Winter came early this year in Sydney and I can safely say for the rest of Australia too. I missed the sunshine when it rained for 2 whole weeks a couple of weeks ago. We kept the fans in the garage and brought out the heater. Our dryer has been working overtime ever since.
Ashley got sick a couple of days ago. Her nose got stuck and she was throwing up phlegm with her lunch. Poor girl couldn't sleep well because it was interrupted by episodes of coughing. So, I decided to be really prepared for winter this time round. I asked some locals for advise and browsed through the shops to see what's on sale for winter. Here are some of my preparation:
1. Flannelette bedsheet. They are surprisingly warmer to touch compared to normal cotton bedsheet. They help to trap the body heat too.
2. Fleece jumpsuit and flannelette pajama. Keep one's body super warm, especially it traps the air and heat around the body surface.
3. Hot water bottle.
4. Vaporiser. Rebecca loaned us her vaporiser to help Ashley's nasal congestion. It was great. I remember having blood stain in my "tahi hidung" in the morning due to the dry and cold air at night. But this vaporiser does wonders!
5. Heater
6. Fleece throws and blankets. All the surfaces to sit on will be super cold during winter. Fleece throw comes in handy. I am not trying out the electric blanket just yet.
7. Sheep skin. I haven't try this but friends have suggested to overlay the sheep skin over the mattress, under the bedsheet. It is good for trapping heat too.
8. Warm clothings and layering. Winter is a season to strut your latest fashion. High boots, trench coat, beanie, jumpers etc. Since one will be wrapped in layers, you can eat as much as you want and no one will notice the weight piling up around the waist and butt.
9. Hot soup and hot chocolate.
I am sure my list is incomplete. But I shall learn more about bracing ourselves against winter as I go through more winters in the coming years.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Ashley at 2
A child's brain between 1 year old to 4 year old can be amazing. It is like a sponge, absorbing anything and everything around it. I have a first hand experience of what that is like, in Ashley. I hope that I never will sound boastful but am I proud of my girl? You betcha, I am very very proud of her.
Ashley has always been slightly faster in learning compared to most of her peers. Nope, I am not a kiasu parent and I hope I won't turn into one. I don't teach her alphabets, I don't teach her mathematics, I don't send her for smart reader's lessons and no, I didn't listen to classical music throughout my pregnancy. I am a strong believer in learning through nature and senses. I remembered when Ashley was first born, I always took her out for walks in the estate (the first 5 months) and I will let her touch the tree bark, the sand, the leaves etc., to stimulate her senses. When I came over to Australia (she was 6 months old then), I used to take her for long walks around the neighborhood and parks, pointing out things as we went along. That happened in the first year of her life.
Did it work? I believed it did. Ashley became very observant about things around her and she started talking much earlier than most kids her age. She could sing the entire "Twinkle twinkle little star" song at 18 months and count from 1 to 10 the month after. In fact, I am amazed at how fast she learns a new song. After singing the song twice, she'll be able to hum the tune and a couple more times of sing along, she'll be able to sing the entire song! Hubby and I found out that Ashley learns and memorize things through songs and this is good because when she starts school, we will know how to help her along. Her speech skill developed very fast but her motor skill still needed improvement. I have part of the solution to this, read on.....
When she turned 20 months, I got lazy "teaching" her stuff. Occasionally, I will show her the alphabet chart or teach her numbers or read her a book when she asked for it. I've packed too many activities into our daily life and I got "burn out". So I let Ashley be and learn things by herself. I don't help her with craft at the library unless she ask, I don't "entertain" her constantly at the playgroup and I don't "help" her at the playground. Kids are self learners. The few months that I let her do things her own way was when I discovered that she has "grown up", alot. She picks up sentences and she can engage in intelligent conversation with other people. She can use the scissor and glue and she can draw and explain her drawing to us. Today at the library, I was totally shocked to see that she could colour in between the lines! She used to swirl the crayon all over the picture but today, she actually did colour in between the lines. She also glued the eyes, hat and magic stick at all the right places, all by herself! Amazing!
Back to motor skill development, there is a reason why the playground has got climbing frames, "rock climbing" wall, rope ladders etc. Kids learn hand-eye coordination through play and they pick up problem solving through these obstacles. I have never let Ashley climb onto those monkey bars and dangerous rope ladders before this because I didn't want her to hurt herself. That is my Asian upbringing, very protective generally. But hubby wanted to teach her to be tough and rough (she was very xiao che before this). So, without my knowledge, he would offer to take her for evening walks while I get dinner ready but in actual fact, he took her on all those dangerous climbs! When I found out much later on, I was furious but glad at the same time. Ashley's motor skills improved immensely. So for my future kids, I think I will close one eye and let them roam free in the playground.
Ashley has been our pride and joy, not only to us parents but to her grandparents, aunts, uncles and kaimas. Watch over this precious child Lord and thank You. Amen.
Ashley has always been slightly faster in learning compared to most of her peers. Nope, I am not a kiasu parent and I hope I won't turn into one. I don't teach her alphabets, I don't teach her mathematics, I don't send her for smart reader's lessons and no, I didn't listen to classical music throughout my pregnancy. I am a strong believer in learning through nature and senses. I remembered when Ashley was first born, I always took her out for walks in the estate (the first 5 months) and I will let her touch the tree bark, the sand, the leaves etc., to stimulate her senses. When I came over to Australia (she was 6 months old then), I used to take her for long walks around the neighborhood and parks, pointing out things as we went along. That happened in the first year of her life.
Did it work? I believed it did. Ashley became very observant about things around her and she started talking much earlier than most kids her age. She could sing the entire "Twinkle twinkle little star" song at 18 months and count from 1 to 10 the month after. In fact, I am amazed at how fast she learns a new song. After singing the song twice, she'll be able to hum the tune and a couple more times of sing along, she'll be able to sing the entire song! Hubby and I found out that Ashley learns and memorize things through songs and this is good because when she starts school, we will know how to help her along. Her speech skill developed very fast but her motor skill still needed improvement. I have part of the solution to this, read on.....
When she turned 20 months, I got lazy "teaching" her stuff. Occasionally, I will show her the alphabet chart or teach her numbers or read her a book when she asked for it. I've packed too many activities into our daily life and I got "burn out". So I let Ashley be and learn things by herself. I don't help her with craft at the library unless she ask, I don't "entertain" her constantly at the playgroup and I don't "help" her at the playground. Kids are self learners. The few months that I let her do things her own way was when I discovered that she has "grown up", alot. She picks up sentences and she can engage in intelligent conversation with other people. She can use the scissor and glue and she can draw and explain her drawing to us. Today at the library, I was totally shocked to see that she could colour in between the lines! She used to swirl the crayon all over the picture but today, she actually did colour in between the lines. She also glued the eyes, hat and magic stick at all the right places, all by herself! Amazing!
Back to motor skill development, there is a reason why the playground has got climbing frames, "rock climbing" wall, rope ladders etc. Kids learn hand-eye coordination through play and they pick up problem solving through these obstacles. I have never let Ashley climb onto those monkey bars and dangerous rope ladders before this because I didn't want her to hurt herself. That is my Asian upbringing, very protective generally. But hubby wanted to teach her to be tough and rough (she was very xiao che before this). So, without my knowledge, he would offer to take her for evening walks while I get dinner ready but in actual fact, he took her on all those dangerous climbs! When I found out much later on, I was furious but glad at the same time. Ashley's motor skills improved immensely. So for my future kids, I think I will close one eye and let them roam free in the playground.
Ashley has been our pride and joy, not only to us parents but to her grandparents, aunts, uncles and kaimas. Watch over this precious child Lord and thank You. Amen.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Funny things from a 2 year old's mouth
Ashley has always been quick to pick up new vocabulary and she is literally a talking parrot. Here are some funny things she said recently. How I wish I could record all the funny things she said before she grows up even more and talk with "intelligence" and in some cases, sensitivity.
Joke 1
Me: Hubby, I crave for butter cake lah.
Ashley: Daddy, Ashley got craving for McDonald's.
Hubby and I were surprised that she actually understood the word "crave" and used it correctly too!
Joke 2
Ashley is running on solar energy apparently.
Me: Girl, it is raining. The sun is hiding behind the clouds.
Ashley: Oh no. Ashley got no energy to go to the playground d.
Joke 3
Ashley the food critic.
Ashley: Mummy cooked the chicken. Not nice mummy, not nice.
Joke 1
Me: Hubby, I crave for butter cake lah.
Ashley: Daddy, Ashley got craving for McDonald's.
Hubby and I were surprised that she actually understood the word "crave" and used it correctly too!
Joke 2
Ashley is running on solar energy apparently.
Me: Girl, it is raining. The sun is hiding behind the clouds.
Ashley: Oh no. Ashley got no energy to go to the playground d.
Joke 3
Ashley the food critic.
Ashley: Mummy cooked the chicken. Not nice mummy, not nice.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
A Franciscan Benediction
This prayer is taken from the book "Prayer, does it make any difference?" by Philip Yancey. I just wanted to note it down for my personal future reflection, and hopefully yours too.
May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
* Note:
Willful ignorance - choosing to be ignorant about the plights of the needy amongst our own community.
May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what others claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
* Note:
Willful ignorance - choosing to be ignorant about the plights of the needy amongst our own community.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Blessed Easter
WHEN I SURVEY THE WONDROUS CROSS
I have always loved hymns. The lyrics never fail to touch me and the music soothing to a disturbed soul. Every year, I make it a "tradition" to sing "Bring me to Calvary". But this year, this hymn had become my favourite for this Easter season. I love it in this "American folk" tune rather than the original one (sang by Matt Redman).
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
I have always loved hymns. The lyrics never fail to touch me and the music soothing to a disturbed soul. Every year, I make it a "tradition" to sing "Bring me to Calvary". But this year, this hymn had become my favourite for this Easter season. I love it in this "American folk" tune rather than the original one (sang by Matt Redman).
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ my God!
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
That were a present far too small;
Love so amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
Monday, April 6, 2009
People in my life - strangers
Before I continue with my series on the people in my life, I would love to point out that the arangement of the articles - tex, friends, strangers and etc is no indication of their importance in my life. I just write them as my mood and inspiration prompted me. With that, let's move on with the article.
I have encountered the kindest strangers and some nasty strangers in my life but thankfully they are few and far in between. One of the strangers that made my day was the postman. I have always liked our postman. Rain or shine, he will be passing by my house at 12 noon on his letter bags laden motorbike. One can't miss him as he has this fluorescent orange uniform on. He is like the postman from my story books when I was a child. Friendly, always stopping to greet you, smiley and helpful. Since I live in an area where the residents are mostly retirees, the folks would get out of their house when they hear him coming. They will collect the letters from him by hand and catch up on the latest gossip and news abit. Last Thursday, as I was just getting back from Bible study at noon, he came. I waved and expected him to put the mail into the mail box. I was busy opening the door and getting Ashley in when I heard "Good day ma'am. Here's a special delivery for you." There he was, flashing his "colgate" smile and passing me my mails. It was nothing too extraordinary but his act of kindness touched me. To be pampered and treated this way made me feel kinda special.
The next stranger worth mentioning here is my obstetrician. I remembered in the early days of my 2nd pregnancy, I experienced some bleeding. Since we can't detect the baby's heartbeat because the pregnancy was still too early, the only way to check if it is going well is by doing a blood test. I had my blood taken on Wednesday and I was to call my doctor on Friday for the results. One can imagine me surprise when I got a call from my obstetrician on Wednesday evening to inform me of the results. He said: "I knew you would be worried. So here is the results, just so you can have peace of mind." I was so touched that he would even remember and call us personally. Just last week, I was again touched my his kindness. I called him after playgroup on Friday because one of the kid had slap cheek infection. It was supposed to carry some risk to pregnant mothers so I was concerned and gave him a call. By the way, he actually gave us his personal mobile phone number so we could have access to him anytime and anyday. He picked up my call and was so reassuring (he explained the scientific findings and what risks are involved etc. I like a doctor who explains things to me and not just brush my concerns off as though it was silly) that I was comforted.
Strangers come and strangers go. But some strangers touched your life even though you might not have the priviledge of having them as your friend. The lesson I learnt is that to be kind and considerate at all times. One might never know when one can be the "stranger that touched another stranger's life".
Lord, help me to be someone who touches the lives of others through the act kindness, not just to families and friends. Amen.
I have encountered the kindest strangers and some nasty strangers in my life but thankfully they are few and far in between. One of the strangers that made my day was the postman. I have always liked our postman. Rain or shine, he will be passing by my house at 12 noon on his letter bags laden motorbike. One can't miss him as he has this fluorescent orange uniform on. He is like the postman from my story books when I was a child. Friendly, always stopping to greet you, smiley and helpful. Since I live in an area where the residents are mostly retirees, the folks would get out of their house when they hear him coming. They will collect the letters from him by hand and catch up on the latest gossip and news abit. Last Thursday, as I was just getting back from Bible study at noon, he came. I waved and expected him to put the mail into the mail box. I was busy opening the door and getting Ashley in when I heard "Good day ma'am. Here's a special delivery for you." There he was, flashing his "colgate" smile and passing me my mails. It was nothing too extraordinary but his act of kindness touched me. To be pampered and treated this way made me feel kinda special.
The next stranger worth mentioning here is my obstetrician. I remembered in the early days of my 2nd pregnancy, I experienced some bleeding. Since we can't detect the baby's heartbeat because the pregnancy was still too early, the only way to check if it is going well is by doing a blood test. I had my blood taken on Wednesday and I was to call my doctor on Friday for the results. One can imagine me surprise when I got a call from my obstetrician on Wednesday evening to inform me of the results. He said: "I knew you would be worried. So here is the results, just so you can have peace of mind." I was so touched that he would even remember and call us personally. Just last week, I was again touched my his kindness. I called him after playgroup on Friday because one of the kid had slap cheek infection. It was supposed to carry some risk to pregnant mothers so I was concerned and gave him a call. By the way, he actually gave us his personal mobile phone number so we could have access to him anytime and anyday. He picked up my call and was so reassuring (he explained the scientific findings and what risks are involved etc. I like a doctor who explains things to me and not just brush my concerns off as though it was silly) that I was comforted.
Strangers come and strangers go. But some strangers touched your life even though you might not have the priviledge of having them as your friend. The lesson I learnt is that to be kind and considerate at all times. One might never know when one can be the "stranger that touched another stranger's life".
Lord, help me to be someone who touches the lives of others through the act kindness, not just to families and friends. Amen.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
People in my Life- Friends
Friendship is like a dew from heaven. It is refreshing for the soul and making everything seems "alive". As I ponder at my life thus far, my heart sings out in thanksgiving to God for the wonderful gift of friendship at each stages of my life.
University days hold the dearest memories in my heart. The first day upon arriving at University Putra Malaysia, God showed me a glimpse of what beautiful, lifelong friendship is all about. I have the loveliest roomates (Kim and CT) and thinking back, I can only smile and thank God. Kim, CT and I supported each other during those horrible orientation days. Kim was the only one with a boyfriend then and it was a "culture" to get invitations from the boys to bring us out for "dates" to pasar malam, college nights or just dinner every week. I remember CT always dragging me to join her Chinese society's activities just so we get to meet up with more boys. It might sound silly now but boy did we have fun! Soon the first year in hostel ended and we have to move out. We kinda parted ways but remained in contact till now.
During my second year, I had Yee Ling as my roomate. We were both in IKUPM exco committee and worked together alot. Ah Ling has got the bubbliest personality and is a human magnet with her infectious laughter. She helped me to break free from my shyness and taught me to open my heart to accept friends without walls. She used to chauffer me around since I do not have the luxury of a car. We spent many many happy days together- we attended our first Michael and Victor's concert, we went holiday to Sarawak, we had many late night suppers, we shared alot of spiritual highs and lows. We became the best of buddies. But our relationship turned sour towards the end of our final year in university. Pressures to complete our thesis, misunderstanding over minor things and us being involved in a BG relationships put a rift in our friendship. We tried to patch up and worked towards restoring our friendship but all the tears, hugs and apologies didn't work. We left university being just normal friends. God was good and at work! When I got married and started working in KL, Ah Ling made alot of attempts to come down from Ipoh and stayed over at my place just to catch up. We began to share things together and friendship was restored. Now she is the kaima to my baby girl and my bosom buddy. Ah Ling is one friend that I would love to keep for life, God willing.
(Joanna came into the picture during my first working year in Environ Malaysia. But hers is another long story. She is my bosom buddy and Ashley's godma too!)
When life seems to go on smoothly for me, we were transferred to a stanger's land called Australia. I was miserable to have to be plucked out of my comfort zone. But here, God once again showed me how He provided for my social and emotional needs. I had Mary and Jack for my first 6 months in Australia. Then Tamara came along and blessed me in so many ways. Towards the end of last year, God again blessed me with Rebecca and Sylvia. Rebecca and Sylvia have since become my closest friends in Australia. They are both so encouraging and practical in times of need. I was (and am still) feeling nauseous with my second pregnancy and I always neglected Ashley's nutrition and emotional needs. Sylvia knew how much I love Indian food and would always invite me over for lunch at her place (at least once a week). Everytime I leave her place after lunch, there would always be a stack of containers with food for me to take home. "Let Tex try it", she'll say. But each time, the food she packed for us would last us 3 full meals! Rebecca is great blessing for us, especially to Ashley. She is always opening up her house for playdates and blessing Ashley with Joanna's old toys and clothes.
So thinking back, God has been wonderfully planning out the people in my life. There are risks of getting hurt definitely, but without being open and vulnerable, a acquaintance-ship cant progress into what I would love to call kindred spirits.
Thank You Lord for the gift of friendship. Teach me Lord to be a good friend to others too. In Jesus name, Amen.
University days hold the dearest memories in my heart. The first day upon arriving at University Putra Malaysia, God showed me a glimpse of what beautiful, lifelong friendship is all about. I have the loveliest roomates (Kim and CT) and thinking back, I can only smile and thank God. Kim, CT and I supported each other during those horrible orientation days. Kim was the only one with a boyfriend then and it was a "culture" to get invitations from the boys to bring us out for "dates" to pasar malam, college nights or just dinner every week. I remember CT always dragging me to join her Chinese society's activities just so we get to meet up with more boys. It might sound silly now but boy did we have fun! Soon the first year in hostel ended and we have to move out. We kinda parted ways but remained in contact till now.
During my second year, I had Yee Ling as my roomate. We were both in IKUPM exco committee and worked together alot. Ah Ling has got the bubbliest personality and is a human magnet with her infectious laughter. She helped me to break free from my shyness and taught me to open my heart to accept friends without walls. She used to chauffer me around since I do not have the luxury of a car. We spent many many happy days together- we attended our first Michael and Victor's concert, we went holiday to Sarawak, we had many late night suppers, we shared alot of spiritual highs and lows. We became the best of buddies. But our relationship turned sour towards the end of our final year in university. Pressures to complete our thesis, misunderstanding over minor things and us being involved in a BG relationships put a rift in our friendship. We tried to patch up and worked towards restoring our friendship but all the tears, hugs and apologies didn't work. We left university being just normal friends. God was good and at work! When I got married and started working in KL, Ah Ling made alot of attempts to come down from Ipoh and stayed over at my place just to catch up. We began to share things together and friendship was restored. Now she is the kaima to my baby girl and my bosom buddy. Ah Ling is one friend that I would love to keep for life, God willing.
(Joanna came into the picture during my first working year in Environ Malaysia. But hers is another long story. She is my bosom buddy and Ashley's godma too!)
When life seems to go on smoothly for me, we were transferred to a stanger's land called Australia. I was miserable to have to be plucked out of my comfort zone. But here, God once again showed me how He provided for my social and emotional needs. I had Mary and Jack for my first 6 months in Australia. Then Tamara came along and blessed me in so many ways. Towards the end of last year, God again blessed me with Rebecca and Sylvia. Rebecca and Sylvia have since become my closest friends in Australia. They are both so encouraging and practical in times of need. I was (and am still) feeling nauseous with my second pregnancy and I always neglected Ashley's nutrition and emotional needs. Sylvia knew how much I love Indian food and would always invite me over for lunch at her place (at least once a week). Everytime I leave her place after lunch, there would always be a stack of containers with food for me to take home. "Let Tex try it", she'll say. But each time, the food she packed for us would last us 3 full meals! Rebecca is great blessing for us, especially to Ashley. She is always opening up her house for playdates and blessing Ashley with Joanna's old toys and clothes.
So thinking back, God has been wonderfully planning out the people in my life. There are risks of getting hurt definitely, but without being open and vulnerable, a acquaintance-ship cant progress into what I would love to call kindred spirits.
Thank You Lord for the gift of friendship. Teach me Lord to be a good friend to others too. In Jesus name, Amen.
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