Just a Mum?

Received this from a friend via e-mail, and I thought it should be shared with all you wonderful Mums here.


A woman, renewing her driver's license was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.

'What I mean is, ' explained the recorder,do you have a job or are you just a ....?'

'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman.

'I'm a Mum.'

'We don't list 'Mum' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it,'
Said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.

The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, 'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.' 'What is your occupation?' she probed.

What made me say it? I do not know. The words simply popped out.
'I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations.'

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest, 'just what you do in your field?'

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, 'I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't)

In the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out).

I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters).

Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?)

and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.


As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.

Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone
more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mum.'

Motherhood! What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door.

Does this make grandmothers 'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations'

And great grandmothers 'Executive Senior Research Associates?' I think so!!!

I also think it makes Aunts 'Associate Research Assistants'.



May your troubles be less,
Your blessing be more,
And nothing but happiness come through your door!

50 years today!!

Today marks the 50th Golden Wedding Anniversary of my parents.

No, there is no big celebration here. They are away in Alaska on a cruise. (with my brother and his family - bleah! :P)



And for those who tagged me on the a tribute to my mum and dad - this is it.










Morning wake up calls and breakfast was taken care of by Dad. He was a wizard at making half boiled eggs, french toast and oats which we were forced to consume, like it or not, before we made our way to school. He was really good at sleeping in front of the TV. A football fanatic, that saw me following him for numerous football games and even all the way up to Malaysia for Malaysia cup matches.

She slept in late and took care of lunch, dinner and the general household. A good cook who never liked anyone to mess up her kitchen. Making nonya kueh was her specialty, but she prefered spending her time on mahjong, which saw me sitting many a times by the mahjong table, and helping her out when she had to take a "loo" break. A fiery temper that seems to have mellowed a little with age.

And after 50 years, they have been blessed with 3 children, and 6 grandchildren.
Happy Anniversary Mum & Dad!!

An activity filled June Vacation

Tho' we did not go away this year for the vacation, we spent a lot of family time rediscovering Singapore, and having fun! Here's a sampling of what we did:

Discovering the Southern Ridges

We started off at Kent Ridge Park, the site of the Pasir Panjang Battle,

N posed next to a tank that was used in the war in 1944!!

We trooped along the Canopy Walk - thru' the rainforest.

Along the way, we saw some birds. Here's a kingfisher:

and a beautiful spider's web.


Little D had it easier than some of us, she was carried a part of the way!

The canopy walk brought us to Hort Park.
(I will write more on the Hort Park in a separate post)

From Hort Park, we made our way pass Alexander Arches, and then to Henderson Waves.

At it's highest point, it was some 74.14m above sea level. Pretty scary, just try not to look down at the road below.


On another day, we made our way to Changi Point.

The lazy charm of the place appealed to me.


Little D was so fascinated when she saw a coconut tree that she decided she wanted a photo.

We saw the fishing boats coming in with the days catch, and the trucks from the restaurants awaiting the day's live seafood.

Of course, the family also made their way to the Singapore Flyer. However, as it was already dark, we did not manage to see as much as we would have liked to.

The kids ended up amusing themselves in other ways.

So, I guess another trip there is in the pipeline!

And like bp said, all kids love to splish, splash, splosh! They kids enjoyed the days spent at the pool near our home.





And of course, we also spent time spent baking:

A doughnut looking chocolate cake.


and some no-bake oreo cheese cupcakes!!

We also tried smiling for the sunkist smile challenge.


Dont reckon we will win any prizes!

I guess that marks the end of our June Vacation activities as school re-opens in a few days time. Yippee!!

Men say the darnest things too!!

At a recent gathering with ol' friends, they shared with me some of the things their husbands have said, and I guess, I should share them with you:

On getting back into shape after childbirth:
This came from a father of 5.
His wife was commenting about how difficult it was to get back into shape, and he said: Blow a balloon up and then deflate it. Do that for 5 times, and see if you can get the balloon to be just like new. You are just trying to do something impossible!!
(So much for trying to encourage the wife to get back into shape!)

On the g-string:
You call that an underwear? It looks more like an anal floss to me!!
(So much for the wife trying to look sexy for the husband!!)

Well, like it has been said: Men are just like kids, they say the darnest things too!!

Goo-goo, ga-ga

Why do I go all soft and mushy when I see a baby?

Last sunday, in church, there was this lady carrying a really young baby sitting in the next pew. The baby was a real cutie - not more than 3 months old, with lots of black hair on her head. The lady carried her upright, and this little bundle of joy tried, with much difficulty, to lift her head up to take a peek at the world around her.

Later when the husband carried the baby, and started talking to her - guess what? She tried to respond by gurgling!! I know it was the first time she did it, coz when she did, the husband quickly nudged his wife to look! And they both had HUGE smiles on their faces!!

I could not resist it anymore, and asked hubby to look at the cute baby. He then asked me ~ you want another baby?? Goodness - NO!! Not at this age! Too much risk involved. Also, with 3, my hands are full. No more kids for me. To borrow somebody else's to play with, cuddle, smell and return, that's fine. But no more babies of my own.

BUT, why do I still go all ga-ga whenever I see babies??

Too Much

Yes, have been feasting too much.

It did not seem to have stopped since Christmas! You know, there were so many celebrations in the family in december (birthdays and anniversaries), and coupled with holidays and festive season, you tend to let go and indulge. Then it was followed by Chinese New Year ~ another 15 days of over-indulgence. In March, we celebrated 2 birthdays in the extended family. April was kind of a rest month. Then came May. 1st it was my dad's birthday, then we celebrated Mother's Day. You know how it is, we celebrate it with both sides of the family separately. And then again by ourselves?!!

And in June - It started with 2 rounds of Father's day feasting, then there were 4 birthday celebrations in the extended family! Add to that complimentary meal vouchers that we didnt want to waste, meals with ex-colleagues, meals with friends that are migrating and friends visiting from overseas.

And we have plans to celebrate my birthday sometime this week (2 weeks early) with my parents as they will be leaving on holidays at the end of this week, and will not be back until after my special day. In fact, I told hubby that with too much feasting, I really dont feel like eating anymore!!

And then I find that I am unable to buckle my trousers anymore! Yes, I have gone up one size at the waist.

Hmmm .... looks like its time to start that exercise schedule. Need to lose the weight, as I noticed that weight put on in middle-age tends to stay on forever!! Yikes!!

Let's not Complain!

If you think your situation is tough ... how about him?






If you think your working conditions are bad ... how about hers?





If you think your salary is low ... how about her?







If you think you don't have many friends,

ask yourself if you have one sincere friend ....




If you think study is a burden ... how about her?





When you feel like giving up, think of this man ...





If you think you have suffered in life .....

do you think you have suffered as much as he does?





If you complain about your transport system ... how about them?





If your society is unfair to you, .... how about her?









Find a quiet moment today and think of all your blessings.

You will realize that good days outnumber the bad ones.

Enjoy God's blessings today

They are so full of energy!!

Yes, my kids are so full of energy. This vacation, we are not travelling (as advised by the school) due to the amount of home work / revision that the school has planned for my oldest daughter. As a result, I have a hard time keeping them happily occupied with activities. And believe me, it is much harder when the age groups of my children are so far apart.

On saturday morning, we caught a movie - Kung Fu Panda, which the children totally enjoyed. Then we headed off to lunch. After lunch, we came home for little D to take her nap. Whilst she was taking nap, the older 2 took turns solving chess puzzles on the computer.

When Little D woke from her nap, hubby brought the 3 kids swimming. After their swim, they came home for a game of soccer. Then it was bath and dinner.

After dinner, you want to know what they said? They said: "So boring, nothing to do!"

I was like: "What??!? We have had a full day of activities, and you are complaining about not having anything to do??"

Tell me, what else should I be doing with them?? After a full day of activities, I am totally tired out, and they still want more? Can we all just have some quiet time and do absolutely nothing? Also, honestly, there isnt much else to do in Singapore, especially at night!!

Men Are Just Happier People

Got this from a friend via email. Thought I should share it, and I took the liberty to add my two cents worth (in parenthesis) as well!! Have a good week ahead!


Men Are Just Happier People


NICKNAMES
If Laura, Kate and Sarah go out for lunch, they will call each other Laura, Kate and Sarah .
If Mike, Dave and John go out, they will affectionately refer to each other as Fat Boy, Godzilla and Four-eyes.

EATING OUT
When the bill arrives, Mike, Dave and John will each throw in £20, even though it's only for £32.50.
None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want change back. (The change they will probably spend on beer.)
When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket calculators.

MONEY
A man will pay £2 for a £1 item he needs.
A woman will pay £1 for a £2 item that she doesn't need but it's on sale.(hey! we are just saving money!)

BATHROOMS
A man has six items in his bathroom: toothbrush and toothpaste, shaving cream, razor, a bar of soap, and a towel from M&S.
The average number of items in the typical woman's bathroom is 337.
A man would not be able to identify more than 20 of these items.

ARGUMENTS
A woman has the last word in any argument.
Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

CATS
Women love cats.
Men say they love cats, but when women aren't looking, men kick cats.

FUTURE
A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband.
A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

SUCCESS
A successful man is one who makes more money than his wife can spend.
A successful woman is one who can find such a man.

MARRIAGE
A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't.
A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, but she does.(Hey! Men change too! Where did all the hair on top of the head go to? - on the floor, the sofa, keyboard - that we have to sweep up! and what happened to the 6 pack? it turned into the beer belly!!)

DRESSING UP
A woman will dress up to go shopping, water the plants, empty the bins, answer the phone, read a book, and get the post.(They want us to look good all the time, right??)
A man will dress up for weddings and funerals.

NATURAL
Men wake up as good-looking as they went to bed.
Women somehow deteriorate during the night. (Why? Because we have to wake up for night feeds. Also, what do you expect - the snoring kept us up all night!!).

OFFSPRING
Ah, children. A woman knows all about her children.
She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favourite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams.
A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
A married man should forget his mistakes.
There's no use in two people remembering the same thing!! (Yeah!!)

Kids say the darnest things

Just the other day, I was on the way home with my two older kids, and the topic of inheritance came up. My son assumed that the assets of the deceased would always go to the children of the deceased. That's when I corrected him and told him that anyone could make a will and decide to give their assets to whoever they wanted to. I went on to say many of the people with "old wealth" bequeathed a lot of their assets to charity.

My daughter then retorted: "Hmm, looks like I should change my name to Charity".

Schools Out!

Yes! Schools out, and what have we been doing?

Well, S had to go to school last week for additional classes, and so I sent Little D to school as well. This week we managed to do some fun activities in addition to the revision that the school has given S.

We went to Lilliputt - an indoor mini golf adventure. Based on the theme of Miniature Singapore, LilliPutt features structures modelled after famous landmarks in Singapore such as the Esplanade, Sentosa, Singapore Zoological Gardens and many others. You'll get a chance to 'tour' Singapore as you putt your way through 18 putting stations - all with its own set of irresistible challenges and obstacles. The kids had loads of fun!!

We also tried Kangoo Jumps.
Getting started - fitting on the boots and the knee pads

Holding on tight so as not to fall

Then they practised at the open space nearby


Posed for some photos

Ventured out to the beach area


Soon they were zooming off along the paths of the East Coast Park


While the older 2 were "kangoo-ing" away, Little D, her cousin and I took a walk down to the beach and we did some:
cloud watching


and letter writing in the sand (can you see she wrote "mum"!!)



Another thing that Little D has been doing these hols is: admiring the flowers from the neighbours' tree from her bed!! What a luxury!