It's school holidays again! That means we get to hang out and do stuff with Joanna (Ashley's adopted sister ;-)). Today, Bec and I took the kids for a bus ride and movie outing- Ice Age 3. Ashley was a little scared when we took her to the IMAX 2 months back. Perhaps it was the music when the predator captured the prey, perhaps it was the 3D effect. Ashley needed quite abit of soothing words from daddy and mummy to sit through the entire 40 minutes screening.
I prepared myself and Ashley for this trip. I repeatedly told her that we are going to the movies to watch dinosaurs. Tex put in Ice Age 1 & Ice Age 2 to get her interested in the upcoming Ice Age 3. Ashley seems to get the idea. She was all excited when she woke up this morning. Everything went smoothly from the start. The bus was right on time, the driver was friendly and very thoughtful of the kids, the kids well behaved, even the cinema was not too dimmed or loud for the kids. I was so proud of Ashley. She was obedient and sat quietly throughout the entire movie. She finished her popcorn and was calm even when the music was a bit "scary", especially when Rudy the dinosaur came chasing after Bug and his friends. She even ate her McD lunch by herself and finished all her food.
Overall it was a very good outing for us all. If she is this consistent (I know I am dreaming to expect a toddler to be consistent all the time), there will surely be more movie treats for her in the future.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Women and relationship.....
Lately, I have a girlfriend who entered into a wrong* relationship and ended up getting hurt badly. (*Spiritually incorrect) This is the 3rd girlfriend that I have "counseled", if I may use the word, just in this year alone. All my 3 girlfriends are gorgeous, confident, successful women in their late 20s. When they first met their respective ex-boyfriends, I have warned them of the outcome. Most of them have other friends and family members telling them the same things I did. Although I was flattered that they would ask for my opinion, I was terribly upset that their refused to listen. Their hearts were set to falling in love, with or without your "approval".
I remember how I struggled to be "happy" for them when they share their romantic stories with me. I know it wasn't right, yet I want to be part of their life since they are very close friends of mine. When I expressed my concerns, they always justified their actions and out of disappointment, I told them that when the day of "doom" arrive, I will throw the same words and warnings back to them because they took it upon themselves. Guess what, when those days arrived, I couldn't do what I wanted to do. Seeing their broken souls, all I can do is to cry with them and offer comforting words.
I was just thinking why my 3 friends are so desperate for love that they choose with their heart and not their mind. True, love is all about hearts and emotions. But certain things are obvious, aren't they? It gets me thinking about the taboo around women not getting married by 30, the things said about them. No wonder they are so pressured to hook up with any tom, dick and harry that comes along.
I sincerely feel for my friends and those women who are not married by the age 30. I pray that they will turn to God instead for security and importance. May we be more understanding and look at them as perfectly capable, confident, gorgeous women, and not as some weirdos.
I remember how I struggled to be "happy" for them when they share their romantic stories with me. I know it wasn't right, yet I want to be part of their life since they are very close friends of mine. When I expressed my concerns, they always justified their actions and out of disappointment, I told them that when the day of "doom" arrive, I will throw the same words and warnings back to them because they took it upon themselves. Guess what, when those days arrived, I couldn't do what I wanted to do. Seeing their broken souls, all I can do is to cry with them and offer comforting words.
I was just thinking why my 3 friends are so desperate for love that they choose with their heart and not their mind. True, love is all about hearts and emotions. But certain things are obvious, aren't they? It gets me thinking about the taboo around women not getting married by 30, the things said about them. No wonder they are so pressured to hook up with any tom, dick and harry that comes along.
I sincerely feel for my friends and those women who are not married by the age 30. I pray that they will turn to God instead for security and importance. May we be more understanding and look at them as perfectly capable, confident, gorgeous women, and not as some weirdos.
Ashley's got my temper!
I admit that I've got a bad temper. I don't have those big outburst type of temper. Mine is the excruciatingly silent treatment type of temper, if you know what I mean. Hehe.....Ask Tex is you want to find out how bad it is.
Anyway, lately Ashley has been showing signs that she is heading in the same direction. She is undergoing her terrible 2 stage, which I totally disagree prior to this. My gal was the perfect toddler. Kind, helpful, adorable and obedient. But as all new mums, I was ignorant and totally unaware that this is actually a "normal" stage in a toddler's life. It has got nothing to do with parenting skills, the personality of the child, the environment etc. All these external factors are only there to make the stage harder or easier to cope with. Back to Ashley and her silent treatment episodes. Lately, she gets upset easily, especially with her dad because he is overly patient with her. When she doesn't get things her way, she will push her dad away. For example, she will refuse to let him put her to bed, refuse to let him kiss her, being mean to him and not wanting to play with him. She may only be 2 year old, but she sure knows how to "hurt" the feelings of the people who love her. I was terribly distress that she would do such things to her dad, especially. Did she pick that up during one of my silent treatment episodes with Tex? If she did, I am totally guilty as a bad role model.
I had a talk with hubby the other night. I told him that he needs to stand up for his "right" as a dad. It is about time the little lady learns that she shouldn't step all over her dad's head and go around acting like a little tyrant. Instead of always being cautious not to ignite her temper flare, trying to please her and walking on thin ice, we should be the ones who are in control. Who cares if people think we are the worst parents or giving us funny glares, the issue is to get the gal's perspective right. Well, I think it might work. Today Ashley was the perfect child. She listens to what I said and she lets me sit through my Bible Study lesson with no distraction. She surprises me further by trying to sooth a crying baby Nasia.
We have so much to learn as a parent. Ashley has so much to learn too as a toddler. When times are trying, stop and reflect and discuss with your partner. Two heads are better than one. If it doesn't help solve the problem, at least it helps to know someone else is "worrying" about it with you. Hehehe.
Anyway, lately Ashley has been showing signs that she is heading in the same direction. She is undergoing her terrible 2 stage, which I totally disagree prior to this. My gal was the perfect toddler. Kind, helpful, adorable and obedient. But as all new mums, I was ignorant and totally unaware that this is actually a "normal" stage in a toddler's life. It has got nothing to do with parenting skills, the personality of the child, the environment etc. All these external factors are only there to make the stage harder or easier to cope with. Back to Ashley and her silent treatment episodes. Lately, she gets upset easily, especially with her dad because he is overly patient with her. When she doesn't get things her way, she will push her dad away. For example, she will refuse to let him put her to bed, refuse to let him kiss her, being mean to him and not wanting to play with him. She may only be 2 year old, but she sure knows how to "hurt" the feelings of the people who love her. I was terribly distress that she would do such things to her dad, especially. Did she pick that up during one of my silent treatment episodes with Tex? If she did, I am totally guilty as a bad role model.
I had a talk with hubby the other night. I told him that he needs to stand up for his "right" as a dad. It is about time the little lady learns that she shouldn't step all over her dad's head and go around acting like a little tyrant. Instead of always being cautious not to ignite her temper flare, trying to please her and walking on thin ice, we should be the ones who are in control. Who cares if people think we are the worst parents or giving us funny glares, the issue is to get the gal's perspective right. Well, I think it might work. Today Ashley was the perfect child. She listens to what I said and she lets me sit through my Bible Study lesson with no distraction. She surprises me further by trying to sooth a crying baby Nasia.
We have so much to learn as a parent. Ashley has so much to learn too as a toddler. When times are trying, stop and reflect and discuss with your partner. Two heads are better than one. If it doesn't help solve the problem, at least it helps to know someone else is "worrying" about it with you. Hehehe.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Should we or should we not take the risk?
Lately, I've discovered that an ugly side of Sydney-siders. It is regarding the issue of parking. Back in Malaysia, on and off we will read in the newspaper incidences or fights as a result of "fighting" over a parking spot. I have always thought that it was plain silly to get into a fight over a parking lot. So when I get caught in such situations, I normally won't insist on "claiming" the parking spot I eyed on. I haven't have bad encounters in Malaysia though.
When I got over to Australia, I found that Australians are generally more tolerant, especially if they see that you have a young child in the car. Their common sense while on the road was great and it was "safe" to drive around without getting nasty stares or finger pointing in your direction. However, lately I've discovered that the trend have changed. People are getting ruthless and inconsiderate, especially the younger generation. Parking spaces reserved for those with prams and toddlers were ignored, people eyeing the same parking spot refused to budge and small offenses (i.e. forgetting to turn on the indicators) gives you angry stares and muffled murmurs from the drivers.
This morning I took Ashley to the mall for my weekly grocery shopping. I saw a parking spot and had my indicator on, ready to park my car. Then in the opposite direction was a guy, just putting on his indicator and using sign language, told me that he wants to park there. I was furious. In my mind, I was contemplating on "fighting" for my parking spot. But the man looked burly and I have Ashley in the car with me. I couldn't risk our safety, all for the sake of "insisting" on getting MY parking spot. Praise God there was a better parking spot for me further down the road, closer to the mall's entrance. Of course such coincidence don't happen frequently. That got me very upset. Why are people getting so unkind and inconsiderate? When will the rights of the "weaker" side be vindicated? I do hope that someone else will be able to "teach" those group of people a lesson. However, I realize that the issue here is not in teaching them a lesson (as a form of revenge), but rather the overall matter of the heart of a large group of people living in our generation. People have become hard hearted, self-centered, unloving and evil, if I can use that word.
It saddens my heart greatly. What kind of world are we going to raise our children in? What kind of values should we impart into our children? Of course I never doubt in teaching and nurturing my kids in the ways of the Lord, full of compassion and kindness but is that good enough to help them get through life in world unscathed? Indeed we are living in a fallen world. I know this for sure, no matter how I try to prepare my kids for the world, they are sure to get hurt and have bad encounters. I remember talking to new parents, how they desire to equip their kids to excel in the world, achieve an easier and better life. However, my aim is no longer to help them to succeed in the world with a worldly definition, but to do their bits to make this world a better place for some and to look forward to their final destination, which will also be our final destination in Christ. Amen.
When I got over to Australia, I found that Australians are generally more tolerant, especially if they see that you have a young child in the car. Their common sense while on the road was great and it was "safe" to drive around without getting nasty stares or finger pointing in your direction. However, lately I've discovered that the trend have changed. People are getting ruthless and inconsiderate, especially the younger generation. Parking spaces reserved for those with prams and toddlers were ignored, people eyeing the same parking spot refused to budge and small offenses (i.e. forgetting to turn on the indicators) gives you angry stares and muffled murmurs from the drivers.
This morning I took Ashley to the mall for my weekly grocery shopping. I saw a parking spot and had my indicator on, ready to park my car. Then in the opposite direction was a guy, just putting on his indicator and using sign language, told me that he wants to park there. I was furious. In my mind, I was contemplating on "fighting" for my parking spot. But the man looked burly and I have Ashley in the car with me. I couldn't risk our safety, all for the sake of "insisting" on getting MY parking spot. Praise God there was a better parking spot for me further down the road, closer to the mall's entrance. Of course such coincidence don't happen frequently. That got me very upset. Why are people getting so unkind and inconsiderate? When will the rights of the "weaker" side be vindicated? I do hope that someone else will be able to "teach" those group of people a lesson. However, I realize that the issue here is not in teaching them a lesson (as a form of revenge), but rather the overall matter of the heart of a large group of people living in our generation. People have become hard hearted, self-centered, unloving and evil, if I can use that word.
It saddens my heart greatly. What kind of world are we going to raise our children in? What kind of values should we impart into our children? Of course I never doubt in teaching and nurturing my kids in the ways of the Lord, full of compassion and kindness but is that good enough to help them get through life in world unscathed? Indeed we are living in a fallen world. I know this for sure, no matter how I try to prepare my kids for the world, they are sure to get hurt and have bad encounters. I remember talking to new parents, how they desire to equip their kids to excel in the world, achieve an easier and better life. However, my aim is no longer to help them to succeed in the world with a worldly definition, but to do their bits to make this world a better place for some and to look forward to their final destination, which will also be our final destination in Christ. Amen.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Relationship, it's hard work isn't it?
Today I visited my friend who is going through a rough patch in her marriage. I was nervous as I made the arrangement to meet up with her. Should I make it a relaxing visit with no mention of the marital problem or should I help her open up her heart and release the tension building inside? I was worried if I will make things worst by saying the wrong things at wrong time. In the end, I didn't do any of those things I planned. Instead we just sat and talk about the kids. I wouldn't say alot had been of being accomplished in this visit, but at least she had a couple hours of "something-out-of-the-routine" moments.
I reflected on the little things that we've touched on about marriage life. Indeed, having a strong marriage is not easy, especially for our generation and specifically here in Australia. Alot of people still grew up in a typical Asian culture where the husband holds the veto power in family affairs. Yet, at the same time, women have become empowered, through education and the influence of western culture which promotes individual rights and independence. When east and west meets, conflict of opinion is bound to happen and if things aren't dealt with wisely, marriage breakdown is sure to follow suit. I sympathize with my friend deeply for she was trapped in such a situation. I thought of no words to say without offending either culture.
I think all individuals in a marriage needs to have his or her own support group. Just by having someone they can share their innermost thoughts can ease alot of tension and pain. Misunderstanding can cloud one's mind and most times, the deceiver will use such times to break up relationships. Preferably, this friend shouldn't be confidant of the other marriage partner. The other important key to a good marriage is to actually "leave" the parents and cling on to the husband or wife. The Bible is so wise to include that verse in it's content. It is by no means not being filial but it is more of a shift of priority. There are of course other keys to having a great marriage but the ultimate KEY would be to have God as the Center of the marriage. When God is placed at His rightful place, everything else will come together.
Things might not look promising for my friend right now. But I am encouraged they have taken the "Christian" approach to resolve their issues, by going to the pastor for counseling. Perhaps, with a godly guidance and right perspective, their marriage will be one that lasts for a lifetime. Amen.
I reflected on the little things that we've touched on about marriage life. Indeed, having a strong marriage is not easy, especially for our generation and specifically here in Australia. Alot of people still grew up in a typical Asian culture where the husband holds the veto power in family affairs. Yet, at the same time, women have become empowered, through education and the influence of western culture which promotes individual rights and independence. When east and west meets, conflict of opinion is bound to happen and if things aren't dealt with wisely, marriage breakdown is sure to follow suit. I sympathize with my friend deeply for she was trapped in such a situation. I thought of no words to say without offending either culture.
I think all individuals in a marriage needs to have his or her own support group. Just by having someone they can share their innermost thoughts can ease alot of tension and pain. Misunderstanding can cloud one's mind and most times, the deceiver will use such times to break up relationships. Preferably, this friend shouldn't be confidant of the other marriage partner. The other important key to a good marriage is to actually "leave" the parents and cling on to the husband or wife. The Bible is so wise to include that verse in it's content. It is by no means not being filial but it is more of a shift of priority. There are of course other keys to having a great marriage but the ultimate KEY would be to have God as the Center of the marriage. When God is placed at His rightful place, everything else will come together.
Things might not look promising for my friend right now. But I am encouraged they have taken the "Christian" approach to resolve their issues, by going to the pastor for counseling. Perhaps, with a godly guidance and right perspective, their marriage will be one that lasts for a lifetime. Amen.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Lollipop Playland
Today Bec & I took the kids to Lollipop Playland for a change of routine. Since the weather is getting colder, an indoor play area is going to be better than an outdoor playground. What better time to try it out than now!
The entry to the playland was AUD10.90 for kids between 2-9 and AUD4 for parents, for the entire day. The ticket includes a free coffee or tea for the accompanying parent. So it was quite reasonable. Initially I was worried if Ashley might get upset with the strange place and new kids in there but boy was I glad she ran "wild" the moment she stepped into the play area. It was quite a spacious playland with separate sections for toddlers and bigger kids. They have got jumping castles, spinning teacup ride, tiny tikes (toy cars), play shop, play kitchen, playground, obstacle challenge, video games etc. The entire floor is padded with foam padding and the playground frames were wrapped in foams so in case the kids fall, there won't be serious injuries. Not bad eh? There were also activity rooms for different programs that run throughout the day, e.g. craft, dancing, party, workshops etc. Not forgetting, a cafe and a magazine rack with the latest gossip or parenting magazines for the parents. I had such a great time relaxing over a cup of cappuccino and flipping my magazine, knowing that Ashley is happy and safe somewhere in the playland. The food served at the cafe wasn't costly and the variety of food on offer was not bad either.
After 2 hours of play, Ashley and Harry started showing signs of tiredness and crankiness. The mums had their break and so it was time to head back home. It was a good day. We'll definitely make it a monthly treat for the mums and (ahem) also the kids. Hehehehe......
Nigella Lawson in the making?
I love to cook. That was one of my passion since young. I love to prepare a good meal and see the looks of satisfaction on my "food guinea pigs". Lately I have been experimenting with a lot of Aussie food because they are pretty easy to prepare. All you need is a good casserole dish and oven. It is hearty during winter months too.
Today I tried my hands on lamb shank. I was never a fan of cooking lamb because I never know how to cook them nicely. I love a good lamb grill or lamb curry but my past attempts failed miserably and a good piece of lamb will end up in the waste bin. But having tried cooking apricot chicken, sausage bake, chicken casserole and getting raving reviews from my Asian friends, I got inspired enough to give lamb a go. Well, my hubby had it for dinner today and his comment was "this lamb shank tastes better than some of those I've eaten in hotels!" Hubby always orders lamb shank or steak whenever he is away for work trips because he knows that I hardly cook those type of food at home. I was so pleased with myself. Even my picky little baby eats the lamb shank! She is the true food critique because she only enjoys food that tastes good and smells nice without "bribery" or drama.
There are still a lot more Aussie recipes for me to try out in the future. I am thankful Bec is always there to encourage me to try out new recipes too. Perhaps when I am confident enough with my Aussie cooking, I will extend dinner invitations to my Aussie friends. Do I see the possibility of working in my little cafe one day? Who knows... ;-)
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