I've done it for all 3 boys. And I do not hide while doing it. No, I'm not going to restrict myself to a nursing room or dressing room for that 20 mins. I shop and feed, I eat and feed, I people-watch and feed, I even hike and feed. And no, I do not expose my breast, I just do it. I have people coming to me while I'm breast-feeding and they think that baby is sleeping. Only when I mention that I'm breastfeeding do they realise that, turn red and excuse themselves.
Reading Baby's Room = Diaper Change Room = Nursing Room = Family Room = Not Breastfeeding Room? and the comments posted, I think we have to learn to be more considerate. We are all mothers, and we understand what it's like to be one. I think the lady wanting to change the diaper can just ask if we can share the room. The writer, Linda Koh, can just offer to share the room. It seems that Linda's husband is telling them that the room is used and cannot be shared. If we are more tolerant, more considerate, I think life would be more pleasant. Sometimes, it just makes someone's day to see a smile, so smile, laugh, it'll make you happier too.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Abuse of maid
Some actions of Singaporeans are really to be laughed at. It's totally ridiculous and a great big joke. 'Jailed and fined for drawing on maid's face'
I never understand how one can pour scalding water on someone, use a hot iron to burn someone. These despicable acts are from people from respectable jobs. Few weeks ago, another couple, an aircraft engineer and air stewardess, were sent to jail for ill-treating their maid. As I read the headline today, I was laughing my guts out. What a childish thing to do! Drawing lines on your maid's face? My goodness!! Would you draw lines on your child's face if he/she does not close the door properly?
A maid is not a slave. You do not own her, so you treat her with respect. Well, unless you want your children to treat you such when you are old and 'useless'.
I can't imagine what she is going to tell her children when she is in jail for that 3 weeks. 'Oh, I'm going on holiday.' hahaha... if her kids were older, maybe they will just pick up the newspaper and read the news? Boasting in school, 'My mum is in jail for drawing lines on my maid's face!!'
I do not have a maid, I avoid having one. I'm lucky I'm a SAHM. I want my kids to be independent. I want my kids to clean up after themselves. If you have a maid, think about what you want your kids to become. What if you have to send your maid back? How will the household be ran? Be appreciative to the help you receive from your maid. And maybe she'll be more appreciative to you. In the days of early Singapore, nannies or ah-mas take care of the house. They are treated like family, so why can't we do so now? Is affluence authority for you to act like beasts? Remember the golden rule, 'Treat others the way you want them to treat you'.
I never understand how one can pour scalding water on someone, use a hot iron to burn someone. These despicable acts are from people from respectable jobs. Few weeks ago, another couple, an aircraft engineer and air stewardess, were sent to jail for ill-treating their maid. As I read the headline today, I was laughing my guts out. What a childish thing to do! Drawing lines on your maid's face? My goodness!! Would you draw lines on your child's face if he/she does not close the door properly?
A maid is not a slave. You do not own her, so you treat her with respect. Well, unless you want your children to treat you such when you are old and 'useless'.
I can't imagine what she is going to tell her children when she is in jail for that 3 weeks. 'Oh, I'm going on holiday.' hahaha... if her kids were older, maybe they will just pick up the newspaper and read the news? Boasting in school, 'My mum is in jail for drawing lines on my maid's face!!'
I do not have a maid, I avoid having one. I'm lucky I'm a SAHM. I want my kids to be independent. I want my kids to clean up after themselves. If you have a maid, think about what you want your kids to become. What if you have to send your maid back? How will the household be ran? Be appreciative to the help you receive from your maid. And maybe she'll be more appreciative to you. In the days of early Singapore, nannies or ah-mas take care of the house. They are treated like family, so why can't we do so now? Is affluence authority for you to act like beasts? Remember the golden rule, 'Treat others the way you want them to treat you'.
Monday, June 23, 2008
Water
Water comprises 70% of our bodies. Water is an essential part of life. We can only live for a few days without water.
Has been trying to educate the boys on not wasting water. They turn on the tap full blast and leave it running while they slowly squeeze a pea-size of toothpaste on their toothbrush. At bathtime, they blast the shower head at the walls and door of the bathroom, while they stay mostly dry. We turn on the tap and there is water running. We take precious water for granted.
Was watching Planet Green last week on Discovery Channel, our favourite channel. It was talking about how people tapped spring waters by building long endless tunnels, and looking for new springs to keep the wells full. They are called 'fur-large', don't know the exact spelling and still trying to find out. Quickly grabbed the opportunity to tell the boys how much work they have to go to have clean water.
Received a bottle of NEWater on saturday, it was at Bedok Reservoir and learnt that Singapore International Water Week is held on 23-27 June 2008. Thought about how NEWater is recycled water. Are people receptive to drinking it? Researching a little bit further (it's simple nowadays, just search it on the internet...) I learnt that 82% of Sg'reans are prepared to drink NEWater. But then think about it, ain't waters from the reservoirs 'recycled' too? The mud in it, the poo of animals in it, ain't it as 'disgusting' if u think about it? Then think about the natural cycle of water... rain, evaporation, condensation.
Then did a bit more research... Water Facts. The earth is largely made up of water, but only about 0.007% of the earth's water is readily accessible for human use! Guess if someone comes up with some ingenious way of 'cleaning' water, he'll be a billionaire, made a hero, save the earth!
That is sometimes the irony of life ain't it. Water is so abundant yet so precious. Water... be grateful we have it running from the tap. Cheers!
Has been trying to educate the boys on not wasting water. They turn on the tap full blast and leave it running while they slowly squeeze a pea-size of toothpaste on their toothbrush. At bathtime, they blast the shower head at the walls and door of the bathroom, while they stay mostly dry. We turn on the tap and there is water running. We take precious water for granted.
Was watching Planet Green last week on Discovery Channel, our favourite channel. It was talking about how people tapped spring waters by building long endless tunnels, and looking for new springs to keep the wells full. They are called 'fur-large', don't know the exact spelling and still trying to find out. Quickly grabbed the opportunity to tell the boys how much work they have to go to have clean water.
Received a bottle of NEWater on saturday, it was at Bedok Reservoir and learnt that Singapore International Water Week is held on 23-27 June 2008. Thought about how NEWater is recycled water. Are people receptive to drinking it? Researching a little bit further (it's simple nowadays, just search it on the internet...) I learnt that 82% of Sg'reans are prepared to drink NEWater. But then think about it, ain't waters from the reservoirs 'recycled' too? The mud in it, the poo of animals in it, ain't it as 'disgusting' if u think about it? Then think about the natural cycle of water... rain, evaporation, condensation.
Then did a bit more research... Water Facts. The earth is largely made up of water, but only about 0.007% of the earth's water is readily accessible for human use! Guess if someone comes up with some ingenious way of 'cleaning' water, he'll be a billionaire, made a hero, save the earth!
That is sometimes the irony of life ain't it. Water is so abundant yet so precious. Water... be grateful we have it running from the tap. Cheers!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Mindchamps...
Was at a book fair 2 weeks ago and signed up for this talk about Mindchamps (http://www.mindchamps.org/) Been seeing its ads in the papers so curiosity and wanting the best for our kids led us to attend the talk. A 3 hour talk and almost $3000 (paid by instalments) later.. we walked out hoping that it will empower our eldest son in his education when he starts primary sch and attends 7 months at Mindchamps.
Why did we sign up? I think this is effective.. It teaches the kid effective ways of learning. And not only that, they are to learn the champion mindset. Being positive, dreaming castles, aiming high. The power of the subconscious mind is largely untapped. Knowing how to use your whole brain will greatly empower you to remember more.
How effective is it? Demonstrations were shown, it is impressive, but I feel that is only the learning part of it, helping you to remember facts. But I think the real effectiveness of this course is not just helping memory, it is the mindset. Learning to be positive. We'll see how it works, when Deshane starts this next year.
Why did we sign up? I think this is effective.. It teaches the kid effective ways of learning. And not only that, they are to learn the champion mindset. Being positive, dreaming castles, aiming high. The power of the subconscious mind is largely untapped. Knowing how to use your whole brain will greatly empower you to remember more.
How effective is it? Demonstrations were shown, it is impressive, but I feel that is only the learning part of it, helping you to remember facts. But I think the real effectiveness of this course is not just helping memory, it is the mindset. Learning to be positive. We'll see how it works, when Deshane starts this next year.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Bedwetting
After tireless nights and days and years of bedwetting, suddenly I decided to do a search on bedwetting on the internet. Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedwetting) tells me that bedwetting is involuntary. Before you think it is me, no, it is my 2 elder boys aged 4.5 and 6 years.
Yes, I've tried many ideas, clearing bladder before bed, waking them up after about 2 hours of sleep, limiting liquids just before bedtime. None of this seems to work, put them on diapers, then off diapers when I'm out of them, only to have the toilet full of hanging shorts/pants and a smelly bedroom. Then back to diapers, even caning them, doesn't help. So now, I finally have come to terms with it, it is involuntary and until their body is ready to be toilet-trained at night... there seems to be nothing I can do about it.
I think I might try the bedwetting alarm. I really hope it works. I'm sick of the idea of putting on diapers for my big boys.
But one thing really pisses me off. They pee, ok, it's involuntary, but can't they feel that they are wet? They can go on sleeping in their wet warm pee, until it is dry in the morning! gesh! boys...
Yes, I've tried many ideas, clearing bladder before bed, waking them up after about 2 hours of sleep, limiting liquids just before bedtime. None of this seems to work, put them on diapers, then off diapers when I'm out of them, only to have the toilet full of hanging shorts/pants and a smelly bedroom. Then back to diapers, even caning them, doesn't help. So now, I finally have come to terms with it, it is involuntary and until their body is ready to be toilet-trained at night... there seems to be nothing I can do about it.
I think I might try the bedwetting alarm. I really hope it works. I'm sick of the idea of putting on diapers for my big boys.
But one thing really pisses me off. They pee, ok, it's involuntary, but can't they feel that they are wet? They can go on sleeping in their wet warm pee, until it is dry in the morning! gesh! boys...
Friday, June 13, 2008
Moving house and shopping
It never seems to come to end. Moving. Putting all that I have amassed over the years of my life into boxes and unpacking my treasures into the new house.
In my 32 years, this will be the 15th house I will be living in. Crazy rite? And the craziest thing is that I am a collector. Unfortunately not a collector of antiques or anything of appreciating monetary value, but a collector of things that were a part of my life.
The amount of 'property' I own has accumulated to levels which I cannot contain in one house. This is crazy, I think it is time to start throwing things away. But what is worth nothing? or worth everything? That is the most difficult decision to make.
We lived in Arizona, USA the past 2 years. Feb 2006-Apr 2008. I had a whirl of a time shopping there. Added much much more to my house, having lots of business ideas, which have yet been put to action. (This reminds me that I've got to do something about that soon. Will update it here as soon as I get things going, so keep a lookout!) Shopping in USA is fun! You can get extremely good deals, that you will not be able to resist. Shopping in Singapore is really nothing compared to it. Imagine, I got a pair of crocs for my baby for less than USD10! HA! and most of the clothes I buy for my troop don't cost me more than USD5 apiece. And they are branded stuff, okie... Nike, Oshkosh, Timberland, Spiderman (Originals, not what you get at pasar malams) among others.
Well, we're back here in Singapore and I'm definitely not shopping unless I really really need it. I'm thrown back to reality. No more shopping haven for me.
Actually while packing to return to Singapore, questions run through me. A fire can just burn everything you own in a few seconds. Saw a video of how quickly a curtain caught fire and destroyed everything in that room. The question of how much I have amassed came. How quickly everything can be destroyed in that few seconds. Is it worth it all? Why not instead of spending the money on physical acquisitions, spend the money on acquiring experiences, going on holiday or even by being more philanthropic?
Just this week, I read about holidays taken by this family, which I think is a really good idea, to help others. They spent their holiday at an orphanage. First, you bring the children great joy by just being with them. Second, the gifts you bring are really necessities that they may need, but never will be able to dream of having. Third, you might just leave them feeling that you are indeed fortunate to be able to take that holiday, be on a plane, go to a new place, and be a bringer of great joy. There are many things that we take for granted. I think it is good to go places where people are not so well-off for us to learn to be more grateful. Maybe then life will be more meaningful.
OK, the more I write, the more I digress... I shall end here for today. I have more to ramble, which I will. I think I'm getting a hang of this!
In my 32 years, this will be the 15th house I will be living in. Crazy rite? And the craziest thing is that I am a collector. Unfortunately not a collector of antiques or anything of appreciating monetary value, but a collector of things that were a part of my life.
The amount of 'property' I own has accumulated to levels which I cannot contain in one house. This is crazy, I think it is time to start throwing things away. But what is worth nothing? or worth everything? That is the most difficult decision to make.
We lived in Arizona, USA the past 2 years. Feb 2006-Apr 2008. I had a whirl of a time shopping there. Added much much more to my house, having lots of business ideas, which have yet been put to action. (This reminds me that I've got to do something about that soon. Will update it here as soon as I get things going, so keep a lookout!) Shopping in USA is fun! You can get extremely good deals, that you will not be able to resist. Shopping in Singapore is really nothing compared to it. Imagine, I got a pair of crocs for my baby for less than USD10! HA! and most of the clothes I buy for my troop don't cost me more than USD5 apiece. And they are branded stuff, okie... Nike, Oshkosh, Timberland, Spiderman (Originals, not what you get at pasar malams) among others.
Well, we're back here in Singapore and I'm definitely not shopping unless I really really need it. I'm thrown back to reality. No more shopping haven for me.
Actually while packing to return to Singapore, questions run through me. A fire can just burn everything you own in a few seconds. Saw a video of how quickly a curtain caught fire and destroyed everything in that room. The question of how much I have amassed came. How quickly everything can be destroyed in that few seconds. Is it worth it all? Why not instead of spending the money on physical acquisitions, spend the money on acquiring experiences, going on holiday or even by being more philanthropic?
Just this week, I read about holidays taken by this family, which I think is a really good idea, to help others. They spent their holiday at an orphanage. First, you bring the children great joy by just being with them. Second, the gifts you bring are really necessities that they may need, but never will be able to dream of having. Third, you might just leave them feeling that you are indeed fortunate to be able to take that holiday, be on a plane, go to a new place, and be a bringer of great joy. There are many things that we take for granted. I think it is good to go places where people are not so well-off for us to learn to be more grateful. Maybe then life will be more meaningful.
OK, the more I write, the more I digress... I shall end here for today. I have more to ramble, which I will. I think I'm getting a hang of this!
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