those days...No, let me rephrase that statement. Today something happened that made me really not want to know what is going on.

I have told you about 'the other side' of what I sit. My desk is partitioned in such a way, that I cannot see my 'neighbour'...Now, there is no one beside me physically. The last human occupant has moved.

Yet...
There is still something there.
The soft clicks of the keypads being typed on, the squeaks of the chair, the quiet, but heavy breathing sounds all suggest that there is somehow, someone...something there.

Last week, I went to check...In brought daylight, there was a tingle in my spine and I cautiously tried to find out the source of what had put all my senses on full alert. I saw nothing...But when E when to check minutes later, there was someone...Oh...ok...but I definitely did not see anything earlier.

And today...when the rain fell suddenly, there was lightning.
The power tripped...and immediately darkness fell over the room...but not quite.
The lights...at the other side...was still 'alive'...Great right?

No...not great...
How can the other lights, controlled by the same switch have tripped, and not that one?
We looked up at the sensor alarm...all the rest were dead...except for the one above mine...blinking red..at irregular intervals.

And even though the airconditioning had shut down...I was shivering (in fear? of cold?) All the hair had stood on ends..

It was definitely a signal that we had to leave...
I know the presence was kind enough not to let me grope in the darkness...but it was just too scary for me to stay...

Gulp...what more can I expect?

Monday, December 1, 2008

It's the little things that matters

The Little Things that Matters

Today, is another day to count my blessings.
I finally took the time off from the other stuff to be with my children...and I am so happy that I did.

First stop was school...when I was given the cutest present ever. Thanks to my godsons, C & J, ...who told me that no matter what, I must wear and use what they have bought for me all the way from China. Yup, knowing how much I love turtles and tortises, I got a pair of He and She turtles slippers, and two more flippered ones which I have named Funky and Punky. (oh yes...I have forgiven you for kidnapping Zoom!)

Akmal love being with being two 'kor-kor' who..in some ways behave a little childishly like him. Zafran and Zarifah I guess, were more than happy to have the little one off their hands. we ate a nice meal at Swensons, being kept amused by the trio. (the food though, was a little bit over-rated).

Next stop...had to make Akmal's new EZ-link card for the nth time. Seriously...If his head not together with the rest of his body, I guess , it too would have mysteriously gone for a walk. We then went down to e-hub to decide whether we would want to bowl, or catch a movie. The bowling alley was so crowded, so we settled for Madagascar 2. It's not too bad on weekdays when the kids could have students rate, and I had the one for one movie promotion with the new Fairprice card.

It was great to be able to laugh...and unwind...and Moto-moto does really look familiar (hehehehehe). I guess I should have brought my glasses for it was only after the show that the migraine developed.

Next stop...Hei Sushi.
It never ceases to amaze me how Zafran loves raw fish and eel...Akmal can down tamago, while Iffah..., well, she prefers the tempura dishes. Well, they can eat a lot more if they go to Sushi King.

It has been a good day...and I am glad I got the time to reconnect with the kids. It makes everything seem oh so worthwhile.

Prayer for Today
Dear God...please help me make the right choices...and create beautiful memories with the kids...I thank you for the blessings of Life itself...and the joy of being with those whom I love. Ameen