Tooth Extraction

Jesslyn had her first tooth (bottom middle) removed on 4th May 2015. We were all so relieved when we saw the tooth on her hand. This is why:

We sent her to the dentist last Saturday but we left without paying because the doctor refused to remove it. She was wailing and refused to open her mouth. The young doctor explained to us that he did not want to cause phobia with dentists in the future. He gave some advice and we left with one happy child and three unhappy family members. I was disappointed not only because her tooth wasn't removed. I was disappointed with her scaredy person. She always gets away with difficulties and never takes the courage to solve her problems. Swimming is one example.

Anyway, back home, we asked her to bite an apple everyday and had her wriggle her tooth (actually 2 teeth) with her finger. On Monday night, hubby removed by pulling it out with his bare hand. He used a tissue paper to strengthen his grip. Everyone was joyous about it. One down, another one to go. In fact, this is more urgent because the adult tooth has emerged and it will look ugly if this baby tooth is not removed soon.

So, mission today is to get rid of her 2nd baby tooth. I am going to steam some corn. Tata

Thank You

Jerilyn came back with another one of these notes today. She always get little handmade gifts and Thank You notes like these. I don't know what exactly she does but she seems to be quite a hero in school.

There was once I waited extra few minutes for her to come out from school and when I asked her why was she late, she explained that she had to help a boy packed his bag. At another occasion, she helped another boy searched for his water tumbler. She also helped her friend removed a broken roller from her bag. As for these two notes, she said that she taught them something about studies. I have personally heard her over the phone with yet another friend, explaining patiently about .... what to bring the next day! Although I was happy with her generosity and kindheartedness, I could not help being impatient.

On the one side, I am proud of her angelic personality but I do not wish to see her kindness being abused by her friends. Kids now are no more naive and goody-goody. They are mostly selfish and very streetwise. On the other side, seeing all these beautiful notes, I believe her friends truly appreciate and respects her.
 

Mini Concert

After sending Jerilyn to a nearby music centre for more than a year, I decided to call it quits. Why? Let's just say that I was impatient.

I had been considering what kind of teachers to look for. In the end, I settled for Yamaha Music School. She was enrolled last August (which is about 8 months ago). With private teachers or music centres, they charge at an average RM80 for grade 1. However, YMS charges RM110. Despite the expensive fee, I gave it a try because of one reason. Friend told me that this centre organises concerts every year. Unlike big cities like KL and Penang, there are not many (maybe none) music centres in Ipoh that organises concerts for their students to demonstrate their talents. I think that it could be a fantastic platform for Jerilyn to expose herself to performances and boost her confidence.

Last March 2015, she performed for the first time in public at the centre itself. It was small scale with about 15 performers. She was the third performer and I couldn't deny how proud I was with her. She played two exam pieces very well with no mistakes and appropriate body language to enhance her performance. On the whole, I would give her an A+. You see, prior to the performance, many questions were running across my mind. I was worried about many things. What if she made mistakes she always do at home? What if her body was too stiff or her movement was too fake? What if she chickened out? There were many what ifs.... She herself was anxious about the whole idea since the day she knew about it. Thank God she managed to pull through. Again, I am very proud of her. In fact, another reason for being extra proud is the fact that she was one of the best performers that day. The other two who played very well were in their teens and the rest who were around Jerilyn's age were playing Yamaha 'Grade 1' pieces. If you know Yamaha's syllabus, you should know Yamaha's 'Grade 1' consists of nursery rhymes. There were also a few who hesitated while some made mistakes.

Next, I am waiting for the right time to stop Jesslyn from the current centre and move her to Yamaha. Recently, I found out that it took her 1 year to complete a Beginner's book 1 Theory. With this kind of speed, she will need another 3 years to start doing Grade 1. By then, she would be 9yo? On the other hand,  Jerilyn completed 2 books in half a year. The teacher is preparing to sit for Theory Grade 1 this August. Although you may argue that we learn for interest, not for exams but I believe that slow speed will kill student's interest. It is like learning A, B, C one at a time with a week break in between!

FIrst Day @ School

Don't you like this picture? Isn't it most appropriate for an important day like this where the sun shines on you  and you too, will shine like the sun in school?
Before she joins the primary school, I was worried that it would be difficult to wake her up in the morning as she used to cry even when we woke her up at 8.30 for montessori. However, to my surprise, to this very day (13.3.2015), she has not given any problems when being jolted up at 6.30am. Why? It is a puzzle to me as to you. Her sleeping habits hasn't changed so, it has nothing to do with sleep. Could it be because she likes school? Well, I hope so. Whatever the reason is, I hope she maintains her positive attitude towards school for as long as possible.

This has been her seat since Day 1. I wasn't worried as I thought the teacher would change their places sooner or later, just like what happened to Jerilyn. However, it is different with Jesslyn. She has remained at this seat til this day. According to her, some of her classmates have been asked to exchanges places. Anyway, it isn't all bad news. She says that the last person of every row is selected as the group leader. The job of a group leader is to collect books when necessary and do some errands for teachers.I have always encouraged my girls to be more active in school. It is equally important to learn soft skils and be seen rather than being a bookworm and scoring As without a life.

On the whole, she seems to like it in school (as can be seen in the photo). Two boys were busy wiping their teary eyes with hankies. After scanning the class, I was half relieved that there doesn't seem to have any naughty boys in this class. Those who would pull your skirt up or would push you to the ground.

Blur kid

Guess who is the blur kid here? Bingo - it's Jesslyn. She always makes funny remarks with language. Why is it blur then? It's because she always misunderstands the meanings.

For example, just today, I cut some ciku to be shared. When I told them what it was, Jesslyn quickly replied "Oh, teacher." I was still puzzled by her remark. She continued with "Cikgu mar. It's teacher lor."

She may also get lost in a conversation easily. For example, when the topic is ice-cream, I may ask questions like "Which flavour do you like, Jesslyn?" She may answer "Eat what?"  as if she just joins the conversation. In another example, we could be talking about our experience dining at a particular restaurant. If I ask her "Do you like to go there again, Jesslyn?" Her answer could be "Go where?"

This is how blur Jesslyn is.

Other blur incidents include not completing her homework. You will see question marks on her books occasionally, which you won't find in Jerilyn's books. I don't know if it's blur or just don't care with  her work. Jesslyn doesn't bother to ensure that she finishes everything. What do I mean by incomplete work? One of the most absurd cases would be for instance, instead of writing the whole word 'BIRU', she wrote 'BI'. She may complete half the sentence, half the page and even colour half the car. Thank God I don't have this problem with Jerilyn.

Birthday Celebrations

The past two birthdays (Jerilyn and Jesslyn) have been something to remember about although for different reasons.

We celebrated Jesslyn's 6th birthday at KL Tower last December (2014). The idea was planned in advance. I bumped into a promotion advertised in Groupon. For RM69, the deal includes a tour in its aquarium, entrance to the observation deck and buffet hi-tea in the revolving restaurant. Not sure it is a good deal but I have always wanted to dine in the revolving restaurant with my family. Thus, I bought 5 tickets, including for my dad.  On the whole, the experience was not very welcoming. Firstly, the aquarium tour was too short to last approximately 2 hours wait before we were allowed to dive up the tower to the revolving restaurant. Secondly, we did not have lunch as I did not know that the hi-tea would only open to visitors at 4pm (or was it 5?), on the dot. My dad in particular was famished by the time we had our hi-tea and Jesslyn turned blue. Thirdly, Jesslyn was so shy while the waiters came over to our table to serve the slice of cake (complimentary), rendering a birthday song to the birthday girl. In fact, she was so overwhelmed that she cried. How embarassing! Thank god the surroundings were quite noisy thus, overpowering her voice. She was not the only girl who celebrated birthday that day. The birthday song was sung about 20 over times.

Nevertheless, we had a fulfilling stomach at the end of the day. The buffet selection was good. The new experience of walking around the revolving restaurant and getting lost was something to remember. Other than that, Jerilyn's first tattoo on the face was something she is really proud of. In Malaysia, you hardly see a kid with face painting especially one as daring as this. If you spot one, the chances are it will  be a butterfly or a flower.
In fact, Jerilyn almost made a girl jump when her father pointed to Jerilyn and asked her to get 1 like Jerilyn. Unfortunately, not many people appreciate 'art' this way. Same went with Jesslyn. If I am not wrong, she only allowed the artist to paint a small cartoon on her arm.

The most enjoyable and comfortable experience in this trip was staying in a 75ft executive room at Eastin Hotel in PJ. The room came with 2 toilets ensuite. This was my second visit and has been the best hotel I have ever stayed in.


Turning to Jerilyn's birthday, she turned 8 on 27th January this year. The attention is not on the lavish celebration. We had a simple meal at secret recipe. This birthday is special because I bought her the most expensive birthday gift and the value is not only in the price.  It's a telescope which I bought online from national geographic. I have always wanted to get one telescope. Both of us were very excited. It cost me RM500. She was ecstatic with her new toy. However, til this very day, we have not really made good use of it. Other than peeking at our ceiling (I know that's not what it is meant for), we used it under the sky once after a rainfall. :p

I don't like to spend the night outside, exposing ourselves to robbers and any other dangers. Other than that, I don't fancy staying outside under this humid weather after a bath. What a shame huh! Alright, I promise to allow Jerilyn explore the sky with her telescope soon. :p

Rubik Cube

I have never been a fan of rubik cube simply because I know it's mission impossible for me.

However, I hope my kids (particularly Jerilyn) can do the 'trick'. Jerilyn has always been interested in scientific matters and activities that require logic thinking. Therefore, it is a matter of time before I get her a rubik cube. The day came when she watched a tv programme showing a Chinese player who solved more than 10 cubes in half an hour, blind-folded. Ever since, she nagged and nagged 'til the day I bought her one rubik cube.

I would say that she really has a strong logic thinking (if that is what it takes to solve this puzzle). She managed to solve one side of it after fiddling with it for a day or two. I only showed a short clip on youtube before she solved it for the first time. On the whole, she watched attentively for less than 10 minutes.

It has been a week since it was bought and she still plays with it. Every time solving one side of the cube. As much as I wish to teach her in completing the whole Rubik cube, all I can do is to give her moral support. :D

She also tried to explain the moves, the twists and turns to me but being a sucker in this, I just pretended to listen and nodded my head vigorously while thinking "How can you make sense out of it? There is no logic.", simply incomprehensible.

Maybe one day soon, she will be able to complete the whole cube.

Unexpected Visitor

Jerilyn has a very close friend. Her name - Shirley Teh. When Jerilyn started schooling since Day 1, Shirley had captured my attention. She was the most outstanding student in that class. What did she do? Firstly, she was blinking continuously, I assumed she had an eye problem, wondering if it was contagious. Secondly, she was the most poorly clothed. In this era, you don't often see kids who wear old uniforms especially for Year 1. Her pinafore was quite faded. Thirdly, she was overly excited to play with her sister who was there during the orientation. It was obvious that they have very close relationship. Unlike the other kids, Shirley did not look shy or insecure being in a new environment.

1 year after that, she has become Jerilyn's close friend. Over the year, there have been many extraordinary stories about her which I still find a mystery. You see, I love to analyse people's actions and thoughts. I am quite accurate too at reading people. However, with this little girl. I can't. She is still a mystery to me.

Anyway, few days back, while I was watching my routine 7 o'clock Hong Kong dramas, I heard Jerilyn's name being called from the gate. It was Shirley. Her mother drove her here. Not sure if it's not purpose or pass by. By the way, she exchanged some words with the girls and left.

Yesterday, while bathing I heard her voice again. Screaming for Jerilyn at the top of her lungs. The girls had to dress at top speed or the whole neighbourhood would know Jerilyn's name. So, the girls ran as fast as their legs could carry them to welcome their friend while I quickly clothed myself.

I was surprised to see Shirley in my living room as I walked down the stairs. The mother? She had driven off. I am more surprised that a mother can trust her daughter's friends enough to just leave her at a stranger's door without even a "Hello". I would not allow my kids to her friends' house without exchanging a word or two with their parents.

The girls were very excited with their first visitor. Shirley is their first friend who came over to play (alone). Jesslyn, in particular, showed her around the house; from books to photos. Jesslyn even pointed to the air-cond on the wall. The three of them were chatting like there was no tomorrow. Shirley stayed for 2 hours before her mum picked her up.

I am happy if the girls' friends come over to play or study together once in a while. However, I wish that there are less surprises as we may have our programmes too.

Weight

Jerilyn - 25kg at 8yo. 

Jesslyn - 19kg at 6y2m old.

Extra Curricular Activities

Children nowadays are so pre-occupied with activities. I know many who have to attend tuition 5 days a week, even 7 days! On top of that, they go to different centres according to subjects. Not to mention the distance. The parents do not mind sending their kids kilometres away just so that they get the best tuition. Pity the parents who have to chaperon EVERY DAY!!!

As for myself, I already wishing that Jerilyn can get her own driving license as soon as possible. No. Not tuition but fetching them from school is enough to give me that thought. Other than that, I have to send them for piano classes and ballet lessons. On Tuesdays, Jess attend piano class. On Thursday nights, they have ballet lessons and Jerilyn has piano lessons on Saturdays. In comparison to other mothers, I am the lucky one. 

In school, the girls are quite active. They are both interested in badminton and arts. However, arts have to be sacrificed as they have recently joined Mathematical Olympiad classes. I encourage them to join activities to widen their social network and learn actively, not passively. 

Do they miss anything for not taking tuition? Maybe. I am sure they will do much better academically (if education is about As) if they were to have extra Mandarin lessons. In addition, imagine all the extra time I have for myself instead of nagging them to do extra work at home. The house will be more peaceful too. 

Sarcasm

As we have heard on many occasions, kids in the 21st century are not similar to what we were. Kids now are more out-spoken; they know what they want and they do as they like. No more are the kids who never question their parents or answer their parents back when reprimanded. We never demand. We merely accept.

For instance, Jesslyn is one of those who expects her wishes to be fulfilled or you will be condemned. She does not accept "No" for an answer. She always have her reasons for doing whatever it was. For example, "Jesslyn please share with your sister." Her answer could be "But I want to play with it." To her, that reason is good enough to get it her way. When something goes wrong, it is always not her fault. Anyone but her. For example, why didn't she do her homework? Her answer could be "Cause you did not ask me to." She uses threats if she did not get the attn she required. "Mummy, if you don't teach me I will simply do the work." She demands equal rights. "Mummy, why didn't you give me an angpow like Jie2? This is not fair."

Jerilyn, on the other hand, is a straight-forward person who doesn't play tricks. She is more understanding and tolerant of others. She doesn't demand unreasonably. She doesn't blame. She emphatises. Her only problem is she doesn't speak her mind enough. She is not expressive  as Jesslyn. This results in me not knowing what is on her mind sometimes.

I sometimes wonder why do I have such different kids. Do you feel the same?

Schooling Girls (Jerilyn)

It's unbelievable that this day has arrived - the day for me to write about the girls (both) going to school. The past 6 years have been a dream. Year after year past by without pausing to actually watch how they have grown from a baby into young ladies. So, back to the topic. In terms of attitude, both are very excited about school.

Jerilyn was more disciplined and serious about studying. In fact, she takes everything seriously. Listens attentively in class, follows instructions closely, never misses any homework. There were a couple of times she freaked out because she misplaced her books. She would start bawling over her missing books even before she searched for them. Her exaggerated anxiety annoyed me and it was useless explaining to her. She just simply concluded that her book was lost and she would be punished. In the whole year, she was punished once at the beginning of the school term. The teacher punished those who did not wrap their books. Four from her class were caned on the palm. That was her first experience of punishment and the last that year.

Teachers have regards of her. I have spoken to some of her teachers and all of them praised her for being responsible and pro-activeness. Her English teacher, Mdm Wong complimented her as she alerted the teacher about a mistake in the activity book. Her class teacher, Ms Khor commented that she concerns about what happens around the class. If other students misbehave, Jerilyn would alert the teacher. I was wondering if that was a compliment or otherwise. I mean, if I were her classmate, I would not want a friend who reports me to the teacher if I misbehave.

Academically, she had done very well considering she did not attend any extra classes a.k.a tuition classes. Out of 210 Std 1 students, she ranked 30 on average. Her average marks were between 93 and 95. I found that Mandarin determines one's ranking if two or more students obtain the same accumulated marks.

She joined two competitions last year. 1) English Recitation 2) Maths Competition. She did not get any prize in the English competition which I believe was due to her uninteresting voice. Jerilyn has quite a flat voice. However, she came in 1st in the Maths competition among her classmates of 30 students. She was proud to receive her first trophy which came with a cert. I also notice that nowadays, schools are very generous with trophies and many competitions.

This is the summary of Jerilyn's first year in school.  I may include more details when memory strikes. 

2 years Break

After 2 long years, here I am, figuring what to write and where to start. Let's start with what have I been doing during the past two years? Well, to summarise, I was stuck with postgraduate studies and thank God, I completed the course within the time-frame without any glitches. Officially graduated with Master in Education in August. Fortunately, the ceremony coincides with my dad's birthday so it was a double celebration.

So, what is next? PhD? Despite pressures from the management, I simply do not have the motivation to go on another step. During the past two years, I have lost some precious time to be with the kids and definitely lost lots of hair from the late nights to meet datelines. I am not going to spend another few years dropping more hair and sacrificing my girls until they are ready as well as I am.