My daughter's dream to become a Vet

What do you want to be in the future, Megan? I asked my daughter during one of our girls only outing. She was having her favorite ice-creams and am sitting down watching her enjoying the ice-cream. Not that I encouraged my children to take ice-cream often, but I see no harm for them to take it once in a while. So, carefully licking her spoon, she said, 'mom, I want to be a Vet'. Okay.. that's a decent job. But, why do you want to be a vet? I asked her again. Because, I love animals very much, said my 10 yrs old daughter.

Now I know why at one point of time, our house and its compound almost become a 2nd zoo in Kota Kinabalu. We have Humphrey the doggy, the talking bird, two turtles called Fiona and Floppy, and the lazy Rozita rabbit. Infact we have 3 dogs, but the daddy just couldn't take it anymore. I guess, he is not the type of person that likes animal except for his talking bird. No choice...Off the two dogs to Tambunan to be with our gardener to look after our orchard. And all these animals are loved by my two children except that they don't like to clean them except to bath Humphrey. They like to play with them, but come cleaning time, nobody moved, definitely not me! So, guess who end up doing the job? It's the daddylah!!

Back to Megan enjoying her ice-cream, besides becoming a Vet, I also like to become a singer, said Megan. What! A singer? Where did you get that idea? I asked her again? Well, mom, I like singing very much. And if I cannot become a Vet, then I might as well become a singer. Oh dear.. What am I gonna do? My daughter wants to become a singer. Ever since bringing them to the world and care for them, I never thought about my daughter ending up becoming a singer. Not that I am against singers, but knowing the career opportunities for singer in Sabah, I don't think it is a wise decision.

But again, Megan is only 10 years old. She has a long way to go. I don't think it is fair to pre-judge her. So, I told her, okay Megan, you like singing very much then by all means sing. So, on and off again, we will hear her singing her favorite song with a funny sound (don't know where she learn those funny song but I think its from the MTV) at home. Sounds awkward, but Megan is enjoying it.

So, back to the ambition of becoming a Vet. Humphrey is still around and so is the talking bird. By the way, the talking bird is actually part of my theraphy especially when I am over stress. I would just go to my kitchen and look outside my yard and just listen to the talking bird mimicking my voice calling the children, and other sounds like the alarm house, the lorry hones, and so forth. My sister even told me one day that when I was outstation, they thought that I have arrived because they can hear my voice shouting. Guess who done it? That talking bird again mimicking my voice. As for Floppy and Fiona, the daddy just could not stand them growing bigger and bigger in a small aquarium, so, one fine day, they were transferred to a bigger space in the Club. I feel sad but I guess its good for them so that they can move around more freely. I still miss Floppy and Fiona's sound though but after a while, I feel glad for them. What happen to Rozita the rabbit? Rozita is a very lazy rabbit. She just like to eat and eat but seldom exercise. She grows bigger and bigger and suddenly one day, she just fall sick and died. We all feel sad for her but what to do.. life goes on.

So now, we only have Humphrey and the talking bird. I guess that would be sufficient enough for Megan to realise her dream to become a Vet. My thought about her becoming a vet is that I would support her all the way, and even if she end up becoming a singer, I would still be there to support her. My only hope is that she would do it wholeheartedly with full enthusiasm.

My children are asking for work?

Last week, my son Alistair approach me and asked me whether he could work for me? Wow.. that's something new. I have never heard of children asking for work from their parents. Isn't that good. But hey.. wait a minute. The work he is asking actually is not free of charge!! Alistair is charging me for the work he would be doing? Wah.. since when he learned how to earn for a living? I am so curious to why he is suddenly looking for extra money besides his usual pocket money? Later on, I found out from his daddy that Alistair is actully eyeing for the 'LG' handphone that his own pocket money would not be sufficient to pay for it. Now I got it. Otherwise, it wouldn't be his usual style asking for work.

Okay.. I told Alistair, let's sit down and discuss about it. I told him to outline for me what kind of housework he can do at home and name the price? That would be easier mummy, said Alistair. Then all the way from watching the TV, came the sister Megan. What about me? I too need to earn some money you know.!! Okay, I told both them. The two of you discuss and come back to me with your proposal and let me approve the work and to be endorsed by the kakak (our housemaid Julie whom we regard as part of our family already).

The next day, came a long list of housework which really tickles me. Among the lists are:
a) Tidy and Clean the Bedroom - RM10.00 per person
b) Clean the small store - RM5.00 per person
c) Clean the big store - RM20.00 per person
d) Clean the livingroom cabinet - RM5.00 per person
e) Clean my rotan chair - RM5.00 per person
f) Clean my gazebo chair and table setting - RM5.00 person
g) Clean the study room - RM5.00
h) Bath Humphrey - RM5.00 per person

What? Bath Humphrey? Their most loved doggy. Wow.. Humphrey gonna be very angry coz he has to take bath every day. I don't think he's gonna like it. And it will be like wasting the dog shampoo too plus wastage of water. No..no..I told my two new recruit house workers that Humphrey is not going to take bath everyday. It is not cost effective to me. Ok Deal mummy, they said to me and to make our agreement valid, we sign a contract on a piece of paper. So.. there they go with their work. As for Humphrey, he will only be taking bath every monday. What a relieve for Humphrey!!

So, this monday, my two new houseworkers started their work as per their schedule to be monitored by the kakak. When I check on them in the afternoon, guest what? They are resting. So, I ask them, what happen to the work? And this is what they told me. You know mummy, it is not that easy to work. We feel so tired doing work half day and I think we need to rest so that we can watch our favourite tv program and play the video game. If we are not tired tomorrow, we will continue to do our work.

Horray.. at last my children agree with me that it is definitely not easy to work every day. It is tiring but there are times when we have to work.

Today is thursday, and according to my son just now, I already owe each of them about RM60.00. Okay.. fine enough. Am going home this evening and get endorsement from the kakak and pay them accordingly.

My thoughts about my children earning money by doing house work is very touching. Perhaps, I have been nagging to them too much about how important it is to save money and in order for them to get what they want, they have to earn for it. I really hope that upon getting sufficient pocket money, so that they can buy what they want to have in the first place (LG HP for Alistair I think) they will remember the lesson learned.

Oh ya.. I also make them promised to me that upon completion of this contract, they will continue to do the housework without being nag. But deep inside my heart, I feel so grateful that my children start to learn the value of money. Maybe they are slow learner but the fact that they are learning is more important to me.

Anybody like Line Dancing?

I do. Yep.. I do like line dancing very much. The funny thing is that I just got to learn this dancing about 4 months ago and I am hook on it already. Actually, it was my mum who introduced this dancing to me. Honestly speaking, I don't dance at all. I don't like to do things infront of people. But somehow, when I tried the first time, I realise that I can actually dance and the good thing about it is that line dancing does not requires partner and that I can dance on my own. Not that I don't want my other half to dance with me, but it just that dancing to him is out of the picture. Okay.. I am fine with that.

Now.. am learning many types of line dancing like cha-cha, waltz, twists and many more. And I am dancing with my group of friends who have the same interest. The best part of this dancing is that it is also one form of exercise. I enjoy the movement, the music and also exercise at the same time. Knowing this type of dancing helps me a lot in terms de-stressing myself. After every dance, I feel very rejuvenated and fresh.

My thoughts about this new found hobby is that it gives a platform to identify my other talent besides futsal. Isn'tit marvelous? I enjoy every moment of the dance and make me feel so good. My hope is that I would be able to bring more friends to join me and share the happy moment ..

Next.. we are performing for my friend daughter's wedding this coming saturday. And we practising hard for it. .. Hopefully, everything turns out well..

How color pencils could unite children

This morning, I accompanied my daughter Megan to see her pedaetrician at Hospital Likas. The last time we came was about 3 months ago. The waiting area was so crowded with parents and children running around here and there. This time, there seems to be more children, perhaps due to the school holiday and they've got nowhere to go but to follow their parents. Just like them, I look for an available seat and sat there waiting for Megan's turn. As usual, Megan could not sit still, so off she goes and joint the big group of children doing some coloring.

I just sat there and observe the children including Megan sharing the colour pencils which seems to be so limited. They do not feel shy asking for the others to share the color pencils eventhough they just met there a few minutes ago. I can even hear them laughing while waiting for their turn to use the color pencils. I don't see them arguing but instead wait patiently for the rest to complete their coloring. I find it fascinating that they can do so without squabbling.

During those few minutes observing these children, it came to my mind that how peaceful would our country be if only we know the importance of tolerating each other? We know that we all come from different races, religion and background but one thing for sure we are all MALAYSIANs. So, why the fuss of questioning others?
Why should we look for differences among us when we should be looking for similarities?

Again, when I peep on what Megan is doing, I saw the Malay girl next to her talking to her about her drawings. And I can see Megan laughing while showing the drawing to the girl. I know Megan doesn't know the girl but they can talk. No wonder, we always hear that our childhood time is the most interesting and enjoyable life. Perhaps, this is true because to our children their differences in terms of race, religion, background and so forth is not the factor to them from getting to know each other.

I am glad that Megan is able to mingle around with the other children. My only hope is that my children will continue to make friends regardless of race and religion. I believe this is the only way for them to learn how to tolerate since young.

If we want Peace and Harmony among us, it has to start from us.

My responsibility as parent

What I read about the statistics of obese children, high expectation of academic performance and their safety in the NST today really disturb me. In fact, it even questioned my status as a mother to my two growing up teenagers. Questions like have I done enough for them? Have I exercised my responsibility as parent to ensure that they have the best healthcare, sufficient education and security for them? I wonder what else have I missed. Sometimes, when I read in the newspaper about what happen to those missing children and still not found, about the abuse children, about those children neglected, about those children who can't even afford to pay for their school fees, and so forth really worries me.

And when I am too worried, I started to nag my children about the importance of education, the importance of safety, the importance of blah..blah.blah. This will go on to the extend that even before I started my nagging as usual, my children will start telling me.. yes mom.. we know already. You have said many times. And it make me feel bad. I feel like I am not giving them enough space to breath and enjoy their life. So, I wonder, am I going paranoid being over protective of my children?
At which point I should draw the line? Or am I just making my life easier? Honestly, I dont' have the right answer.

My thoughts about my responsibility as a parent is that the responsibility will never end. So long as they are under my wing, it is my responsibility to provide them the best in whatever possible means. At this point of time, I let me children understand the true meaning of growing up. As for academic expectation, I do not impose much. What matter most is that they understand the importance of getting good education for their future sake.

It is my only hope that my children will grow up to become responsible people with good manners, respect for the elders, back up with strong faith so that wherever they go, they will remember their root. I want them to enjoy every moment of their growing up and be there for them when they need me. I do not expect them to fully understand of what is happening in the world. Because I know, as time goes by, they will learn to understand. The most important thing is that my love for my children is without condition. In return, nothing is greater than to be able to kiss and hug them and for them to say .."We Love you Mom' is such an expensive gift that cannot be traded off with anthing.

Futsal.. My most loved sport game

Why only now you are interested in this vigorousand agressive sports called futsal? That's what my other half queried me when I mentioned that I am participating in the upcoming Inter-Dept Futsal Tournament. What are you trying to proof and isn't it too late for you according to him. Guess, he must be too worried about me getting injured. Well.. what can I say. I have fallen in love with futsal!

I myself could not believe it the first time I tried futsal way back 2 years ago. Not that I am very good at it, but the fact that the game is more for the younger generation really suprises me and the family. My mom and sister even told me that I maybe out of my mind. My doctor even tried to discourage me from moving ahead with futsal. But alas... everybody gives up. My son Alistair have to accept the fact that his mom can play futsal. Well.. nothing is impossible, right?

Yep.. I am playing futsal and I am enjoying every minute of it. I am lucky though as my ladies team (by the way our team is called 'HONEY') comprises of all my close friends. So, we all have common interest in futsal. Honestly, why I tried futsal 2 years back because I was so curious about it. It was a new game in town and it is played under a shade, where I don't need to worry about getting dirtied by the mud. So, I gather all my closed friends and form our 'Honey Team'.

The first time I tried to kick the ball was the worst kick I guest. I thought I did make a strong kicking but to my suprise, the ball didn't even move an inch. That was a good laugh!! But still it didn't stop me from trying, trying and keep on trying till the ball move forward.

Futsal is just not a sport but along the way it actually taught me a few things. One of them is definitely 'Skill'. I never played football before in my life. So, it took me about 6 months to learn how to kick a ball the right way. Skill itself is not sufficient. I must have sufficient stamina and for that it force me to exercise more. Yep.. it requires me to run a lot and indirectly it help me to lose some weight which is actually good coz at my age now it is very very difficult to maintain the ideal weight. Now, I have the skill and I have the stamina, still it is not complete. Along the way, I have learned that I also have to play some strategy especially when we are playing against another team. Infact, I don't really need to exert my energy, I just have to learn the other team way of playing and to revise our strategy to match theirs. Isn't it interesting? Not that we always win in any of the friendly match but what most important is the lesson learned.

So, what happen to the recent tournament? Well, the first tournament was damn good. My team won the 2nd placing (actually we already won by 2:1, but somehow the referee refuse to acknowledge the 2nd goal because his eyes is too blur I guess..). So, we lose by penalty kick. Anyway, I don't think it is happy winning to the other team either. As for the 2nd tournament last week, again, we only won 3rd placing. But then, to me, winning or losing is part and parcel of the game. What matter most is I enjoyed everytime I played futsal.

So, what's next? We are going to appeal with those teams that beat us. We want to play full time with them, and this time, its gonna be held in our court. No out, No referee but just us and them. This time, am sure, we gonna beat them!

My true thoughts about futsal is that it has given me an opportunity to know that nothing is too late, nothing is impossible and that what matter most is I can do it (this is what I want to proof to my other half & the son). My only hope is that I would still be able to play for many more years and that I don't need to see my orthopedic too soon, hopefully.

My thoughts about language to be used for core subjects in the school.

There seems to be a lot of hoo hah about what language should the Education Department enforced in the school especially for core subjects like mathematics and science. What puzzles me is that why the fuss? My daughter Megan is now in primary four and moving to primary five next year. She started of with english language in science and maths since primary one. As at now, I don't see any problems of her understanding both subject. Infact, I really support and agree that this two core subjects should be continued to be taught in english language simply because I want both of children (Alistair age 13t and Megan age 10+) able to master english language proficiently. Having just one english subject will not help at all especially when it is not our mother tongue. Let's be realistic.

When we look for a job, english proficiency is a must, what more if we want to join the private or foreign companies. I have met a lot of graduating students from local universities and colleges (doing practical in my organization) and I really pity them because their english command are very weak. I wonder why? Could not really blame them though. But, I am sure they will encounter difficulties looking for a job if the job recruiters expect them to be good in english language. There maybe critics that state it is not a major problems, but just imagine if it happen to our children.
So, as a parent, I would expect my children will be facing similar problems if they do not start mastering the english language from now on. I believe such problems can be prevented and I have to start now. That's why, I really support that the two core subject namely the science and mathematics should be taught in english. Of course, the school is not responsible for ensuring my children to be really good in english language but then, to a certain extent it does have impact on them. In fact, one way of helping my children to understand english better is by encouraging them to read english books.I am thankful that I started to read children story books to them since they were 3 yrs old. Reader Digest childrens story book is indeed a good investment. My daughter Megan was even able to orate the story book at the age of 5 yrs.

So with the above mentioned thoughts, it is my hope that the Education Department will not change their mind reverting to Bahasa Malaysia for the core subjects but instead to maintain as it is, using the english language.
One thing for sure, to encourage my children to be proficient in english language does not mean that I am an 'unpatriotic person'. I am a realistic and practical person. If I can prevent my children from experiencing such problems in the future, then I might as well do it now.

Prevention is better than cure and it is even cheaper.

Horray.. I did it!

Horray to me! At last I manage to create my own blog. Not that it's such a big deal though, but I have taken the leap. Yep.. All the while, I have been thinking about creating my own blog but just could not do it. I could not figure out what would I be blogging about? I just do not want to talk about life, coz life is such a a big topic. But one thing for sure, I would like to write about my own thoughts and what I hope for throughout my journey in life..