Pedicure Disappointment

I had my pedicure done on 4 Jan 08 afternoon with my girlfriends at Nailzstory, at their branch located at Far East Plaza Unit05-83.

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It was planned for a few of us to enjoy a Hen's Gathering, before our dear ole' friend May marries the next day. The bride herself also got her manicure & pedicure did specially for her BIG day.

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(Ruined pedicure)

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To my greatest disappointment, one of my toe colours actually came off on the 9 Jan 08; this is the 6th day since the pedicure service was done. This has never occur to me in my past pedicure experiences and I'm talking about using O.P.I nail lacquer here.

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Yes, I'll never use any other nail lacquer brands except the ones from O.P.I. I trusted that label since my past experiences lasted me for slightly more than 3 weeks. At times, even almost a month.

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I've spoken to the person-in-charge of that nail saloon & followed up with a written email to inform them about my disappointment. I told them I was shocked that by the 10th day, almost 4 out of my 10 toes are ruined. The picture is taken on the 10th day in fact and I regretted that I did not immediately take a picture of my ruined toe on 9 Jan 08.

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I've not been wearing covered shoes or been doing any outdoor activities since my pedicure service. There could be several possibilities:

1) The selected OPI colour is of inferior quality (unlikely since it's from authorised supplier)

2) The manicurist is not properly trained (in view of this young person working on part-time basis)

3) The pedicure service is not done properly & in a rush (I mentioned recalling that I did not receive a top coat after my nail color. Only the cuticle oil after the drying)

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I'm not asking for compensation of any sorts since I don't like to be labelled as a "Cheapskate Singaporean" but I'll be interested to see how they respond to this.

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Sometimes, the rod kicks in

Yes (sob sob)........Mummy just caned me.

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(3 hard lashes)

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3 times to be exact, on my right thigh. Can you see those marks? Ouch!

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Well, while Mummy was trying to shower and at the same time 'supervise' me, I was caught playing with the phone electrical cables near the wall electrical point.

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Not only did I not heed her verbal warnings, I went on to strip myself naked. I was trying to join her as I would like to shower too but I know I showered earlier. Hee......cheeky me.

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Of course, Mummy wouldn't want to have me shower again at 9+pm. She gave several verbal warnings for me to stop mis-behaving but I continued to stretch the tolerance band. I refused to listen and started playing with the water hose, spraying water all over the toilet floor.

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Alright, I probably deserve this lesson. Once Mummy came out of the shower, she headed straight to grab her magic rod. She swung it 3 times straight at my thigh. I WAS STUNNED. I realised that I shouldn't TEST her patience and started wailing.

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Poor Me, Mummy simply ignored my wailings. Not only that, she brought me to my MOST HATED CHAIR at home and ordered me to sit down. Well you see, this SPECIAL CHAIR is for naughty children who doesn't take or listen to instructions. It's placed at a corner and I HATED it MOST.

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(I don't want to sit SPECIAL CHAIR)
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I pleaded with Mummy and told her I don't want to sit down. I was left crying for a good 10 mins before I finally stop my sobbings. Then Mummy came over and 'negotiated' with me. I was told that I can leave the special chair ONLY IF I behave myself. Of course I promptly agreed.

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Mummy finally 'release' me and I guarantee you, I BEHAVED VERY WELL after the canning saga. Not even the slightest mischief.

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[Mummy] Guess sometimes the magic rod is REALLY needed to do the job (Although not at Mummy's wishes).

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We have Guests at our place today

but GOSH!!!
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You know what, Mummy & Daddy forgot to take any pictures since they were busy preparing, serving, eating then washing up after dinner.

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Our visitors were Uncle How and family, Uncle Larry & family which includes my good friend and flght-mate Poh Ong. They were invited over for a sumptuous dinner lovingly cooked by Daddy at our humble abode this evening. Note: DADDY CAN COOK!

;-)

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Well, since there's no picture taken of our guests (it's not the most important information anyway) BUT just know that I'm the one who opens the door for them when they arrives for the yummy......Ha Ha Ha.....

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Cheezee!!
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It's May's Wedding Day

I just cannot describe this feeling. It's like I just got to know May in school and now, I'm attending her Wedding!

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My dear ole' classmate from secondary school, May is marrying Leng today.

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I'm just so excited about this good ole' friend's Wedding. It's hard to say that feeling but here, I really wish her & Leng Marital Bliss, have a child soon! (hee..hee, so I can tell myself to buck up too)

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All the best to you both! Congratulations Mr & Mrs Chia!

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Breakthrough in Crude Oil & Gold

Just like to pen down a record breakthrough.
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On Nov 27, 2007, we read in the news report that "Crude oil will continue testing the US$100 mark"
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Today upon Asian market opens from the overnight of US Jan 2, 2008
Our mouth went wide open upon hearing this piece of morning news
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"Oil, Gold Near Records as Dollar Drop Lures Investors"
Oil reached a record $100 a barrel yesterday and gold soared to its highest ever.
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Man!! where is this market heading to?
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Source: Reuters NY
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Welcome to Year 2008

HELLO 2008!
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(The delicious BBQ food)
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We had a new year eve BBQ and count down blast to 2008 last night. It was lovely & heartwarming spending the countdown with our close friends. Did you enjoy welcoming 2008 as much as the House of ANG folks and their friends did? We hope so you did.
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We mentioned about celebrating something else didn't we? Yes yes, our dear Ms Wong's birthday is also around the corner so we decided to "double" surprise her. By throwing a New Year Eve for everyone cum Birthday Party for her.
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(Preparing for a pleasant surprise)
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We had the pleasant surprise all planned out. Already pre-arranged with Mr Chua, we booked the function room & BBQ pit at their condo in advance without Ms Wong's knowledge, brought food and had all the guest invited to meet at a specific time in the function room on New Year's eve.

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(We're going to shout out loud "Happy Birthday")
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When the time arrives, we quickly switched off all the lights in the function room. The plan will be for Mr Chua to bring the family down for a walk and slowly lead them near to the function room. When the 'star' is close enough, we'll all spring out and shout "Happy New Year & Happy Birthday".

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Well, we all successfully did it! Just look at their expressions. Hee Hee

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After the surprise, we started settling down to eat and drink; some of us went to get more food cooked at the BBQ pit so we can all sit down, indulge in the food, followed by a round of poker.
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(Enjoying each others' company on a New Year's Eve)
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While the children gets their entertainment from throwing lizards at us ladies.........and placing lizards on their heads!
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(Happily showing off their lizards)
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and trying to scare Aunty Ivy. Well, it's no use boys, Aunty Ivy is only afraid of cockroaches!
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Before preparing to countdown to 2008, we gathered everyone to sing a Happy Birthday song for Ms Wong and enjoyed the yummy Black Forest cake lovely purchased by Janet at Bengawan Solo.

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(Happy Birthday Ms Wong!)
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Not long after, we tuned ourselves to Channel 5 (believe the countdown programme is held at Vivo City), waited and counted down. Then, it's Happy New Year!

One of our close friend sent this sms message which reads meaningfully like this:
"A New Start
A New Chapter
A New Beginning
Forget the Bad
Cherish the Good
Wishing you a Very Blessed New Year ahead!
Happy New Year 2008!"
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Shortly after welcoming 2008, the gang friends decided to call it a day and departed for home. As for the ANG folks, we decided to stay for the night at the Chua family's humble abode.

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We sincerely hope everyone had a fabulous time welcoming 2008 just like we did.
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1 January 2008 - On New Year's Day
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Our Little boys woke up late at 9.30am since they both slept at past bedtime last night.
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(Playing the DOH)
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Both took their breakfast and started jamming the house with TOYS. Of course, after getting bored with their toys, they are as usual up to a lot of mischef. In order to prevent them from bringing the house down, we borrowed some cartoon time.

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(Watching "Nody" on Disney Playhouse Channel)
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Not only they are close playmates but FIGHT-MATES as well! So on New Year's Day, we made sure they KISS and MAKE PEACE! kekekeke..............

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(Happy New Year folks!)

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Grocer buying

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We're buying these groceries for a special day.
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That special day is tomorrow.
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We're brewing a New Year Eve party and something else.....before the year 2007 come to a close. We'll see.
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Check us out again tomorrow.
;-)
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At Copthorne King's Hotel

for a retreat and to make some plans for 2008.

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In another 3 days, 2007 will become history and we'll welcome 2008. Most of us working folks will be faced with even more challenges; for working mums like myself, the challenge of being a dedicated mum, a wife and an employee. All these at the same time. Isn't that so challenging these days? Hence, for mums with more than 1 kiddo, kudos to them all!

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We chose an Executive Club Room so we can enjoy the Executive Lounge all day facilities; internet connection, newspapers and media materials, free flow of beverages, wines and canapes. It well suited our intent for a day to break away from parenting but to plan and discuss, relax as well. (For me, continue to nurse my bloated tummy)

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(Cosy cosy sleep)

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We were welcome by a cosy executive room with its balcony facing the River View Hotel. Diagonally opposite where we are from the balcony, we can sight the Singapore River and Clarke Quay is within walking distance rather.

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(View from the balcony)

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Of course, a retreat is always not just about planning and discussing. Some time-out to breathe the Orchard Road air why not? Since we're near town, we're thinking why not enjoy the evening street lighting in town?

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Orchard Road is so filled with people on the streets. Believe most folks are trying to do the final Year-End shopping since many retail shops are offering sale, sale and sale; the SALE signages are everywhere!

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Both the ANG Master and Mistress were very behaved. Both of us were not enticed by the SALE at all!.....hahaha......we brought nothing for ourselves except household wares for the House-of-ANG. Typical family people indeed. We spend a rather short time in town and headed back to the hotel after grabbing some bread for supper. Expecting orchard road to be jam-packed, we took bus!

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(Beautiful street lighting)

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(Just look at the traffic jam)

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(Whimsical season)
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Honestly......with 2007 coming to end year, I have really no idea where this year went. While I feel that a lot of stuff went down this year it seemed very much blink-and-you-missed it over all. My wish in 2008, is definitely good health in the family, as well as more time to enjoy motherhood & catching up with friends.

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Bloatedness

It's definitely not the food ate the other night that causes diarrhoea and bloatedness yesterday.
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(Meds to soothe the tummy)
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Yes, I was out of action at work & I'm still feeling a bit under the weather, recovering from yesterday's tummy episode. The diarrhoea just chose to attack me (without warning) after I woke up early yesterday morning. I also felt nauseous and discomfort around my chest.

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The doctor advised that my discomfort could likely be the early symptoms of stomach flu that my boy experienced last week. An incubation period of 1 week before it erupts is very likely. Gosh! Luckilly for me, no vomitting and fever. Just diarrhoea and bloatedness.

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With New Year's day around the corner, I really hope that our family will not experience anymore events similar like the ones we had during the Hari Raya & Christmas week (Kiet was down with stomach flu followed by Linda's road accident after her wedding). It was traumatic and tiring.

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Nevertheless, hopefully this weekend will be a restful one, to gear up for a brand New Year ahead. For me, GET WELL SOON.

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Today is Boxing Day

Merry X'mas to all!!

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We hope there'll be a lot of warmth & peace everywhere. Bliss to our family.

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Season's Greetings!

Counting down to X'MAS

We were at Carlton Hotel yesterday for the solemisation ceremony of Kiet's Monster Aunt followed by high tea. After filling all our tummies, we rose & toast to this special occasion. Our child was full of curiosity when he saw his paternal grandparents walked up the stage. They were handed each a glass of something.

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Without prompt, he quickly took his water bottle along with him and joined the people on stage. We were all so amused watching our boy on stage!
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(Tilt your heads to the right)
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After the event, we headed home to rest for the day since our child is still nursing his tummy from the earlier stomach flu.
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Today, Kiet's had a small Christmas Eve party at his daycare! Daddy took time off to participate in the party with our boy while mummy had to be at work. Nevertheless, Mummy prepared some mini chicken hotdog early in the morning for the duo to bring along to the school since it's supposed to be a potluck party. No doubt, our little boy enjoyed himself truly. The lucky boy received a lot of Christmas pressies from his fellow classmates too!
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(Singing Jingle Bells and Santa Claus is coming to town)
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(Can you spot Kiet angel on the Christmas Tree?)
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(Try looking out for Kiet Angel again)
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(Kiet's Christmas Pressies!! Lucky boy isn't he?)
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For Mummy, after her half day's work, her entire office retreated to one of their colleague's home near Kovan for BBQ lunch!
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While the parents still ponder about how to spend their X'mas evening, an unfortunate accident happened. News arrive that the newly-weds Monster Aunt and her hubby both got hit by a car at the ECP at close to 2.55pm. The newly-weds were both travelling home on their motorbike when the road accident occurred.
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The motor-bike that they were riding on collided with a car, who had drove recklessly, cutting into the lane that they are travelling on. Both Master & Mistress ANG rushed to A&E of SGH immediately and only managed to settle the injured couple down at close to mid-night. The couple were made to stay in the hospital for observation. Fortunately, they did not suffer any fracture or serious injuries except Monster Aunt's hubby had to go through minor surgery to stitch up his right arm (suffered serious abrasion).
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It's really an eventful day for the family. Everyone suffered shock from the accident and were worried the entire afternoon. It was especially traumatic for the elderly at home! Thank God that the couple is now alright and in good hands. What else after all these, but hopefully a good night's rest followed by a Blissful Christmas day.

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Merry X'mas though!

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Path to Recovery

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Our child is now feeling much better compared to the past few days.

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Unlike his usual appetite of solid food, he is only willing to eat pieces of cornflakes, drink milo or milk. Occasionally, some plain white rice and mummy tries to make him drink a little ikan bilis /vegetable soup. The stomach flu this time round is really more contagious! The route to recovery is slow.

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While writing this, mummy is preparing baked potatos.....where hopefully the little boy will eat some later.

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Stomach Flu

(little toy cars entertain him)

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Our child had to be confined in the house today, with his mummy trying to keep him occupied.

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He started vomitting in the early hours of Hari Raya Haji and persisted until the late evening yesterday. Occasions of passing very loose stools also made him repeat 'stomach pain' throughout the day. Without delay, we consulted our regular GP and manage to arrest his diarrhoea.

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Although throughout the night there's no more vomitting and diarrhoea, this morning, our boy vomitted his morning milk feed in less than five minutes after waking up. Mummy knows immediately that she cannot make it to her office today as her boy is still not fully recovered from his stomach flu.

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Instead of fretting over the flu, mummy will try to make his day at home an interesting one.......try painting? Hee...hee. Hopefully by end of today, we'll see our usual hippity boy again.

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(Get well soonest Kiet!)

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Monster (姑姑) is now MARRIED

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Kiet's paternal auntie Linda (姑姑), also known as 'Monster (姑姑)' to our little boy, was customarily married yesterday.
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Our little boy is in charge of opening the bridal car door for the groom that morning.

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He woke up throwing a lot of tantrums. (Since it's like waking at 7am to get dressed, which is unusual for him on a Sunday morning)

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Nevertheless, he did a great job! A natural!...hee hee hee

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and here's your reward darling...........

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Food...........................Comfort Food!
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wedding preparations

We're choosing a top and pants for our little boy now.

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The family is excited cos' our little boy is tasked with an important role in the early morning of 16 Dec 07. He's naturally the candidate (being the bride's family youngest male) who will open the door for the groom!

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The Chinese customary wedding believes that the groom, on the day to fetch his bride, must not open the car door when he arrives. He has to wait patiently in the car for the bride's younger brother to open the bridal car door for him.

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If the bride has no younger brother, a younger male relative or a younger male friend can play the role. The candidate will open the door and pass the groom two oranges. Those two oranges will then be left in the bridal car for auspicious and good fortune. The groom will in return give this younger male a red packet as a token and auspicious for opening the car door.

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A little child's song

This song is sang over and over again. You'll hear it in every Birth occasion, the celebration of every birthday.

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While my little boy enjoys humming the Happy Birthday song so much recently, his mummy is feeling rather confused + terrible. That kind of feeling that you're not giving him enough as a child and providing him a better environment. Guess this is the aftermath since the meeting of the daycare. This feeling is haunting the mummy's mind as long as she is awake.

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While he sings, he is celebrating! That lousy feeling overwhelms you even more. What is it that as a mother you can celebrate about now? Knowing more clearly that certain things is beyond your control.

Today's THE DAY

to meet the centre's operator and the principal to hopefully try to understand what is going on in the centre.
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Fingers crossed.
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What needs to be done?

The angelic children;

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then those dedicated teachers who gave or tried to give their best; some left the centre eventually due to the internal differences, (between the teaching philosophy and the operator's business mind)

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(From Left, Ms Li-Hua, Angeline, Yvonne, Amy, Annie (Owner of the centre), Kasturi & Christine)
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and finally my growing pre-school child,

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How can a mother tolerate the situation, bear to stand aside, do nothing at all for the children & teachers in the daycare?

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Probably not for me. I'll never compromise situations especially at the expense of young children and the elderly.

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No matter what happens, children are just CHILDREN. I observed an obvious thing during the assessment of the entire situation here; local parents are very afraid to speak up or stand on their rights (although they are a consumer in this situation). Whereas compared to expatriates, they are more supportive and seek to resolve issues together (team-work) when something is not right. In this case, obviously about our daycare centre's operations.

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The mothers are finalising and waiting for the DAY to meet the centre's owner + supervisor. Not until the meetup is over, more information will be shared on what exactly happened.

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Would probably serve as a guide for some working mothers out there to audit their daycare centres!

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kiet the grocer

Having long observed that our child usually enjoys pushing the supermarket carts for mummy - not to mention his favourite would be the children's cart in the Jelita Cold Storage, we decided to gear our little child with a little cart at home and tried to transform a little part of his room into a grocer shop!

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With mummy's little touch to the grocer corner arrangement, we'll be having a little fun on our first home-shopping!
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So who says that boys cannot go grocer shopping with mummy (or girlfriends)? Guess the training always starts young!

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