Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Winter...

Here's the forecast for the next week... a big storm is going to hit us tomorrow... praying that Aunty A's flight gets out safely...

The temperature is usually lower by about 5 degrees due to the wind-chill factor... How depressing:(


Monday, July 28, 2008

Sadness turned to joy!

Have you ever felt the anxiousness, agitation and foolishness that overwhelms you when you've realised that you've lost your hand phone? Well that happened to me yesterday... foolishness because I've never lost a hand phone before, and I just couldn't figure how/why I had dropped it, thinking that I was just so stupid! I was so anxious also because we were meant to pick Aunty A up from Waikanae after her retreat ended, and didn't even know what time or where to pick her up from! Knowing that she didn't have K's number with her, and we do not have a landline, how was she to contact me?? Suddenly, I thought that we were just too presumptuous to think that 1 number was sufficient for her to contact us at. But, who would have thought that I would lose my 'life-line'? We tried calling my phone, but no one picked it up. It just kept ringing. I felt that there was still hope that the phone was still on, and that it was probably not stolen.
Anyway, the discovery was made as we were preparing to go to church, 20 minutes before service started. I realised that I'd probably dropped it at the Thai restaurant we were at the night before when I had taken my jacket off, and just draped it on the back of my chair. It must have fallen out while we were eating, or while we were packing up to leave... whenever...
We decided to go to the restaurant to look, which I knew would not be open, or to at least look around the area where the car had been parked. All this while, my heart was heavy, blaming myself for my stupidity. When we knew there was nothing else to do but to call when the restaurant had opened, we headed back. By this time, we were 20 minutes late for service. K asked if I still wanted to go to church. I debated for awhile, but decided in the end that it's the best thing, though I really didn't feel up to it. So here we were, sitting church, listening to the sermon. The scenes of the night before flashing in my head.... I was trying to picture what I should have done, what I would usually do before we left a place (ie check my belongings). I was even thinking about who I could put the blame on! Well, pastor preached on Romans 9. It was interesting how it was put across that we've been chosen by God in His grace and mercy... not because we are special in any way. It was illustrated by the example of Jacob and Esau. God chose Jacob, not because He was better than Esau, He just had to choose someone! I just kept thinking that I'm a recipient of His grace and mercy not by anything that I've done, and I really don't deserve it at all! All the more to be grateful, and store up my treasures in heaven, and not on earth. By this time, my anger and frustrations had quelled, and the joy of the Lord really filled me! I was, by this time, smiling and praising God. After service, I felt that a huge burden had been lifted off my shoulders, and I didn't worry if I found my phone or not. I told K that I had faith that it was at the restaurant, picked up by their staff.
Thankfully, I remembered the name of the retreat centre Aunty A was at, and looked the address up on the internet. We just assumed that she'll be done at 1, and made our way to Waikanae. Thank God also that Ken had her phone number on his Singapore SIM card, and retrieved it before leaving home. We were late getting to her, and as things would turn out, we took a 'short-cut' through a mountain road where there would be NO hand phone signal! So we couldn't even message her to tell her we were late, but were on the way! I thought she might have been frantic and worried about us. Hopefully she hadn't hitched a ride from one of her friends thinking that we didn't get her message! 
Oh, what an eventful day! We got to Aunty A half and hour late, but she was still waiting for us there. Phew...
Back to the hand phone... I called the restaurant in the evening, and found out that the waiter had actually picked up a phone, and gave it to one of my friends at the table, as we had left before the others. I was so thankful! I tried to call one of the girls, but she didn't reply, and my phone still kept going unanswered. My friend finally replied today. I'm so relieved that I've got my phone back. Thank God for that. He also gave me such peace to know that everything will be right in the end. As much as my hand phone is really not as important to me now as when I'm in Singapore, it still is something I can't seem to live without...

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Winter marches on...

After the spate of good weather 2 weekends ago, the winter weather returned. No sunshine from Singapore could change that. The rain returned, but temperatures still remained higher than before, though it's forecasted to drop sharply again this week.... The best part of our 4 days with Aunty A is the yummy home-cooked food we had. It brightened up the otherwise gloomy days.... this was what we had...

Thurs lunch: Sa Por Fun
Thurs dinner: Lamb chops
Fri lunch: Fried rice
Fri dinner: Black-pepper prawns
Sat lunch: Nonya prawn noodles
Sat dinner: more noodles and tauyu bak (drool)
Sun breakfast: Porridge 

ok... doesn't sound like much... but when you have not had good chinese food cooked by someone else for a long time... this was good! Not to forget the valuable tips I got watching and helping her. Oh, of course I learnt how to make sambal belachan!!! yums... I won't be missing home food anymore! That's all I need! How easy it is to make the sambal... just need to tahan the grilled belachan smell for a few hours. We were eating all the time. What better way to define a holiday than to eat right? Now, I have to double my exercise regime before she returns on Sunday.
Anyway, both the Ks really enjoyed having someone staying with us. They bonded very well with Aunty A. We went for walks by the river and in the forest (during the breaks in the rain), and drives to Eastbourne, Martinborough (wine country), Greytown and Carterton. Walked through small art galleries, hung out together, cooked together, and at night, the kids would arm themselves with their books, and rush in to her room when she did, shouting, "READ". Best person to ask to read to them, I reckon. The girls adored her, especially jie K. 

I really thank God for all our blessings. I'm amazed at how mei K has suddenly 'caught up' in her development of speech, and in understanding in the last month or so. As a parent of 2, I constantly find myself comparing the milestones of my 2 girls, not to compare who's better but really to know that the wee one is up to speed. I was worried initially at how much slower mei K was in picking up words, and she didn't seem to understand us, or we understand her. This made it very frustrating for both of us, and I must admit may have contributed to labeling her as being 'difficult'. Perhaps, I felt that being the 2nd child, I did spend a lot less one-on-one contact time with her, battled with a jealous older sibling, read and spoke less to her, and generally felt guilty that I didn't spend the same quantity and quality time I did with jie K. So the Lord has blessed us with family time here in NZ for me to accomplish this! Although, I sometimes feel that I'm not always making the best of my time, but I'm sure some of it is well used. Now, mei K can probably say up to 20 words, understands us mostly, sings some words and do the actions of familiar songs. Her best word now (as expected) is "NNNOOOOOO!", especially when her sister tries to take things away from her.  I no longer feel like I "can't handle her" (which I used to think), in fact I now enjoy watching the little munchkin grow, though not in stature (she still remains tiny for her age), develop a sense of humour, and a very cheeky smile(if only we can capture it on camera). 
I'm also very grateful that daddy K has realised that jie K is starting to need more father-daughter time now. The last month has been so hectic for him, even the weekends are spent doing work. Last night, while I was at netball training, they had a nice father-daughter talk. Daddy found out what makes her happy:
1) Chippies and french fries
2) Playing with toys especially boxes that she can store imaginary chippies in (see 1)
3) Playing with babies and pushing them around in prams
4) Having someone read her books to her.
5) Books.
He has said he wants to make the effort to read to her at night, and speaking her love language. (although I'm sure no. 1 is not the best thing...)

Exercise Log:
Last Monday am run
Time taken: 25 mins
Last Wed am run
Time taken: 40 mins
Route: usual including Palmer Cres
Mon am run
Time taken: 30 min

In 1 week, I've received news of 3 new pregnancies amongst my friends! 2009 sure will be a fruitful one!

Monday, July 14, 2008

Sunshine after the rain

Yesterday, we had sunshine, and NO wind... It was probably the hottest it's been since we've arrived in NZ, topping at about 14 degrees. Today is just the same, with the sun shining, perfect day for a day out in the park. I know that it's sun from home because Aunt A just arrived here from Singapore on Saturday, bringing the sun here with her! Over friday and saturday, the rain was beating down, with huge winds. My netball match was even cancelled, when the week before, we played in the foul weather. About 5 minutes after our game ended, it started hailing! Anyway, saturday night, the gales sounded like it was blowing through our house. Being in a rented house, with windows that are not double-glazed, I was just praying that our windows didn't break, or our roof fly off! The weather forecast was for 140kmh winds. 
So, when the next day was just perfect, we took the trip up the Mount Vic again, this time with Aunt A, walked down Oriental Parade, and had Indian dinner with her.
Oh yes, I must mention that we were really happy with the bag-load of goodies Aunt A brought for us from home! woohoo... we were so excited, kids included. Packet rempah, other things we needed, even books and Dora the Explorer DVDs from the grans! Heaps of thanks to Aunt A for bringing, even risking being overweight baggage coming here... Now I've gotta look for fresh crabs! She brought the spices for black pepper crab! yumm.... drool... can't wait. 

Last week has been a pleasant baking experience for me. I had bought some frozen puff pastry few weeks ago to make a pot pie which came out very well. (both K and I have a soft spot for pastry) With whatever was left of the packet, I decided to try making sausage rolls by just putting cooked sausages, rolling it up in the pastry, and baking it! It was the easiest, most popular cooked snack by far. Daddy K had also been craving for curry puffs. Unfortunately, the last time we saw it on the menu at a Malaysian restaurant, it was sold out! So i thought I might try making it with my puff pastry, though it's not the favoured type he likes. (but you know beggars can't be choosers!) I searched the internet, and found a site that said you can use leftover chicken curry as the filling! Thus, chicken curry was on the menu for the next night's dinner. I then used the leftover curry to make rectangle curry puffs! Voila! The family now thinks I'm the best cook in town! Both daddy , jie K and even mei K (who only ate the crust) were asking for more! I was pleased... How easy to satisfy my customers at Mama's Cafe! I'm now inspired to try more things! 

Piping hot curry puffs!
Exercise Log:
Monday and Tuesday am run:
Time: 30 mins each
Tuesday pm walk 
Jie K in stroller, and Mei K in backpack
Time: 1 hour

Monday am run:
time: 25mins

For those who have not seen our new pics on FB, here's the link, and here
Aunt A comes back to stay with us on Wednesday after she comes back from Christchurch. Have to plan the days to spend with her! Can't wait!

Friday, July 4, 2008

Half of 2008 gone???


My, how time flies when you are going about everyday busying yourself with children, thinking of how to keep them entertained... Then again, I really go about each week barely even knowing what day/date it is. Each day is associated with what activity we're going to... with that, 3 months have flown by... it's the start of July, the second half of 2008... where has time gone? 

We look forward to having a familiar face from home here with us in 2 weeks time. A is coming to stay with us for 4 days, after spending 2 days in Wellington, and 2 days in Christchurch. We are looking forward to a different chef in our kitchen too! A chef well known for her skills, especially in peranakan cuisine! I can't wait! 

Well, we've effectively lived out a whole school term here in Upper Hutt. This is what it's been like during the day till daddy comes home:
Monday am: chill out at home 
     pm: Kindy
Tuesday am: Playgroup
     pm: Kindy
Wednesday am: Gymbaroo followed by hanging out at shops in Lower Hutt
         pm: chill out at home
Thursday am: Library story-telling
          pm: Kindy
Friday am: Mainly Music.
     pm: Park if weather is good. Every other week the partner's meet for lunch. 
So, the term break is here... what will we do for the next 2 weeks? Contrary to what this mum thought, most if not all of the above activities cease during the term break! Most of the activities that happen then are catered to the older kids who are out of school. So, what do the ones with younger kids do? Fortunately, this mum has been actively making some contact with other mums, and has been invited to at least 1 mum's house for coffee and to let the kids entertain each other, giving us a break to catch up with adult conversations... 

Well, I know that the rest of our time here will fly by just as quickly if not faster, with parents and in-laws visiting, holidays and a wedding to attend. I need to learn to treasure and cherish each moment, make the most of the time for the kids, to have fun with them, 'educate' them. I somehow feel like I have been neglecting them, in a way, allowing them to play by themselves, not engaging them in 'adult' conversations as such... How can I better make use of these precious months when their minds are absorbing everything like a sponge? For one, I know that che K will be far behind her peers when she goes back to N2 next year... thoughts of "can she catch up?"," will she be able to read by the time she's 4 like the others?" Never thought I'd be like that... but I guess every Singaporean has some of that KS streak in them, eh? 

Oh well, only time will tell.
Feeling fat... need to exercise more... Eat less of my yummy chocolate brownie! (the best brownie I've ever made... from scratch ok!)
Exercise Log:
Tuesday am run
Time: 25 mins

Thurs am run
Time: 30 mins