We heard no news about our new maid which was supposed to have come in soon. So, I called the agent up 2 weeks ago and to my shock, her passport was not ready yet. The agent promised to call me back during the weekend after his counterpart get back to him but didn't do so. So, I called him up last week again to check on the status. Again, he told me he has no update and advised us to go down to pick another one as a contingency.
We went back to the agency today and demanded an explanation from the agent. Aye Aye (the maid's name) most probably didn't submit the full documents or didn't pay the agent fees. We got to say bye bye to her. The agent recommended a transfer maid to us (Poh Poh Myint) who requested to come back herself as she was tasked to work on 2 homes. She is very young and look pleasant, we almost took the agent's recommendation but upon questioning further, we realized that she was not suitable at all and decided to choose another one from his stack of files.
Why did we reject her?
- She wanted to keep long hair despite us telling her that short is nice and neat.
- She kept wanting to have off day even though the agent kept telling her that no off day is allowed. She wanted 1 off day per month. Although she agreed to work even without the off day, we could tell that she was reluctant.
- She didn't speak very good english, we couldn't understand what she was saying in the first place esp when she was telling us about the off day. It got us a while before we made out what she meant.
- She had her hair highlighted, wore a necklace around her neck and had a long sleeved shirt under her maid uniform. I can tell that she is very conscious of her looks. I had enough of vain maids.
- She was too young to look after children. She looked young and skinny and is single (may not have prior experience).
- She was too smart to have called the agency and let in the news to them that she was assigned to work in two homes. If she could do that to others, she may very well do the same thing to us!
- She was easy to influence. Being only 4 days in the agency, there was no way she could have requested for off days. She must have heard about it from her peers and decides to try her luck. I don't want another maid who always say "My friend say this and my friend say that!".
We managed to find another one maid who has passport ready and one who seems obedient and pleasant. Didn't rely on the biodata as we learnt that it was totally inaccurate for the case of Poh Poh Myint. The new maid should be coming in 2 weeks' time. Another maid, hope this one doesn't give any problem!
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The Search is now on
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Lesson 3: Parking
One instructor better than the previous, Amen! :)
Although this lesson is on parking, he did respect that I wanted to practice more on the road. I drove all the way to the Woodlands driving centre and on the way, he gave me a lot of useful advice and pointers. At the driving centre, although I only managed to do parking 3 times (1 vertical and 2 parallel), I felt very confident that I could manage the parking well! I love his wonderful driving techniques! He made my fears all gone and turn parking into an easy task! :)
Here's how they were done:
Vertical Parking
1. Allow 2m of space between your car and the parking lot.
2. Move your car in front of the vehicle to the left of the lot that you are going to park.
3. Reverse your car until you see the right front light of that car is in the centre of the left side small window.
4. Reverse turn your car to the left. Your car will definitely not be touching the sides of the neighboring cars, you don't have to worry about banging into them.
5. Return the wheel to position when your car is straight.
6. Reverse the car to position.
Parallel Parking
1. Allow 1-1.5m of space between your car and the parking lot.
2. Move your car in front of the vehicle in the front of the lot that you are going to park.
3. Reverse your car until you see the right back light of that car is in the centre of the left side small window.
4. Reverse turn your car to the left until you see the full car plate number in the right side of your side mirror.
5. Return the wheel to position.
6. Lower your side mirror until you see the wheels.
7. Reverse turn your car to the right until the wheels touch the parking lot line.
8. At this point, check if the right back light is contained within the right corner of your left car window. If so, your car will definitely not be touching the sides of the neighboring cars, you don't have to worry about banging into them.
9. Reverse turn your car to the left slowly until your car is straight and parallel within the lot.
10. Release the wheel back to position and straighten the car.
Other pointers:
- Never move out when you can't see the oncoming car when you are turning right.
- Step on the accelerator when you pass the last arrow before the junction.
- Never change lane in the junction.
- Reduce speed about 50km/hr to about 20km/hr from the junction when you want to turn right.
- Allow a distance of 2 car length when you met with obstacle and want to filter to the right.
- When filtering, see the rear mirror. If you see the vehicle moving from upwards to downwards, do not filter. However, if the vehicle appears to you in the mirror like stationary, it is ok to filter.
- Check blind spot when you want to filter.
Words of wisdom from Mr Ong:
- Do not be afraid of cars. You need to follow the rules and practice makes perfect.
- Driving is based on sensing. Do more and you'll know.
Related Posts:
Lesson 2: Circuit
Behind the wheel... after 4.5 years!
Although this lesson is on parking, he did respect that I wanted to practice more on the road. I drove all the way to the Woodlands driving centre and on the way, he gave me a lot of useful advice and pointers. At the driving centre, although I only managed to do parking 3 times (1 vertical and 2 parallel), I felt very confident that I could manage the parking well! I love his wonderful driving techniques! He made my fears all gone and turn parking into an easy task! :)
Here's how they were done:
Vertical Parking
1. Allow 2m of space between your car and the parking lot.
2. Move your car in front of the vehicle to the left of the lot that you are going to park.
3. Reverse your car until you see the right front light of that car is in the centre of the left side small window.
4. Reverse turn your car to the left. Your car will definitely not be touching the sides of the neighboring cars, you don't have to worry about banging into them.
5. Return the wheel to position when your car is straight.
6. Reverse the car to position.
Parallel Parking
1. Allow 1-1.5m of space between your car and the parking lot.
2. Move your car in front of the vehicle in the front of the lot that you are going to park.
3. Reverse your car until you see the right back light of that car is in the centre of the left side small window.
4. Reverse turn your car to the left until you see the full car plate number in the right side of your side mirror.
5. Return the wheel to position.
6. Lower your side mirror until you see the wheels.
7. Reverse turn your car to the right until the wheels touch the parking lot line.
8. At this point, check if the right back light is contained within the right corner of your left car window. If so, your car will definitely not be touching the sides of the neighboring cars, you don't have to worry about banging into them.
9. Reverse turn your car to the left slowly until your car is straight and parallel within the lot.
10. Release the wheel back to position and straighten the car.
Other pointers:
- Never move out when you can't see the oncoming car when you are turning right.
- Step on the accelerator when you pass the last arrow before the junction.
- Never change lane in the junction.
- Reduce speed about 50km/hr to about 20km/hr from the junction when you want to turn right.
- Allow a distance of 2 car length when you met with obstacle and want to filter to the right.
- When filtering, see the rear mirror. If you see the vehicle moving from upwards to downwards, do not filter. However, if the vehicle appears to you in the mirror like stationary, it is ok to filter.
- Check blind spot when you want to filter.
Words of wisdom from Mr Ong:
- Do not be afraid of cars. You need to follow the rules and practice makes perfect.
- Driving is based on sensing. Do more and you'll know.
Related Posts:
Lesson 2: Circuit
Behind the wheel... after 4.5 years!
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
A Botak
I feel like crying when I saw him in his unexpected haircut! DC, on the other hand, was laughing his head off when he saw it although he also disapproved of the short hairdo.
And, I was just telling A last night that I will bring him to cut his hair and he can watch Barney on the "TV" during his haircut! He nodded his head and said "omhh". Who would have thought that A would refuse to go to school today and that gave FIL the chance to bring A for his haircut?!
I remembered we always tell them not to cut botak whenever they brought him for his haircut! There was once we told the barber to cut short his hair and it became so short that it looked like botak. We hated the look and we decided that it would be the last time he is having this hairstyle. It has been a long time since FIL last brought him to the barber... maybe he has forgotten about our requirement or maybe it was intentional as it is more cooling this way... I don't know ... and I feel SO SAD! It made me lose my appetite! :( Sigh! A's birthday is 2 months away and I think by that time, his hair would all be standing up! I can only hope that we could still trim it to shape then!
Related Posts:
Scared moments
Baby's haircut
And, I was just telling A last night that I will bring him to cut his hair and he can watch Barney on the "TV" during his haircut! He nodded his head and said "omhh". Who would have thought that A would refuse to go to school today and that gave FIL the chance to bring A for his haircut?!
I remembered we always tell them not to cut botak whenever they brought him for his haircut! There was once we told the barber to cut short his hair and it became so short that it looked like botak. We hated the look and we decided that it would be the last time he is having this hairstyle. It has been a long time since FIL last brought him to the barber... maybe he has forgotten about our requirement or maybe it was intentional as it is more cooling this way... I don't know ... and I feel SO SAD! It made me lose my appetite! :( Sigh! A's birthday is 2 months away and I think by that time, his hair would all be standing up! I can only hope that we could still trim it to shape then!
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Scared moments
Baby's haircut
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Lesson 2: Circuit
Day 2 of lesson. This time was another instructor. I prefer him to the previous one. He readily gave answers to my seemingly silly questions and gave me the confidence that he knows his stuff. He knows exactly where I see the kerb at my position!
I was brought to the Woodlands circuit. It was the first time there. Wow, it was a 3 floor building with circuit. I had rounds of practice with negotiating tight turns, crank course and steep slopes. Too bad we do not have time to do the parking - something that I wanted to learn fast! That would wait until the next lesson.
Today's lesson was less stressful. I had a good timing driving (at 60km/hr) and learnt new (actually forgotten) techniques on when to turn, how to keep the car in the centre, how to park (in verbal, not in practice yet), etc.
Related Posts:
Behind the wheel... after 4.5 years!
I was brought to the Woodlands circuit. It was the first time there. Wow, it was a 3 floor building with circuit. I had rounds of practice with negotiating tight turns, crank course and steep slopes. Too bad we do not have time to do the parking - something that I wanted to learn fast! That would wait until the next lesson.
Today's lesson was less stressful. I had a good timing driving (at 60km/hr) and learnt new (actually forgotten) techniques on when to turn, how to keep the car in the centre, how to park (in verbal, not in practice yet), etc.
Related Posts:
Behind the wheel... after 4.5 years!
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Mothers' Day 2012
This weekend was packed with celebrations, one after another!
On Sat, DC went back to his primary school (now a church) for his primary school friend's wedding. What a nice and memorable place to hold a wedding! The kids and I went to my mum's place early in the morning and DC picked us up after the wedding lunch.
In the evening, we went to our favorite steamboat place at Tiong Bahru Plaza to celebrate mother's day. Didi also brought along Lele, her mum couldn't join as she was still having her confinement at home. The 3 mummies who were present:
My kiddies with their mummy me! :)
On Sun, early in the morning we went to Red Star for some dim sum. Wow, the queue was beyond imagination! Fortunately, DC's brother was there early and we saved some time queuing up.
In the afternoon, after a nap, DC brought A to his cousin Rachel's birthday party at Swensen, Ion. I bet he had a fun day blowing out the candles and participating in the activities! :) B and me stayed at home as I'm still having my flu but we both had a good 2 hours sleep!
My happy A. I heard he enjoyed himself quite a lot.
A's prize for the ice-cream decoration competition. His team came in first :)
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On Sat, DC went back to his primary school (now a church) for his primary school friend's wedding. What a nice and memorable place to hold a wedding! The kids and I went to my mum's place early in the morning and DC picked us up after the wedding lunch.
In the evening, we went to our favorite steamboat place at Tiong Bahru Plaza to celebrate mother's day. Didi also brought along Lele, her mum couldn't join as she was still having her confinement at home. The 3 mummies who were present:
My kiddies with their mummy me! :)
On Sun, early in the morning we went to Red Star for some dim sum. Wow, the queue was beyond imagination! Fortunately, DC's brother was there early and we saved some time queuing up.
In the afternoon, after a nap, DC brought A to his cousin Rachel's birthday party at Swensen, Ion. I bet he had a fun day blowing out the candles and participating in the activities! :) B and me stayed at home as I'm still having my flu but we both had a good 2 hours sleep!
My happy A. I heard he enjoyed himself quite a lot.
A's prize for the ice-cream decoration competition. His team came in first :)
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Mothers' Day Presents and Celebration
My first Mothers' Day
Mothers' Day 2009
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Look! A Rainbow!
DC went to his friend's wedding lunch alone and left us all at my parent's place.
Over at my parent's place, A saw rainbow for the first time! He was excited and kept saying "Bow! Bow!". Of course, I just had to take a picture of my dear son with the rainbow!
My mum said she never see rainbows previously at the spot. How lucky we are! There are actually two rainbows if you could see it from the picture. I just love how light refracts through their balcony glass door onto the floor as rainbow! I'm never tired of more rainbows! They just make me smile! :)
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Rainbow sightings
Rainbow spotted
Over at my parent's place, A saw rainbow for the first time! He was excited and kept saying "Bow! Bow!". Of course, I just had to take a picture of my dear son with the rainbow!
My mum said she never see rainbows previously at the spot. How lucky we are! There are actually two rainbows if you could see it from the picture. I just love how light refracts through their balcony glass door onto the floor as rainbow! I'm never tired of more rainbows! They just make me smile! :)
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Rainbow sightings
Rainbow spotted
Friday, May 11, 2012
Spare the rod and spoil the child?
Recently, DC got his dad to buy two canes, one to put at home, the other one at his parent's place.
We argued about the use of cane on our son a lot of times as we take a different stand on this.
I was all against the use of canes on young children! My parents had never used a cane on me and my siblings and we grew up very well, loving, united and well-mannered! While it was true that DC grew up well and upright in an environment where cane was often used as a disciplinary tool, I find some inherent defiance in him that was probably brought about by the canings.
Why would you want to use a cane on a boy who is still so small? At this age, it is acceptable that they roam around the place, exploring and throwing things around. I mean, that's how they stimulate their minds and gain knowledge of things, isn't it? I don't see why cane should be used to stop them from doing the things they want to and to make them do things you want them to do. Of course, at times, they could be naughty and throw tantrums. I rather discipline with love than opt for a harsh punishment! Well, that's me. DC sees it in an entirely different way!
So far, DC had used the cane on A a few times and A already knew the "Power" of it! He'll squirm away very quickly and take shelter if he sees one coming his way. While DC usually gets his way after he used the cane, I feared the effect it may have on A. It seems that the use of it as a threat cue was getting more and more frequent! Will he become fearless and defiant like DC or will he become cowardly, timid and lack of self-confidence over time? That remains to be seen... but now, I really miss my cheerful boy's wide smiles. I'm seeing lesser and lesser of it! :(
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A is 33 months old
We argued about the use of cane on our son a lot of times as we take a different stand on this.
I was all against the use of canes on young children! My parents had never used a cane on me and my siblings and we grew up very well, loving, united and well-mannered! While it was true that DC grew up well and upright in an environment where cane was often used as a disciplinary tool, I find some inherent defiance in him that was probably brought about by the canings.
Why would you want to use a cane on a boy who is still so small? At this age, it is acceptable that they roam around the place, exploring and throwing things around. I mean, that's how they stimulate their minds and gain knowledge of things, isn't it? I don't see why cane should be used to stop them from doing the things they want to and to make them do things you want them to do. Of course, at times, they could be naughty and throw tantrums. I rather discipline with love than opt for a harsh punishment! Well, that's me. DC sees it in an entirely different way!
So far, DC had used the cane on A a few times and A already knew the "Power" of it! He'll squirm away very quickly and take shelter if he sees one coming his way. While DC usually gets his way after he used the cane, I feared the effect it may have on A. It seems that the use of it as a threat cue was getting more and more frequent! Will he become fearless and defiant like DC or will he become cowardly, timid and lack of self-confidence over time? That remains to be seen... but now, I really miss my cheerful boy's wide smiles. I'm seeing lesser and lesser of it! :(
Related Posts:
Taxi Uncle's Secret Identity
A is 33 months old
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Behind the Wheel... after 4.5 years!
While DC had his fun at trying out 4 cars in 6 months, I only dare to touch the wheels today...at the driving centre. Ha, yes I had my first refresher driving lesson today!
It has been about 4.5 years since I last drove a car. I'm like a newbie in front of the driving instructor as I had to re-learn everything! The auto gears are not familiar to me, neither is the road nor the traffic rules!
The instructor said I'm still not ready to drive alone yet. I agreed too! :P I was very nervous on the road, it was after all many years since I last had my hands on the wheel. Last time, I used to scream out loud when I see any sudden or unexpected traffic conditions and that scared my passenger beside! Now, I'm trying to control my emotions and take cautious care not to alarm anyone in the car and I thought I was doing quite all right staying calm today. :P
The instructor is good. He's very patient and always tell me not to worry and just look ahead,not everywhere. Some takeaways from the first lesson:
- Try not to set the gear to "N" as it'll damage the ... I forgot what.
- When adjusting the side mirror, make sure you see a bit of the car body and see the oncoming car in the next lane in the centre of the side mirror.
- Slow down when turning left. I was not slow enough.
- When turning left, look 3 directions: oncoming vehicles, vehicles turning right and vehicles U-turning.
- Look far ahead and don't bother about the car distance between you and the car beside or whether you are within the lane. Looking ahead will automatically resolve the issues.
- Look at least 3x the distance of your car. This would allow you to spot obstruction early and prepare to change lane early.
The instructor led me to Sengkang, Ponggol and Seletar North link before we turned back to AMK. I got off at AMK Hub and that summed up my first lesson. Next lesson would still be on turning left and right on the road... It was stressful on the road. To de-stress, I went to get my cuppa milk tea, did some shopping and met my parents for lunch. :)
Related Posts:
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It has been about 4.5 years since I last drove a car. I'm like a newbie in front of the driving instructor as I had to re-learn everything! The auto gears are not familiar to me, neither is the road nor the traffic rules!
The instructor said I'm still not ready to drive alone yet. I agreed too! :P I was very nervous on the road, it was after all many years since I last had my hands on the wheel. Last time, I used to scream out loud when I see any sudden or unexpected traffic conditions and that scared my passenger beside! Now, I'm trying to control my emotions and take cautious care not to alarm anyone in the car and I thought I was doing quite all right staying calm today. :P
The instructor is good. He's very patient and always tell me not to worry and just look ahead,not everywhere. Some takeaways from the first lesson:
- Try not to set the gear to "N" as it'll damage the ... I forgot what.
- When adjusting the side mirror, make sure you see a bit of the car body and see the oncoming car in the next lane in the centre of the side mirror.
- Slow down when turning left. I was not slow enough.
- When turning left, look 3 directions: oncoming vehicles, vehicles turning right and vehicles U-turning.
- Look far ahead and don't bother about the car distance between you and the car beside or whether you are within the lane. Looking ahead will automatically resolve the issues.
- Look at least 3x the distance of your car. This would allow you to spot obstruction early and prepare to change lane early.
The instructor led me to Sengkang, Ponggol and Seletar North link before we turned back to AMK. I got off at AMK Hub and that summed up my first lesson. Next lesson would still be on turning left and right on the road... It was stressful on the road. To de-stress, I went to get my cuppa milk tea, did some shopping and met my parents for lunch. :)
Related Posts:
At the Wheel Again
Car Brake Down - A Near Miss
Tuesday, May 08, 2012
Cute Clips!
I bought these for B! Hee, that's what happens when you have a daughter! :P
She has quite a collection now, considering the fact that she is just 4 months old!
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Dressing up B's Hair
She has quite a collection now, considering the fact that she is just 4 months old!
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Dressing up B's Hair
Thursday, May 03, 2012
All down with flu... except me!
DC spread his germs to both A and B!! He has been sick for the whole month, foot sprain, fever, foot pain, sore throat, foot pain, cough, foot pain, runny nose...
A contracted his runny nose and cough (some phlegm heard) and today, he had fever of 38.4ºC! He must have been aching all over. It's so heart pain to see my active son sitting down quietly! Son's on MC these 2 days and FIL has been taking of him.
A at the PD's. Look how mischievous he is, wanting to wear his shades.
B had runny nose too. The nanny has been applying vicks on her lymph nodes below the ears and her chest to make her feel better. She had slight fever of 37.4 ºC.
B, on the next day, on her stroller while daddy and mummy are having breakfast before her doc's appointment.
Today, DC had something on and will only be back after 10pm. I got my sis to help out with the children. We fed A his medicine, sis feed B while I pat A to sleep. Just when sis is struggling with feeding B, my parents arrived. B loves my dad and giggled at him lots. My mum took over to feed her and put him to bed, all within usual time! :)
Now, I was the only one who was not affected by the "DC virus"! And, I managed to put the children to bed today without DC (although with the help of my parents)... I feel super! :P Hope my darlings will recover soon!
[Edited on 5 May 2012: I'm down with sore throat and runny nose today!!! A's cough got worse, B's still having runny nose and DC too having runny nose! The whole family is down with flu! :( ]
[7 May 2012: I brought A and myself to the doc today. A's cough seems much better compared to yesterday but I'm starting to get serious runny nose!]
[8 May 2012: It's B's turn today to go to the doc's. We brought her to the doc and he told us to spray seasalt water for her runny rose. He also gave some cough med just in case she develops cough.]
Related Tweets:
6 May 2012, 10:08 PM, CP: It's a symphony of sniffles, sneezes, coughs, wheezes and more at home today!
4 May 2012, 9:23 PM, CP: DC will be home late. I'm so blessed to have sis n parents here tonight to look after B so I can take care of A who is sick. Thanks folks!
3 May 2012, 8:49AM, DC: I think my cough had spread to A :( Off to the doctor ...
Related Posts:
Both Sick
A had fever
Viral Attack
A contracted his runny nose and cough (some phlegm heard) and today, he had fever of 38.4ºC! He must have been aching all over. It's so heart pain to see my active son sitting down quietly! Son's on MC these 2 days and FIL has been taking of him.
A at the PD's. Look how mischievous he is, wanting to wear his shades.
B had runny nose too. The nanny has been applying vicks on her lymph nodes below the ears and her chest to make her feel better. She had slight fever of 37.4 ºC.
B, on the next day, on her stroller while daddy and mummy are having breakfast before her doc's appointment.
Today, DC had something on and will only be back after 10pm. I got my sis to help out with the children. We fed A his medicine, sis feed B while I pat A to sleep. Just when sis is struggling with feeding B, my parents arrived. B loves my dad and giggled at him lots. My mum took over to feed her and put him to bed, all within usual time! :)
Now, I was the only one who was not affected by the "DC virus"! And, I managed to put the children to bed today without DC (although with the help of my parents)... I feel super! :P Hope my darlings will recover soon!
[Edited on 5 May 2012: I'm down with sore throat and runny nose today!!! A's cough got worse, B's still having runny nose and DC too having runny nose! The whole family is down with flu! :( ]
[7 May 2012: I brought A and myself to the doc today. A's cough seems much better compared to yesterday but I'm starting to get serious runny nose!]
[8 May 2012: It's B's turn today to go to the doc's. We brought her to the doc and he told us to spray seasalt water for her runny rose. He also gave some cough med just in case she develops cough.]
Related Tweets:
6 May 2012, 10:08 PM, CP: It's a symphony of sniffles, sneezes, coughs, wheezes and more at home today!
4 May 2012, 9:23 PM, CP: DC will be home late. I'm so blessed to have sis n parents here tonight to look after B so I can take care of A who is sick. Thanks folks!
3 May 2012, 8:49AM, DC: I think my cough had spread to A :( Off to the doctor ...
Related Posts:
Both Sick
A had fever
Viral Attack
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