January « 2011 « JEWELLE TAN

Impersonating Animals

Like most parents, one of the first thing we taught the kids was about animals – the names and the animal sounds.

We have several books on animals but all my kids have now passed the phase where they enjoy looking at animal pictures – and have yet to reach the stage where Animal Planet channel is interesting.

But while they have outgrown animal pictures and no longer look for their basket of toy animals, they do have one animal-related game which all of them seem to enjoy.

And although I know how they got this idea, I still don’t understand why this is such a fun game for them. It’s not even a game actually – just role-playing a CAT!

It’s normal in my household to suddenly hear meowing while on all four and to hear another saying “Hello kitty cat”.

I guess we should be thankful that they enjoy impersonating only cats (so far) – instead of say, horses, as neighing would grate on my nerves and galloping without equestrian helmets would invite head bumps in our small living room.

At least I know they will never role-play a fish because as much as they enjoy looking at fish in aquariums, they love eating fish more.

20Jan

Face Issue

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Despite having a spotty teenage years, I am lucky to have a relatively acne-free complexion since my 20s.

These days, I do get the occasional spots but they are not noticeable – at least to me. But late last year, I had a huge one on my left cheek. Not having the time to scrutinize my face, I mostly forgot about it except when I am looking at the mirror and only then would I dab on what was definitely not the best acne treatment as nothing happened.

After a few weeks of looking prominent on my face – so obvious that even my husband felt moved to comment – it decided to subside and retreat.

All without a single popping and picking help from me.

The only issue now is getting rid of the dark scar left behind. It looks like a mole but my face does not need another mole – but I guess a mole is better than a big red spot.

I should just count my blessings that it’s gone and no longer distracting people who speaks to me (itching to pick and pop it, I am sure).

19Jan

3 Weeks Into The New Year

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It’s only 3 weeks into the new year but it felt like it’s already mid-year.

Our daily routines on school days are already so tight that it’s a wonder that my littlest one is still full of energy at 8 pm (of course she got to napped at 4 pm). This is despite a day that starts from nearly 8 am and that involves travelling to and fro her big sisters’ school – just for this month alone – 6 times in a day, most times stuck in snail pace as I try to find parking spot.

But of course, her issue was only boredom and restlessness.

Whereas I had to be on the move, every tasks geared towards preparing the kids for school and extra-curricular activities from the moment I wake up until around 10 pm when the kids are in bed – and other incomplete chores will just have to wait until tomorrow as I rest my weary self and mind.

I am already missing the “rest” I had when I was warded at the hospital last week.

Of the whole 5 days that I was there, the only stressful thing was the anxiety of being on the emergency exam table being grilled by the doctor. Having the rather painful IV antibiotic shots was not fun but like the daily blood tests and sugar tests (which also involves needle), you get used to them. Even being up from 4 am until nearly midnight was not an issue as the only strenuous thing I did was explored the grounds of Ripas Hospital whenever I could escape from the ward.

There, I was tired of not being able to rest properly and of being unproductive but it was actually relaxing compared to now.

March school holiday could not come soon enough.

02Jan

11 am on holidays

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One of my favorite time of the day is after 11 am.

Most morning chores are done and the kids’ TV time is over and everybody will go upstairs. The two older kids will be in their rooms for their own fun and games with the door closed – so we are left in peace, most times. The baby and I will be up in my room where she will relax on the bed with a bottle of milk while I refresh myself with a shower and a sprint of my favorite scent.

And in this dim room with all curtains drawn and the only breeze we get is from the fan, I will sit and rest.

My room may not have those pretty bedside lampshades or decorative pillows much but my room is tidy with smooth bedsheets and welcoming sofa – and that’s all the sight I need to relax after a morning that is usually noisy, sometimes chaotic and at times bits of tempers flaring.

The baby will soon finish her milk and the other door will soon burst open with a sweet or pleading or annoyed “Mama!” so I am happy to have at least a short moment of time to myself in the middle of a day that is always busy.

This has been our blissful routine for the last one month during the school holidays – and which will change tomorrow when the new school terms starts.

And 11 am will become a part of a hectic day – until the next school holidays.

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