Charity Project (5)

Hi
This afternoon, my husband and I made a trip down to NUS Central Library for the Bazaar Vibranto. 15 junior colleges participated in this fund raising event. All 15 stalls sold different things, including food and games.

We were there at around 1 pm. Each of us took a burger (one chicken and one beef), followed by one cup of corn and ginko yam. In support of my little girl, we bought 2 drinks from her stall.

Next, guess what I did? Yes, it's henna. Isn't it nice? It costed $3 and I had to wait for 5 hours before brushing off the henna. This is the first time I try this out. Kind of fun. Will see how long it will last.

Although it's a Sunday, we were glad to see other parents who went there in support of their children or relatives. That's the Singapore spirit!

At closing time at 7 pm, Team Yellow grossed in more than $320 worth of stuff. In fact, their stall had the most number of items on display.

Well, todate, the total collection is close to $900 from yesterday's bazaar, the first fiesta and online orders. The school is also supporting them in cash donations. Hopefully, they will meet their target of $2,500 to present to Special Olympics Singapore.

Credos to Team Yellow for all the effort and time they have put into this project.

A LOVE Letter from my Daughter

School started on 3/1/2007 and my daughter, Yusin, attended a 3-day workshop by Adam Khoo - "I am Gifted So Are You". It ended last evening and parents were invited for the finale.

At the end of the session, Yusin handed me a letter that she had written in the wee-morning of 5/1/2007:

"Mummy and Papa

I love you. Really, just that it will feel very awkward to tell you these 3 words out of the blue, right? Anyway, I must first confess that it is now 0110 am. This means that instead of sleeping, I am here in our dining area writing a 'love letter' to the both of you!

Anyway, yesterday, the coach gave a a prep talk about how we should not live to regret blah blah and that is why I NEED to tell you I love you! Really, I don't want to regret, should anything happen. *choi* but it really is from the bottom of my heart. Many times I have thanked you, in fact everyday, I will thank the both of you! But it is 'I love you' that is difficult to say. So, promise me that from now on, when/if I say 'I love you' to you, please do not look shock!

I want to thank the both of you for your love all these years! I think it was because of your love for me that you did everything you did. Gary, my trainer said that we are loved from the moment you conceived me! Because the both of you took great care of me, out of LOVE, when I was in your womb! I feel so so so so loved! Really! Actually, the workshop didn't really apply to me because even before the workshop, I already felt that MY PARENTS are the best in the world! because you don't ever stress me about studies etc. You have complete trust in me and I really love and thank you for that! I always feel so fortunate when comparing the topic 'FAMILY' with my friends I have 3 "wai leng nei re" siblings, meaning at the very bottom of their hearts, they care for me although they don't show it, and 2 FABULOUS parents!

You know, during the workshop, there was a question: what are you proud of? and immediately I got an answer! that is: "I have never disgraced my parents. They are NOT ashamed of me. I am their pride." Thank you mummy and papa! I am very 'ji dong' now because I am really very exicted when I think about how my achievements have made YOU PROUD of me! How happy you looked when you tell others 'Oh, my daughter got 262 for PSLE' or 'She is the Head Prefect of Cedar!' Really, I am proud that I have made you proud of me and all the credit goes you both! Really! The way you have brought me up. . .

Do you know I am the most knowledgeable about housework and common sense! It's true and I am totally independently at camps and chalets! Things are not difficult for me because I have been doing it all my life. My character and readiness to help, my efficiency, my responsibility, are all what you have imparted to me! I really really love you both! Without you, there is no me! (Litterally and metaphorically).

Well, apart from saying all that, I must confess to some mistakes I have done. Firstly, I am really sorry for not helping out sometimes, like boiling water, etc. I know I could have done it and everyone would be happier but I just didn't. Sorry, mummy. For papa, I always leave the dishes to you and take you for granted. Really sorry for all the things I HAVE NOT DONE. Another offence I always commit esp after I was in Sec 3, is sleeping late! And I actually either ignore the both of you or actually wake up later (after you sleep) and use the computer. Yes, sometimes, I wonder why I keep using the computer. Technology has made assignments IT. EXCUSES! because I am guilty of doing unimportant things online, when I am supposed to be doing work, like blogging, friendster.com etc. Sorry mummy and papa. For your understanding towards my work load and helping me along the way.

Seriously, my whole life belongs to the 2 of you and it belongS not belongED means I will forever be your 'guai nu er'.

Love forever and everyday
Yusin"


I read this letter 3 times and have asked Yusin's permission to have it published in my blog. My husband and I are very touched by this 'LOVE' letter and I am sure you know why . . .

Communication via Handphone

With advanced technology, the use of handphones is a common sight in Singapore. I started to use one because I had to communicate with my children but how effective is it???

Just to relate an incident that happened a few nights ago . . .

My 3rd daughter attended the birthday party of her friend's mother who turned 50 on 1/1/2007. It was for dinner and I had told her to come back by 11 pm. When there was no sight of her after 11 pm, I called her using my husband's handphone which was under-used. My own handphone was set to auto shut off at 11 pm.

At about 11.30 pm, she sms to say "Coming home now, phone low batt." With that note, I switched off the phone and continued waiting. After midnight, still no daughter of mine home yet. My youngest girl and I took turns to call her using the house phone and I even sms her using my own handphone, all to no avail.

By 1 am, I felt uneasy. As we did not have her friend's number, my youngest girl and I decided to go and look for her. Her friend's house is just near by. As expected, the flat was in darkness, meaning the party had ended and she was somewhere else. Meanwhile, I continued to call her, just to get a short beep sound and the call was cut off (symptom of low batt). We just have to go home and wait.

Finally, at around 1.30 am, we heard the unlocking sound of the gate and there she was. I locked the main door and refused her entry. To me, she has disappointed me again by being irresponsible and causing the family to worry unnecessarily. She explained that she sent her friend home who happened to stay only at the next block.

I stood in silence for 5 minutes before I relented and unlock the door. As a parent, no matter what wrong my child has done, I simply cannot bring myself to shut her out (although I was angry then). In my heart, I am thankful that she is back home safe. After some reprimanding and grouding her for all future social activities, I went off to bed. I cried for a while and decided that I wanted a better resolution.

I got up and waited for her to finish her bath. Then we had another talk. I just did not understand why:

• she took 2 hours to come home after her sms at 11.30 pm
• she had to send her friend back when it was only a block away
• she could not borrow her friend's phone to call back when her own hp is on low batt
  

She then explained that she did send another sms to my husband's hp saying that:"Hey, XXXX got bit by dog. I send her home first now ok. I'll be careful. Sorry ah don worry." I check my husband's hp and it was received at 12.22 am. By then, I just did not know what to say. I asked if she knew that after her first sms, the phone was already switched off so we never got her 2nd message. I then took out the hair dryer and told her to dry her hair before going to sleep.

The next day, I got her to check if her dog-bitten friend was all right. And yes she is.

The learning points here are:

• If you are going out the whole day, always make sure the hp battery is full.
• Do not assume that after you sms, the other party will get the message.
• When your own hp cannot be used, can always BORROW one from someone else!
  
• If it is something important, it is better to call and make sure that the concerned party gets the message, especially when it is so late.
  
• Better to send the same message to least 2 people (each of us has a hp and she had to sms to the one who never read messages).
• Make a habit to leave the contact number of a friend where the family can call, in case of emergency.
  
• Be mindful of the time. It really is unsafe for a girl who wears mini-skirt to be walking in the street after midnight. Even the dog will come after you . . .

Charity Project (4)

Hi

Remember the Charity Project - Vibrant Colours that the Cedar girls are involved for The Singapore Olympics. Well, here is the update on the event coming up this weekend.

After almost a month of jumping over lots of hoops and dashing through tonnes of red tapes, Pioneer Junior College (PJC) team created Bazaar Vibranto.

Within a short month, they handled rejection from various organizations, lobbied NUS for endorsement and support. At the same time, they gathers more than 20 teams involved in PJC to jump into the bazaar. The commitment level they exhibited is extraordinary. Hip Hip Hooray!!!

Act now! Call your friends, family, schoolmates and whoever you know. Ask them to visit Bazaar Vibranto. There will be game and food stalls. Teams will also be selling bags, accessories, skin products and lots more. All proceeds raised during the event will be donated to the respective beneficiaries.

Location: NUS Central Forum (Central Library)
Date : 7 January 2007 (Sunday)
Time : 1 - 7 pm


Singapore parents, do bring you children down to NUS for this Bazaar Vibranto. Show your support and do your bit for charity.

Delights and Woes of the Day

School re-opens today after about 2 months' break. Singapore parents of young school-going children sure were busy this morning getting them to classes on time.

I am sure the little ones will have a lot to share when they are back home. Well, here is an exercise that parents can do with their children of all ages.

At dinner time, get them to talk about the what delights them and if there were any let-downs.

For me, I had an enjoyable lunch with 2 old friends I had not seen for quite some time. Nothing too elaborate but it was just good exchanging news about each other.

On the down-side, I had to wait quite a while at the Bank while waiting to be attended. Improvements on banking services still have a long way to go . . . sigh

Both parents and children should participate together so that the juniors also know what the elders encounter in their workplace. Interactions like these will definitely foster better relationship in the family.

Go on and try it out and who knows there may be surprises every day . . .

Bitter Gourd Soup and Omelette

I know a lot of people detest bitter gourd but there are those who also love it. I am one of these people. Here are 2 recipes that my family have enjoyed and I would like to share.

Bitter Gourd Soup

Ingredients – Half bitter-gourd, 2 carrots and 300 grammes of pork ribs

Preparation (serves 4 – 6 persons):

1. Cut the bitter gourd into horizontal slices of 5 cm each
2. Cut the carrots also about 5 cm apart
3. Wash the pork ribs and put into a big bowl
4. Pour boiled water over it and immerse for about 2 minutes, then drain the water away
5. Put the bitter gourd, carrot and pork ribs into the pot
6. If using slow cooker, use 4 bowls of water (takes 2 – 3 hours on ‘high’ volume to cook)
7. If using conventional method, use 6 bowls of water, first on high heat until water boils, then to low heat and simmer for at least 1 hour.
8. Before serving, add salt to taste (usually half – one teaspoon will do)

Bitter Gourd Omelette

Ingredients – Half bitter-gourd, 3 eggs and onions/red chillies (optional)

Preparation (serves 4 – 6 persons):

1. Slice bitter gourd diagonally and thinly
2. Put the sliced bitter gourd into a pot with enough hot water to immerse it
3. Add a pinch of salt and boil the bitter gourd for about 3 minutes (do not cover the pot)
4. Drain the water and put the bitter gourd into a medium bowl
5. If onions and chillies are desired, cut them thinly and put them with the bitter gourd
6. Crack the 3 eggs into the medium bowl and bitter gourd and onions
7. Add soya sauce (2 teaspoons) or salt (half teaspoon) and mix well before frying

Goodness of bitter gourd

The bitter gourd has excellent medicinal virtues which are antidotal, tonic, appetizing, stomachic and laxative. Studies have shown that they are good treatments for diabetes, piles, constipation and blood disorders.

Singapore parents, hope you like the above 2 recipes and will find time to try them out. Enjoy the dishes with family.

Resolutions for 2007

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right” – by Oprah Winfrey

Today is the beginning of 2007. While we bid good-bye to 2006 yesterday, there are still undone tasks to be completed. So with a new year, we may have new resolutions but do remember the outstanding ones, if they are still valid.

My intention in life is to have passion in inspiring others to appreciate people and things around them. Below are some tips on how I go about setting my goals:

1) Make a Wish List which is specific, measurable, attainable and with a time-frame.

2) Deal with the list in terms of their priorities, with important ones first followed by those you do best.

3) Perform one task at a time and with focus. This way, things will get done.

4) Draw up roster and delegate tasks, especially household chores to family members so that everyone plays their part.

5) Keep a record on expenses. When on budget, then you will know what needs to be cut down.

6) Stay healthy to be able to perform your best.

7) Relax, be happy and enjoy what you do.

8) Once a month, refer to the Wish List and see how much has been done.

Here’s my Wish List:

• Daily - to go for brisk walks with my husband (to bring his weight down by 5 kilos).
• Once a week - to dispose of old stuff and do house-keeping.
• Twice a week - to visit my mum and cheer her up.
• Monthly - to meet at least one successful person who has positive attitude and pick up what suits me.
• Monthly - to enroll 5 students for self-improvement courses that will benefit them for life.
• Monthly - to inspire at least 1 person to change their lifestyle for the better, in terms of mindset and health issues.
• Twice a month - to go for facial and spa treatments, for maintenance and relaxation.
• By Apr 2007 - to gather materials from various sources on parenting tips, for preparation of workshop for parents and teens.
• Ongoing - to help my school-going children to manage their time for studies and other activities.
• Ongoing - to instill fun and creativity when learning new skills or things, example being a volunteer for Art Outreach.
• Ongoing - to keep a contact list and update it, as and when there are referrals.
• By end of the year, to make a trip to China, with my husband and family members.

In Singapore, life may be hectic, but parents, I am sure you still can find time to write down a few things you want to achieve for 2007. Start your list now if you have yet to do so. . .

“Good resolutions are simply cheques that men draw on a bank when they have no account” – by Oscar Wilde

Reflections on 2006

January – My 3^rd daughter, Yu Mei, turned 17 on 23/01/2006. No fancy celebration. Just a family get-together for a nice meal. Of all my children, she is the “rebellious” one who likes to argue with me. No matter what, she is still my child and I will love her always.

February – Yu Mei got her ‘O’ level results: two A1s, one A2 and the rest B3. Considering her score was 23 during her prelims, she had done well. As a parent, I am proud of her. She is now in Meridian JC and I am sure she will continue to do well in her ‘A’ level next year.

March – I attended the Certified Professional Trainer course conducted by Quest. There were 3 workshops and 3 assignments to be completed. Intend to do part-time training after I retire.

April – My eldest girl, Yulin, turned 22 on 8/4/2006. She is in her final year at NTU doing Mass Comm. On 22/4/2006, we lost our uncle (my father’s eldest brother) aged 90 in Kuala Lumpur. I brought my dad to KL to pay our last respects. Dad was full of emotions. He thought he would break down and cry but he didn’t. Instead, when he was back in Singapore, he cried quite often for no apparent reason.

May – We lost our dad on 12/05/2006 Vesak Day. While penning this, my eyes are wet with tears. Every time I think of him, I just can’t help it. Papa, I still miss you . . .

June – There was no Father’s Day celebration. Rather, all of us spent more time to visit my mum who still grieved for the loss of my dad.

July – At work, I was transferred to the User Administration Section. Quite a bit of adjustment to make and got to know my team members better. Had to stay late quite a bit too, most times up to 9 pm.

August – I joined the SEO Web Design workshop and started a blog – parent-joy.blogspot.com. Up till today, have 50 posts. Will continue to blog and share parenting tips with interested parties.

September – There were 3 birthdays and our wedding anniversary to celebrate. As we were still in mourning mood, I just brought my mum out for dinner. No cakes for my 2 kids (Shuen Min and Yu Sin).

October – After more than 30 years with the same company, I decided I needed a break and submitted my retirement notice. Instead, after talking to HR, I opted for no-pay leave for 6 months. Like I said earlier, I intend to do part-time training. If all work well, I will formally retire in May 2007.

November – My last day of work was on 29/11/2006. Colleagues have given me farewell treats and wishing me all the best. I need that as I know venturing on my own is tough. Come what may, I will take the challenges!

December – This one month, I thought I could relax. Instead, I was rather busy clearing up things at home, going to my mum’s place and attending classes. Managed to take a short break with my husband to KL during Christmas week.

Mending the Lives of Teens

I read with interest today's Straits Times "Upfront" article on 'Young-old interaction mends lives of teenagers'.

It related how juvenile offenders (aged 14 and above) were sent by judges to work unpaid at welfare homes. This Community Service Order (CSO) was first introduced in 1996 as punishment for crimes such as drug-taking, shoplifting and rioting.

Initially, offenders were assigned menial chores and they did them with resentment. Probation officers and staff at these homes eventually realized that it is more beneficial for these youths to interact with the residents there. Last year, Project Sunshine was launched. It taps on offenders' talents, interest and resourcefulness to let them serve the less privileged.

This move is showing results. By developing a sense of empathy, the youngsters bring laughter and joy to the residents of the welfare homes. The Ministry of Community Development Youth and Sports has found that about 6 in 10 came back after their probation ends. The CSO programme makes them realize that there are people more disadvantaged than themselves. This has inspired them to change for the better. Like one of them said: "The residents may be old and sick but they have pride, so I had to be very careful in the way I behaved. I couldn't be my former arrogant and rude self."

I am really glad there is such a programme in Singapore. Parents of these youths would be pleased to know that their children have turned a 'new' life by being more responsible and caring. Hopefully, these are long term changes which will benefit them for life. BRAVO to CSO!

Spending Christmas in Kuala Lumpur

Hi

This Christmas, my husband and I made a trip to KL on 23/12 and were back on 26/12. Unlike Singapore, the weather was fine during the few days we were there - no rain and sunny.

On 23/12, we took a coach from Golden Mile (Grassland) at 9.45 am. As there was delay at Tangkak and slight detour at Seremban, we only reach KL around 5.45 pm. After checking in, we met up with my cousin's family and had dinner at Mum's Place - an Indonesian restaurant. The ambience was nice and so were the food. In fact, we were told that the furniture on display at the restaurant were also for sale. How interesting, right?

On 24/12, we were awaken by my elder cousin, Siang, who came 'knocking' at our hotel room at 8 am. After washing up, my husband and I had buffet breakfast at the hotel. As the shops open only after 10 am, we just stayed in the hotel room and watched TV. Lunch was at Jalan Alor - a local restaurant that offers a variety of fish soups. It certainly was cheap and good.

Thereafter, we proceeded to Petronas Twin Towers or KLCC (KL City Centre). Below are some shots that we have taken.

After visiting KLCC, we were back at Ritz Carlton. My husband and I then went for massage at The SPA Village on the 4th level of the hotel. Thereafter, dinner was at the poolside which is also on the 4th level. It turned out we were the only diners there - special arrangement by the hotel. Cool and romantic, right? It sure has been a long time since 2 of us had candle-light dinner, without the kids.



Christmas Day, we simply went shopping, from Times Square to Sungei Wang Plaza, all along Jalan Bukit Bintang. Dinner was with my cousin's family again. Nothing fancy but local delicacies that taste just as good. My nephew and niece threw in a SURPRISE when I went to their home - a belated birthday cake for me. My birthday was on Christmas' eve.

On 26/12 morning at 10 am, we made our journey back to Singapore. It was a smooth ride and we reached home slightly after 5 pm.

It was a free and easy trip and we did relax and have a good time. Would like to thank my cousin Emily, Tim (her husband), her 2 kids (Benjamin and Wei Yinn) and of course Siang who have made the trip more memorable.

Parents, if you want a short break, do consider KL. There is good food and bargains if you take the time to look around.

Dong Zhi (Winter Solstice Festival)

Today is Dong Zhi. Most Singapore Chinese will associate this day to ‘tang yuan’ – glutinous rice flour balls. Well, want to know the history of Dong Zhi . . .

Dong Zhi is a thanksgiving festival in the Chinese calendar. It marks the end of the year with a new one approaching. Literally, it means ‘the arrival of winter’. The Winter Solstice Festival is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Chinese and other East Asians during this festival.

Dong Zhi is the day when sunshine is weakest and daylight shortest. This celebration can be traced to the Taoist belief of yin and yang, which represents balance and harmony in life. It is believed that the yin qualities of darkness and cold are at their most powerful at this time. However, it is also the turning point, giving way to the light and warmth of yang. For this reason, the Dong Zhi Festival is a time for optimism.

This day is also the birthday of the Primival Lord Of Heaven (Yuan Shi Tian Zun), one of the Three Pure Ones in Taoism. Taoists will perform rituals on this day. But it is a pity, that younger generation today is not very appreciative to this festival.

It is an occasion for the family to get together to celebrate the good year they have had. To symbolize the unity and harmony in the family, tang yuan is cooked and eaten during this festival.

‘Tang Yuan’ also means "tuan yuan" (family reunion). The round shape of the rice balls symbolises reunion for the family, the sweet soup and pink colour is for harmony and good fortune. The flour balls may be plain or stuffed.

How to make tang yuan?

• Add cool or tap water bit by bit to one cup of glutinous flour until you can mix it to the same texture as playdough.
• Divide the dough into small portions. For pink ones, add colouring and knead on the dough to ensure even distribution of colour.
• For stuffings, the fillings can be gula melaka (coconut sugar) or crushed peanuts.

Alternatively, you can get ready doughs in wet markets or better still, supermarkets offer ready-packed ones with fillings of red beans, black sesame and peanut paste.

How to cook tang yuan?

• If plain soup is preferred, just cook the tang yuan in a pot of boiling water and add sugar to suit taste.
• For my family, I like to use dried longans for the stock. The brown-coloured soup makes it more appealing.

Either way, when the dumpling floats, they are done. Let them sink in for a short while more but do not overcook lest they become mushy.

So parents, hope you can make use of above tips to prepare tang yuan for your family. While you are enjoying the rice balls, do share the story of Dong Zhi with your children. This is one tradition and culture that we should pass on.

Keep Healthy With Clean Air

Every living thing needs the warmth of the shining sun, clean air and pure water. However, the earth where we live is ruthlessly destroyed by ourselves – pollution. This has threatened our survival. Let us look at what are some of the indoor air pollutants and dangers:

• Human factors – cigarette smoke, rubbish smell, perspiration smell body odour, etc
• House factors – toxic gases from decoration materials, furniture, home electric appliances, etc
• Biological factors – microorganism, virus, mould, pests, hairs of pet animals, etc
• External factors – industrial waste gases, soot, sand, toxic chemical gases, etc

Singapore may not be the top 10 polluted cities but prevention is always better than cure. To keep the home environment clean, especially where there are children, it is good to install air purifiers. Below is a product that I will recommend:

TRL Air Purifiers

These purifiers adopt anion technology that purifies the air and removes toxic substances including dust, odours, moulds, etc. The following are some functions of anions:

• Generate active oxygen in the air for ease of breathing absorption
• Sterilize germ structures and subdue them
• Act as an air freshener that combine dusts that float in the air with ionization and this will cause the dust in the air to subside.

With cleaner air, the benefits expected are:

• Sleep improvement
• Promotion of metabolism
• Promotion of immunity

For more information, please log on to: http://www.litatlong.com.sg

Besides the home, you may also put one of these purifiers in the car or near the computer. I have used this product myself and have found them to be truly beneficial.

Parents, for the sake of your family (children and old folks), do consider getting one or more of these purifiers.

Community Involvement Programme

CIP - Singapore parents with children in schools should be familiar with this term. It stands for Community Involvement Programme. Whether at primary, secondary or JC levels, school children are given tasks or projects under CIP.

In primary level, students may be assigned tasks such as washing toilets, flag days or visiting charitable homes. At secondary level, examples would be helping out in libraries, fund raising or helping out in other community work. At JC level, students are expected to show more involvement and this can be attachment to any of the charitable organizations.

One such example is SANA which stands for Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association. My daughter who is in JC1 was attached to SANA for 7 days (4/12 - 12/12) with 2 of her school mates. After their attachment, this is what they have to share.

The 3 Little 'Pigs'

Camaraderie (from Lee Yu Mei, Nasirah Mansor and Ttay Pui Boon)

Have you heard of the story of The 3 Little 'Pigs'? Well, this is not about the Three Little Pigs but Three Little Girls, that is US! And here is our story . . .

Once upon a time, there was not a school called Meridian Junior College (MJC). In 2002, MJC was born. Joining MJC in 2006, the three girls did not know each other despite being in the same school for almost a year. We finally crossed paths when we joined the volunteer attachment programme at SANA.

When we first stepped into SANA, we absolutely did not know what to expect. But we were pleasantly surprised when were were warmly welcomed by all the staff at SANA. However, the first few days started slow as we were trying to fit into the surroundings. But special thanks to our mentor, Jean, who made this process much, much easier for us.

So what makes our stay at SANA interesting. Our first duty was to come up with a proposal for fund-raising, which was not exactly exciting and certainly nowhere near fun. Thankfully, Jean decided to mobilize us in designing a mega snake-and-ladder game which we enjoyed through and through. We were given a chance to unleash our childlike creativity which seemed to be missing in our hectic JC lives.

Along the way, we learnt loads about SANA and we also had a taste of what working life is like. Volunteering at SANA is an experience like no other because we were exposed to several teen issues such as smoking, teen pregnancy, hanging out late and most importantly, drug abuse. We realize that nowadays, these issues are very real and that everyone is equally susceptible to such temptations, including us.

We will always miss the times we shared during these 7 days' attachment, the laughter, the joy and most importantly, each other. As they say, friendship is born at the moment when one says to another, "What! You too? I thought I was the only one." Friendship and teamwork were the two things that made our stay at SANA fruitful. Like the three little pigs, we too, found out that hardwork was the single most important thing during this attachment. If only it had been longer . . .

To all young and robust teenagers out there, trust us, volunteering at SANA is one decision you will never regret. Pick up an application form and be a SANA volunteer, satisfaction guaranteed!

Quotable Quotes

Hi parents

This weekend, I have neither tips or advice to offer. Instead, have gathered some quotable quotes from famous people and would like to share them with you.

"A good example is the best lesson." - Benjamin Franklin

"A man without a goal is like a ship without a rudder." - Thomas Carlyle

"Be the change you want to see in the world." - Mohandas Gandhi

"Children have never been good at listening to their elders, but they never failed to imitate them." - James Baldwin

"Genius is 1% and 99% perspiration." - Thomas A Edison

"Get a good idea and stay with it. Dog it, work at it until it's done, and done right." - Walt Disney

"Give the world the best you have, and the best will come to you." - Madeline Bridge

"He who has the will acts with resolution; he who is contented is rich." - Confucius

"Imagination is more important than knowledge.
Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." - Albert Einstein

"Keep in mind that neither success nor failure is ever final." - Roger W Babson

"Learn from the mistakes of others - you can never live long enough to make them all yourself." - John Luther

"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." - George Bernard Shaw

"Make sure you visualize what you really want, not what someone else wants for you." - Jerry Gillies

"Most of the successful people I've known are the ones who do more listening than talking." - Bernard Baruch

"Nothing happens unless first a dream." - Carl Sandburg

"Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstances." - Bruce Barton

"One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar." - Helen Keller

"One who knows others is wise;
One who knows oneself is enlightened.
One who overcomes others is strong;
One who overcomes oneself is mighty." - Lao Zi

"People become really quite remarkable when they start thinking that they can do things. When they believe in themselves they have the first secret of success." - Norman Vincent Peale

"The best way to success comes through constant practice." - Andy Warhol

"The past does not equal the future. Because you failed yesterday....doesn't mean anything....all that matters is: What are you going to do, right now? - Anthony Robbins

"Today is the first day of the rest of your life." - Abbie Hoffman

"We cannot discover new oceans until we have the courage to lose sight of the shore." - Muriel Chen

"Well done is better than well said." - Benjamin Franklin

"You don't get in life what you want; you get in life what you are." - Les Brown

In Singapore, life can be hectic and stressful for both parents and children. Whenever you feel down or need some words of encouragement, do refer to the above list and get some motivation.

Charity Project (3)

Hi
Just to update what is happening to the Charity Project.

Look at the variety of stuff toys available. If any of them appeal to you or your children, you can place your order, from $5 upwards to $10.


The hand-made items are still going at 2 for $1. So far, online orders for the pebbles are popular.


And look at the joy from these 3 girls. When you do charity, you do it willingly and with a loving heart!

If you want to do your bit for charity, please log on to www.yellow-pvc.blogspot.com or email to:

Abinaya: sourtomyam@yahoo.com.sg
Elyssa: bigflip91@yahoo.com.sg
Sun Meng: inourdream@hotmail.com
Sharron: xueren91@hotmail.com
Jennifer: jennifer_eelingz@hotmail.com
Vicky: virgo_smilez@hotmail.com
Lyana: funky_lyana@hotmail.com
Arica: violetstarz@hotmail.com
Yu Sin: leeyusin@hotmail.com
Wan Ping: blue_clouds_12@hotmail.com

Having POSITIVE Attitutes

In Singapore, to remain employable is tough. For a parent to juggle between work and family, is even tougher. Well, I am proud to say that I managed to stay in the workforce for more than 31 years. The first 3 jobs were around 3 months each. The 4^th one lasted more than 30 years from secretary to executive level.

Many people asked how I managed to stay in the same company for so long? My motto is “Every Day is a New Day”. In addition, you need to have POSITIVE attitudes.

P repare to learn

This is important because to remain employable, one has to learn new skills to keep abreast with the ever changing times. Make it a point to look for courses relevant to your work and get the company to sponsor them. These include computer courses, communication skills, negotiation techniques, to name a few.

O bserve others

By observing others, especially your supervisors and bosses, you would be able to pick up leadership traits from them. The other aspect is to get along with your colleagues better, especially those from other units. Good liaising with different levels has its advantage - things can get done faster.

S elect your friends

More often than not, we spend a lot of time in the office than at home. So, it is good a have a few good and ‘positive’ friends who will support and give you encouragement in times of crisis. Usually, these will be your lunch ‘kakis’ where you can share your joys and woes. This is also a good time to de-stress and enjoy yummy meals together.

I nfluence others

This refers to getting others to be on your side, especially if you are on a project. By able to influence others in the team, common goals can be achieved and time-line can be observed. By having this strong trait also brings out the leadership quality in you. Your supervisor and boss will appreciate that.

T rust your instinct

Just when do you do that – when you have a new idea, when things go wrong or when you are in a dilemma to make a decision. Do consult your supervisor or boss in such a situation. Explain why you are taking the approach and get affirmation from them before proceeding.

I nvest your time

By this, I mean prioritizing the tasks allocated to you. If need be, delegate to others who are the ‘experts’. It also refers to striking a balance between work and family. By having quality time at home and at work, you will be in a better form to perform your tasks.

V alue yourself

By this, I mean one need to feel good about oneself. Unless you value yourself, then you can tap on your strengths and develop them further. If one has low esteem, it will show in his/her slacking performance. When you value yourself, you also look radiant and ready to take on new challenges.

E njoy what you do

Last but not least, enjoy what you are doing. When you have lost the joy in your work, it is time to move on to other areas. So, while you are on the job, take pride in it and give your best shot. Enjoy also your relationship with your colleagues. It will go a long way, especially if you intend to stay in the same company as long as I do.

Well, hope parents still in the workforce will find the above tips useful, not only in the office but also at home.