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Saturday 30 April 2011

Happy 70th Birthday, Father/ Grandfather

Today is my father's 70th birthday. He forgot about it lol.
We took him to dinner at Putien Restaurant which serves Heng Hwa cuisine. Heng Hwa being one of the coastal areas in Fujian has similar dishes as the Hockchew which is our dialect group.
We ordered braised pig intestine ($13.90), spinach with salted egg and century egg in supreme stock ($12.90), bamboo herbal prawn, deep fried duck with yam ($15.90), braised beancurd with chinese cabbage soup ($19.90), bamboo clam omelette ($19.90), seafood fried rice ($7.90), and fried Hing Wa bee hoon ($7.90). It was a delicious meal with a cosy homely feel.









After dinner, we celebrated my father's or the girls' grandfather's birthday with a cake and birthday song. The girls enjoyed cutting the cake together with their grandfather.


Friday 29 April 2011

Singapore General Election 2011

I am still very upset that I have yet again been denied the chance to vote. All because I am unfortunate enough to be in the Tanjong Pagar GRC.
I have never voted once in my life. For many years now, I have been robbed of my rights to voice my opinions with regards to the elected leaders and overall government policies. I have been robbed of my rights to have a say in shaping and deciding my own future...

For those of you who can vote on 7 May 2011, please vote for a party that is really concerned for the welfare of the people and for the good of the country...

"Let each citizen remember at the moment he is offering his vote that he is not making a present or a compliment to please an individual--or at least that he ought not so to do; but that he is executing one of the most solemn trusts in human society for which he is accountable to God and his country." ~Samuel Adams, The Writings of Samuel Adams, Harry Alonzo Cushing, editor (New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1907), Vol. IV, p. 256.

PS.
At the Young PAP's 25th anniversary celebration, PM Lee said, "Never forget we are servants of the people, not their masters. Always maintain a sense of humility and service. Never lord it over the people we are looking after and serving."

I found this quote which is very interesting and provides food for thought.
"In order to become the master, the politician poses as the servant." ~Charles de Gaulle

Thursday 28 April 2011

Profits Agency Pte (PAP) II

I found a response to the Profits Agency Pte (PAP) situation...

What a coincidence.. we share the same agency Profits Agency Pte too! Our maid's been with us for the longest time, since our child's first birthday. She's also one of the first maids with the agency! She started off as the most promising and respected maid, although other maids do feel, sometimes, she can be a bit authoritarian.
Unfortunately, at 80 over years old, she is showing signs of senility (making spurious remarks, for one). We thought she'd graciously retire, have a good life, write her life story, etc. But she steadfastly refused to quit. We wanted a new maid, but the agency said no. Worse, when we approached the other maid agencies that you mentioned (we tried them!) to look for a new one, they went "oh you have her? we can never find anyone who could measure up to her! Sorry!".
We had such high hopes when one agency Singapore Domestic Agency (SDA) thought they could supply us with new maids, but they pulled out at the last minute.

Lately, our elderly maid has taken a liking to a young army boy. That's a bit worrying for us. If anyone knows of another agency who can help us, do let us know too...

LOL!

Profits Agency Pte (PAP)

Found this plea for advice.

I need your urgent advice about employing a maid. As a busy mother, I need someone reliable to help out at home.
My maid is from Profits Agency Pte (PAP) and she has worked for me for a long time. Her mother worked for my parents and did an excellent job, so I had faith in her. For several years her performance has been very good, but recently she has become arrogant and insensitive, and is making lots of mistakes.
For example:
1) She flooded my kitchen – she told me that the drain pipe has blocked (she was supposed to clear it once a month but didn’t). Then she assured me that it is very rare and won’t happen again in the near future. Guess what? It flooded again within a year!
2) She didn’t close a window and my terrier dog escaped. I was so worried cos he is dangerous and could bite lots of people. After the incident, she didn’t apologise and just shrugged her shoulders saying “What to do, it has happened.” Fortunately my neighbor found the dog and we locked it up again.
3) Without consulting me, she has been bringing in strangers for my house's maintenance work. She says they charge low wages and keep costs down, but they eat my food, make a lot of noise and rest on my bed. I think they even tried to seduce my husband. It stopped feeling like my home, more like a cheap hotel, and I don’t always want to come back at the end of the day.
4) When she first came to work for me, I instructed her to clean the different parts of the house at least once a week. But for some time she has stopped taking care of the bedrooms of PP and H; they are now dirty and messy. I asked why and she told me that the kids had been disobedient, so she was neglecting their bedrooms as a punishment (she has forgotten that she is paid to clean all the rooms).
Even though my maid has worked for me for many years and I value what she has done in the past, I think she is now getting complacent. Her attitude is imperious and dismissive. She ignores my comments and basically treats my feedback as "noise". I wrote to the agency about her behavior; they assured me that they are the best agency around and all their maids are “Committed to Serve” – but I think it is just rhetoric and I don’t see that in her actions. Her salary is much higher than maids in other countries, but the agency say this is to keep her honest and stop her moving to another employer. They say there is a limited supply of maids, and Singapore isn’t big enough for more than one good maid agency, so I should not trust their competitors.
I have to decide whether to renew my maid’s 5-year employment contract. When we discussed this she said that she is now part of a team, and if I want her I must also accept her friends doing part-time work for me. One friend is very inexperienced, can't do basic tasks or explain what she intends to do. I suspect that she is actually underage. When interviewed, she only seemed interested in her days-off and visiting Universal Studios. When she couldn't answer my questions she stomped her foot and exclaimed, "I don't know what to say!" But I am still expected to pay her a high salary.
Now there happen to be a few other maid agencies - Workhard Pte (WP), New Solutions Pte (NSP), Super Personnel Pte (SPP) and Star Domestica Pte (SDP) - that offered me some helpers who seem sincere, genuine and intelligent. They are keen to work, willing to assist me and have a good attitude. I know that they may take a bit of time to learn how everything works, but frankly I am inclined to give them a chance.
People say that the devil you know is better than one you don’t. But I feel that I can’t tahan my current maid anymore. Do you think I should sack my current maid and try out a new one? Appreciate your advice.
Footnote: I live in Tanjong Pagar GRC and it seems like I have no choice about my maid agency afterall - I will have to stick with my current maid. For those of you who are fortunate enough to have a choice, celebrate your blessed privilege and exercise your choice wisely. My best wishes to you.

I can ABSOLUTELY understand how she feels because I am in the same boat. :(

Wednesday 27 April 2011

Young Enthusiasts of "Politics"

The girls had no school today because SCGS was being used as a nomination centre. They were pretty happy about the whole thing. I came home early around 12pm from counselling to find them glued to the tv, watching the special Nomination Day news coverage. I was like "HUH?! MY KIDS are following the politics in Singapore?!!". Every time, they cheered, I would rush to see what's happening, and only to see PAP of Tanjong Pagar GRC on tv. What? They are cheering for PAP?! I finally couldn't take it anymore and asked why they were cheering for PAP.
Me: Why you cheering for PAP?
Girls: What PAP?
Me: Those men in white.
Girls: What white men?
Me: No, no, men in white colour clothes.
Girls: Got meh? We are cheering for SCGS!
Me: SCGS?!
Girls: Yar, there, there! SCGS!

I turned and again only saw PAP of Tanjong Pagar GRC on tv. What SCGS?!

Girls: (pointing on tv) See, SCGS pillar. There, SCGS railing.
Me: *Speechless*

I knew SCGS was a nomination centre but I totally forgot that it is a nomination centre for Tanjong Pagar GRC too. Trust the kids to recognise the pillar, the railing of their school lol. I could hardly recognise anything amidst the sea of white.

Ok, so my kids aren't interested in Singapore politics and law :P, except for the enbloc law which they hate as they could potentially lose their home if 80% majority agreed to sell collectively the estate and they could force us (the 20% minority) to sell too regardless we want to sell or not. :( They have been following me round when I talked to residents in our estate about the enbloc - unfair conditions set out in the csa and the cons of enbloc.

Tuesday 26 April 2011

Glee "Blame it on the Alcohol"

Some songs from Glee "Blame it on the alcohol" (s2e14)

Don't You Want Me, Baby? (uploaded by blodlaus7bj)



Blame it on the (uploaded by iamgleeker)



Tik Tok (uploaded by joclark)

Monday 25 April 2011

General Election 2011

This YouTube video (parody of wonder girls' Nobody) sums up the issues that Singaporeans are not happy about. Very nicely done and darn hilarious too.

(uploaded by blacktablecloth)

Sunday 24 April 2011

Practise, Practise, Practise

Marieann's examinations start next week. First, oral, and follows with listening comprehension and composition for both English and Chinese. Time to practise, practise, and practise!

Saturday 23 April 2011

Replacement Trip for March

After leaving Juliane at a birthday party at Fidgets, I went to collect our air tickets and hotel voucher from the travel agent. All have been settled. My girls and I will be off to Sydney in June for 9 days! This is the replacement trip for the Tokyo trip in March. The girls are really excited and so am I. :)

Friday 22 April 2011

Saturday-like Friday

"It's like Saturday but it is only Friday!", said the girls gleefully.
After Marieann's tuition in the morning, we went to Vivocity for lunch. It has been a long time since we have been there. We had lunch at Earle Swensen's and the highlight was the Topless 5 ice cream that we girls shared. Yum! :)

Thursday 21 April 2011

Extra Day Off

Today is SCGS's Sports Day. Being in the lower primary, both Marieann and Juliane need not attend Sports Day. They were thrilled to have an extra day off. Together with the Good Friday holiday, they really have a LONG weekend, starting today till Sunday!
Hmm, I wonder how Sports Day went? I wonder if Green House is the champion house again. I was from the Green House when I was studying in SCGS and I was the Teacher-in-charge of Green House when I was teaching in SCGS so of course I am rooting for Green House to WIN! Lol. :P

Wednesday 20 April 2011

Earth Week 2011

The girls celebrated Earth Week in school. Today they had to wear a green top or blouse with their PE bloomers which is green in colour. Juliane was most happy to wear something that is not part of the school uniform, even if it was only the top. Marieann was not too worried even though she didn't have a green blouse/ top. She just wore her PE t-shirt because she is from the Green house so the PE t-shirt is green in colour lol.

Tuesday 19 April 2011

Glee "Comeback"

Some of the more catchy songs in Glee "Comeback".

Baby (uploaded by GleeOnFox)



Somebody to Love (uploaded by Smackers1313)



Sing (uploaded by pannajadowita)

Monday 18 April 2011

Reef Fishes

My fishes are really thriving! Swimming, feeding, growing, breeding, ... It is also quite soothing to watch them swimming around. :) Tap Reef is a great iPad app lol. You can watch your world ranking climb, with the kind of fishes you breed in your reef. It can be quite addictive too as you have to check in regularly to make sure all is well in your reef. :)

Sunday 17 April 2011

Time has Stopped

My bedroom (wall) clock has stopped working. :( It was a gift from Evelyn (Marieann's godmother) and Pippa (her daughter) a couple of years ago. I was pretty upset. I went to Ikea to get a replacement wall clock but it will never be the same. I miss the vibrant colours that was on my old clock. :( My new clock is now a boring white.

Saturday 16 April 2011

Colour Test




You Are Playful



You are easygoing and carefree. You like to hang loose whenever possible.

Your natural state is to be relaxed. You think feeling stressed out is never worth it.

You often help others with their problems. You offer practical and workable solutions.

You have steady and unwavering energy. You are a person of great endurance.


I am playful? More likely I am lazy haha.

Friday 15 April 2011

Office

My good friend and colleague has finally been given the nod and he is going to have his own office! Wow, his own room. I am so envious lol. But seriously, I am happy for him. :) He deserves it because he works harder than any of us. Good for you, D! :)

Thursday 14 April 2011

Cats vs Spider

I was so tickled when I saw this video. I hate spiders. I love cats. What better combination can there be?! Lol. Loved the commentary and the sound effects. (uploaded by thecatdiaries)

Wednesday 13 April 2011

Double Standards

When the other organisation (that we work with) wants something, they want it SOON, with little time given for preparation. However, when you need something from them, they either ignore your requests or they take their own sweet time to come back to you. Why the double standards when we are supposed to be partners?!

Tuesday 12 April 2011

Glee Love

Glee's Silly Love Songs episode... :)

Silly Love Songs (uploaded by LOVExGLEE)




The girls' favourite, Firework (uploaded by HeyLittlePiglet)


Monday 11 April 2011

Work Appraisal II

Today is the deadline for the submission of our work appraisal forms. Within a week, we managed to get everything ready, including filling in certain forms, our boss who was on conference leave managed to fill out some forms too and sent them to me, so that I could collate and submit on behalf of everyone on the research team. Phew!

Sunday 10 April 2011

Ice Cream Party

Juliane was invited to yet another birthday party in the afternoon. This time, it is an ice cream party. Quite different from the usual. :) The kids watched how ice cream is made and even participated in the making process. There was also a competition to see who could decorate their ice cream on waffle most creatively with the ingredients provided, e.g., coco pops, fruit loops, gummy bears, wafer, sprinklers, etc. Of course, there were games too for the kids, in between the ice-cream making and ice cream decoration competition. When the kids were digging into their ice cream and waffles, the parents also had some ice cream lol. Most of us tried the alcohol-based ones. :P Juliane and her creation

Saturday 9 April 2011

Gift

Have been thinking hard on what farewell gift to get for my boss. It has to be something nice, practical and meaningful. Thinking, thinking, still thinking...

Friday 8 April 2011

RA without Project

I was literally a RA without a Project for 8 days. My last project officially ended on 31 March 2011 but my contract doesn't expire until end June 2011. So officially I am employed but I have no project. That means I am getting paid for doing "nothing"! Hahaha. If only that is true. :P
I have been working on two projects since the beginning of the year. Have been very busy, especially with the new project that is officially supposed to start on 1 April 2011 but has started unofficially since January 2011.
Oh yes, I finally got my new contract today for the new project that I have been heavily involved in. So I am now officially a RA with a Project again. :P

Thursday 7 April 2011

Cooking Papa

There is a cookery video game for Nintendo called Cooking Mama. However, I have Cooking Papa at home. He experiments with different ways of cooking his food, and he is relentless until he perfects the dish, whichever dish he is obsessed with at the moment. So far, we have gone through a week of eating red bean pancake. Now his current cooking obsession is oyster omelette. It was delicious, the first two times. However, we became green around the gills when it appeared on the dinning table every night!
Thank goodness, he has proclaimed that he has perfected the frying of oyster omelette. At least we will get a reprise now from eating oyster omelette until he finds his next food obsession.
The Cooking Papa is none other than my father.

Wednesday 6 April 2011

Work Appraisal

Our annual work appraisal is coming up again. There is wide-spread "panic" as everyone was, technically, only given a week to do it! We have to fill in different forms and our PIs have to sit down to interview us about our work and future plans. They then have to fill out more forms. PANIC.

Tuesday 5 April 2011

Glee Super Bowl

My girls' favourite songs for this week's Glee, The Sue Sylvester Bowl Shuffle.
Heads Will Roll/ Thriller (uploaded by ShazamLisil)



Bills, Bills, Bills (uploaded by GleeOnFox)



Need You Now (uploaded by KidsVersionRecord)


Monday 4 April 2011

Gleeful Christmas

Here are some of the nice songs from last week's Glee, A Very Glee Christmas.
Welcome Christmas (uploaded by mistercrett2)



Baby, it's cold outside (uploaded by GleeOnFox)



Last Christmas (uploaded by DisneywatchmeHD)


Sunday 3 April 2011

Chaperon Duty

I have been on chaperon duty for almost every birthday party that the girls have been invited to. Sometimes it is alright. Sometimes, it can get pretty boring. But every time without fail, it is extremely exhausting being a chaperon. Juliane has been invited to a birthday party for the past 3 weekends, including today! Real exhausting for me. She has another party coming up next weekend. :S Better take some tonic to build up my "qi" energy.

Saturday 2 April 2011

Cheerful Hop

As promised, I brought the girls to watch Hop in the evening at Great World City GV. It is a cheerful movie with lots of colours and candies! :) Here are two trailers of Hop. Enjoy. (uploaded by trailers)



Friday 1 April 2011

Katy Perry Firework (Acapella Cover) by Mike Tompkins

Another talented guy. :) He is singing Katy Perry's Firework. My girls will love this. :) Katy Perry's Firework (acapella cover) (uploaded by pbpproductions)