When I was young, my mum used to speak to us in English and insisted that we do not add in the "lah" when we speak.
When I was in primary school, our teachers spoke English to us and it was spoken very well too.
When I was in secondary school, I had my first taste of school mates not being able to converse in English. I also had teachers who could not speak the language well.
When I was in university, I was horrified to learn that some of my fellow uni mates could not speak this language well, let alone write it. Forget about conversing, some could not even understand some basic words I use.
At work, thankfully, most could speak this well. Although I did come across candidates at interview sessions who could not understand our line of questioning.
And then, I read our DPM has this to say in The Star, should I laugh or should I exclaim in horror?
"... surprised to learn that English is not a “must pass” subject for SPM and wants public feedback on the matter."
"...it was a revelation to him as he had always thought that it was a prerequisite since students had to learn English in school."
"... shocked to learn that national schools no longer taught English grammar."
And apparently, a pass in English has never been compulsory for SPM. Since 2000, a pass in Bahasa Malaysia was sufficient to get the SPM certificate. Previously, a credit was a must. And one wonders why we have people who cannot speak nor write the language well.
To top off the whole fiasco, he has this to say "...he wondered if rural students would be at the losing end if a pass in English was required in SPM."
wtf??
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
A Day Out With Ryan
It's the school holidays now and I have been planning a day out with Ryan since last week. I had wanted to bring him to watch Monsters vs Aliens at 1 Utama, followed by a visit to the Toys r Us outlet there.
We reached 1 Utama at 10am and hurried to buy the movie tickets. His daddy said that he will join us. What a rare thing indeed. After getting the tickets, we went to FOS Kids and Teens. It was great. Every time I go there, I find gems. Affordable and nice clothes for my kids. Yes, I am a cheapo mum, I can't help it.
11am came and we rushed to get our popcorn and then into the cinema. To my delight, the hall had about 20 people in it. Good, good, no disturbances. His daddy arrived in the middle of the show but Ryan was just as happy to see him. The movie was quite good especially the part where Susan (the oversize girl) realised that her fiance was a real jerk and proceeded to make up her mind that she did not need him to shine, she was doing it just fine.
When the movie ended, we proceeded to lunch at Delicious. Ryan wanted cup cakes and so, we went. We also had fries, pasta and sandwich, on top of 2 milk shakes. By the time we finished, Ryan was so full, I think he wanted to vomit.
His daddy had to go back to work and so, we went to our favourite place - Toys r Us!! I think we spent over 2.5 hours in there. I had my book in my hand and all I did was follow Ryan around and find a spot for me to read while he played with the toys. We left the store with RM100 worth of toys and puzzles. The good thing was that Ryan did not whine about wanting the toys, he just went with the flow and I said yes to some of his requests.
We left 1 Utama at 6pm and Ryan immediately fell asleep. He said he was so tired and so sleepy. Poor boy. I let him sleep in the card till about 7pm when I had to wake him up. He was still tired but thankfully was in a good mood. He is such a dear. After dinner, he played a while and finally hit the sack at 10.30pm, still late I think.
All in all, we had a good day. I am happy to have him with me and to celebrate him, just him. I am looking forward to doing it again with Ryan and in the years to come, with Megan too. Tomorrow. we will be back at my mum's for the remaining school holidays.
What about you? Where are you going?
We reached 1 Utama at 10am and hurried to buy the movie tickets. His daddy said that he will join us. What a rare thing indeed. After getting the tickets, we went to FOS Kids and Teens. It was great. Every time I go there, I find gems. Affordable and nice clothes for my kids. Yes, I am a cheapo mum, I can't help it.
11am came and we rushed to get our popcorn and then into the cinema. To my delight, the hall had about 20 people in it. Good, good, no disturbances. His daddy arrived in the middle of the show but Ryan was just as happy to see him. The movie was quite good especially the part where Susan (the oversize girl) realised that her fiance was a real jerk and proceeded to make up her mind that she did not need him to shine, she was doing it just fine.
When the movie ended, we proceeded to lunch at Delicious. Ryan wanted cup cakes and so, we went. We also had fries, pasta and sandwich, on top of 2 milk shakes. By the time we finished, Ryan was so full, I think he wanted to vomit.
His daddy had to go back to work and so, we went to our favourite place - Toys r Us!! I think we spent over 2.5 hours in there. I had my book in my hand and all I did was follow Ryan around and find a spot for me to read while he played with the toys. We left the store with RM100 worth of toys and puzzles. The good thing was that Ryan did not whine about wanting the toys, he just went with the flow and I said yes to some of his requests.
We left 1 Utama at 6pm and Ryan immediately fell asleep. He said he was so tired and so sleepy. Poor boy. I let him sleep in the card till about 7pm when I had to wake him up. He was still tired but thankfully was in a good mood. He is such a dear. After dinner, he played a while and finally hit the sack at 10.30pm, still late I think.
All in all, we had a good day. I am happy to have him with me and to celebrate him, just him. I am looking forward to doing it again with Ryan and in the years to come, with Megan too. Tomorrow. we will be back at my mum's for the remaining school holidays.
What about you? Where are you going?
I dropped my milk
I was cleaning the fridge last night when one of the ice-cream milk bags fell out. I had just put it in, so the milk has not frozen yet. The whole thing just fell on the floor with a soft thud and the milk were all over.
I had a sudden heartache. Although my production levels this time round is great, I still felt that I had wasted my precious liquid for Megan. I could not help but to feel a little agitated about myself. I supposed I should be thankful that it was the small tube that fell out instead of the big bag.
Sigh, breastfeeding is really not easy. I always feel very defensive about my stand to breastfeed and even more so when it comes to pumping and storing. I really hate people who ask me whether it is safe to feed a baby frozen and thawed milk, if it is fresh, if the nutrition is still there etc. And I always feel that I have to "protect" my stock, all the time.
To have one of them fall out the fridge and spill all over made me cringe with anger, at myself. Argh, stupid silly me!
I had a sudden heartache. Although my production levels this time round is great, I still felt that I had wasted my precious liquid for Megan. I could not help but to feel a little agitated about myself. I supposed I should be thankful that it was the small tube that fell out instead of the big bag.
Sigh, breastfeeding is really not easy. I always feel very defensive about my stand to breastfeed and even more so when it comes to pumping and storing. I really hate people who ask me whether it is safe to feed a baby frozen and thawed milk, if it is fresh, if the nutrition is still there etc. And I always feel that I have to "protect" my stock, all the time.
To have one of them fall out the fridge and spill all over made me cringe with anger, at myself. Argh, stupid silly me!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
"I want 2 brothers and sisters"
Yup, this is what Ryan said just now and his daddy stared at him with disbelief.
At some point I think his daddy was holding the bedsheet tightly when Ryan went on and on about wanting 2 more brothers and 2 more sisters.
His daddy said "Aiyo, you already make me pengsan, some more ah?"
LOL!!
At some point I think his daddy was holding the bedsheet tightly when Ryan went on and on about wanting 2 more brothers and 2 more sisters.
His daddy said "Aiyo, you already make me pengsan, some more ah?"
LOL!!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Ryan goes working with me
Last week has been tough for me. We had to run some fieldwork and I have been coming home late. I figured that it would be easier if I had Ryan with me while hubby takes care of Megan.
2 out of the 5 nights I was away, Ryan was with me. He was a darling and I must say, even I am surprised with his behaviour. I had half expected that I would have to go off half way.
The first night, he was happy with some papers and pencils. The second night, I had a laptop set up for him so that Mickey and his friends will be able to help keep him happy.
But I think the 2.5 hours being cooped up got the better of him and so, he did not follow me after that. I was very happy with him being able to get a glimpse of what I do for a living. He told me that he wants to see me work so that he knows how I get the money for him to go school and buy toys.
Meanwhile, when I got back home, Megan is usually ready for her milk after her screams with hubby. And life is just great after the kids are down, I usually get reminded of how great my role is as a mother to my wonderful kids.
2 out of the 5 nights I was away, Ryan was with me. He was a darling and I must say, even I am surprised with his behaviour. I had half expected that I would have to go off half way.
The first night, he was happy with some papers and pencils. The second night, I had a laptop set up for him so that Mickey and his friends will be able to help keep him happy.
But I think the 2.5 hours being cooped up got the better of him and so, he did not follow me after that. I was very happy with him being able to get a glimpse of what I do for a living. He told me that he wants to see me work so that he knows how I get the money for him to go school and buy toys.
Meanwhile, when I got back home, Megan is usually ready for her milk after her screams with hubby. And life is just great after the kids are down, I usually get reminded of how great my role is as a mother to my wonderful kids.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Auntie P
Auntie P came on 1 June 2009, almost 5 months after Megan was born. With Ryan, she came 3 months after he arrived.
I was a little surprised the last time and asked the gynae what happened as breastfeeding mummies generally do not have their aunties visiting so early. He assured me that all is fine and that it just means I am fertile.
And age made a mark, this time, older, Auntie P also came later, although it still means I am fertile. Sigh, and who says we are not getting older??
I was a little surprised the last time and asked the gynae what happened as breastfeeding mummies generally do not have their aunties visiting so early. He assured me that all is fine and that it just means I am fertile.
And age made a mark, this time, older, Auntie P also came later, although it still means I am fertile. Sigh, and who says we are not getting older??
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
One of those nights
I had to observe some fieldwork tonight and I had the whole night planned out, or so I thought.
Megan was to be with nanny while hubby takes Ryan. I figured it is easier for everyone this way and I will pick Megan up when I finish.
However, the fieldwork started late and I had to take calls from hubby saying that Ryan was being difficult. I was half cursing and half wanting to just leave. In the end, I left.
When I got to nanny's, I was told that Megan was on hunger strike since sunset. Great, I have wonderful kids who knows when the sun goes down, mummy's coming and no other food is allowed. I don't know where this character comes from.
When I got home, hubby said Ryan was having a fever. Me, in a panic, did not know what to do first -change Ryan and get him to the hospital or to feed Megan and put her to sleep. Thankfully, hubby remained calm and got Ryan out the door to the hospital. I stayed at home and Megan was asleep in no time.
The wait at home was horrible. At some point, I called hubby and heard Ryan whining on and on. He told me he was in pain and that his stomach was upset. I cried and went into a mess again, not really sure what to do.
Sigh, having kids is really a whole new world. So much can potentially happen. So much can change in a second. I just received a call from hubby saying that Ryan is fine, he just has a normal fever, not the nasty swine thing which I was nervous about. I am so so relieved. Megan is sleeping like a baby now. And I am just thankful I have my brother around who is always called to be on stand by should the situation needs him. Bless his soul.
Now, have just made Ryan's milk and waiting for him to come home to me. What a night huh?
Megan was to be with nanny while hubby takes Ryan. I figured it is easier for everyone this way and I will pick Megan up when I finish.
However, the fieldwork started late and I had to take calls from hubby saying that Ryan was being difficult. I was half cursing and half wanting to just leave. In the end, I left.
When I got to nanny's, I was told that Megan was on hunger strike since sunset. Great, I have wonderful kids who knows when the sun goes down, mummy's coming and no other food is allowed. I don't know where this character comes from.
When I got home, hubby said Ryan was having a fever. Me, in a panic, did not know what to do first -change Ryan and get him to the hospital or to feed Megan and put her to sleep. Thankfully, hubby remained calm and got Ryan out the door to the hospital. I stayed at home and Megan was asleep in no time.
The wait at home was horrible. At some point, I called hubby and heard Ryan whining on and on. He told me he was in pain and that his stomach was upset. I cried and went into a mess again, not really sure what to do.
Sigh, having kids is really a whole new world. So much can potentially happen. So much can change in a second. I just received a call from hubby saying that Ryan is fine, he just has a normal fever, not the nasty swine thing which I was nervous about. I am so so relieved. Megan is sleeping like a baby now. And I am just thankful I have my brother around who is always called to be on stand by should the situation needs him. Bless his soul.
Now, have just made Ryan's milk and waiting for him to come home to me. What a night huh?
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Self-praise Ryan
This afternoon, it was too hot to do anything. After Ryan got up from his nap, we sat and read a book about snakes (I hated it, I hate snakes!).
Ryan was moving around as usual and he was reading the book upside down. He started to spell out the words and he was very pleased with himself.
When I said "Wow! You are such a smart boy!"
He replied (quickly): "I know!"
I was grinning from ear to ear, my little boy just self-prasied himself, wonder if he knows.
Ryan was moving around as usual and he was reading the book upside down. He started to spell out the words and he was very pleased with himself.
When I said "Wow! You are such a smart boy!"
He replied (quickly): "I know!"
I was grinning from ear to ear, my little boy just self-prasied himself, wonder if he knows.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Megan is a recognized Malaysian
2 days ago, Megan is officially a Malaysian. I think I have not written about this before, and so, here goes. Beware though, that this is going to be quite lengthy.
Megan was born on 9th January 2009. We were to have registered her within 42 days. As usual, hubby and I were fashionably late and I learnt (again) that procrastination never pays - big time!
We went to the nearest NRD and were told that they could not register her as she has already passed the 42 days. We had to go to the KL HQ which is in Maju Junction Mall. In the paper that accompanied the registration, it was mentioned that after 42 days, we were to pay RM15 for processing fee and a RM50 fine. Check it here.
When we got to Maju Junction, the lady at Counter 12 told is that there is a list of forms and requirements we have to get in order to have Megan registered. This include the forms that we had, a form to paste all of our passport photos and a 4R photo of Megan, Megan's immunization records as well as a copy of Ryan's birth certificate. And we also had to go see a Commissioner of Oath to swear and for him to sign another form. And to top it all off, we were told that we had to go for an interview!! And that was a good 3 months away! I am still thinking why they could only interview 3 people a day when the lady there told me that there is a whole bunch of people out there waiting to have their registration done.
After 3 months, we finally went for the interview on 26th May 2009. It was a stupid interview really. We brought Megan and I thought that they would at least give her a good look to see if she resembles us or something. But all that happened was that the lady told us that we have to be interviewed separately - me and Megan and hubby by himself.
The questions asked included when we were married, where we were married, when Megan was born, where she was born, who delivered her, whether I went for my pre natal check-ups, who did them for me, why we were late etc. The exact same questions were asked of hubby, made me think that they were actually checking to see if we were genuinely married. Poor Megan was left out.
After completing the interview, we were told that we had to wait 1.5 months to see if my application was approved before I get her birth cert. And then, I have to wait another 1 month to get her MyKid. I could feel my blood boil in my face when I heard that. And the bloody lady was downright rude too. She did not display any empathy towards Megan not having a birth cert.
When I said that I needed her birth cert to buy an insurance plan, she said "Tak payah belilah, siapa suruh lambat! Ini bukan saya buat punya proses!' I swear, I could have slapped her face, but then, Megan was watching me ...
The next day, I went into a writing rampage, to 3 main papers' editors as well as to the DG of NRD and the Pengarah of KL HQ. The whole day I was thinking about whether any of my emails were read, I was not sure if my emails were going to help the situation or was going to make our application buried even deeper.
So, you can imagine my surprise when the very next day after all those emails, I got a phone call from the Pengarah of the KL HQ NRD!! He said he was trying to see if I could meet up to receive Megan's birth cert! Wow! I almost could not believe it! He was even asking me if I could come up to his office to have some coffee. After some negotiations on time, he finally said that he will come by personally to my office to deliver it to me!! Yipee!!
When I met that guy, he was all apologetic, although he did defend all the stupid procedures they had. And he told me that I will be getting Megan's MyKid in 10 days! Yay!! When I got back to the office, I saw an email from his boss in Putrajaya, stating he was all sorry and sad and regret, and have directed the Pengarah to take care of this problem immediately.
While I am relieved that I got all my documents in place, I still cannot help but think about why all these procedures needed to be in place. It is not like we are immigrants, we are bloody Malaysians and although we are late, should we make a poor child suffer? Why not just impose a higher fine? Why not just come clean with the procedures on the Net? Why spring the surprise? And why bring the baby? Was it to prove that we have a legit kid and not bought? What makes them think that if we had reported it within the 42 days, then it would have been a legit kid? Honestly, all these procedures really do not make sense.
Anyhow, thankful we have solved this. And Megan is a recognized Malaysian. Yay!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Photo Express software from eoe Online
I had earlier written about an online photo printing website called eoe Online. And true to their word, they did deliver my photos after 3 working days (subject to where you currently are). What's more, the photos arrived in those photo albums that we usually get from an actual print shop and so, the photos were protected during transit. To be honest, I did not expect that from an online website!
Now, they have another exciting software called Photo Express software for quick and easy photo printing. The main features of this software are:
1) The built-in 'auto upload resume' function which will automatically reconnect your upload from where it left off in the event if you are disconnected in any way. I am sure users of Streamyx will attest to this. The last time, it took me nights to download my photo because it was so slow.
2) The ability to resize your photos to the required print size resolution before uploading them to save tremendous upload time!
Isn't that great? I am so happy that finally somebody thought of a way to enable us to continue uploads and not needing to be around to monitor it.
To start using it, all you need to do is just to download the software, key in your username and password. Then, select the photos, print size and quantity you want. Confirm your order and address. The software will provide you the option to resize the photos. Upload and voila, you will receive them in 3 days, depending on where you are.
At the moment, they are running a promotion where for any orders of RM35.00 and above placed via Photo Express, you will get Free Delivery and also a lovely 4R photo frame worth RM9.90 for Free!
So what are you waiting for now? Print at one of the most reasonably priced centre, topped with free delivery charges with no hassles and get photo frames for free too!!
Now, they have another exciting software called Photo Express software for quick and easy photo printing. The main features of this software are:
1) The built-in 'auto upload resume' function which will automatically reconnect your upload from where it left off in the event if you are disconnected in any way. I am sure users of Streamyx will attest to this. The last time, it took me nights to download my photo because it was so slow.
2) The ability to resize your photos to the required print size resolution before uploading them to save tremendous upload time!
Isn't that great? I am so happy that finally somebody thought of a way to enable us to continue uploads and not needing to be around to monitor it.
To start using it, all you need to do is just to download the software, key in your username and password. Then, select the photos, print size and quantity you want. Confirm your order and address. The software will provide you the option to resize the photos. Upload and voila, you will receive them in 3 days, depending on where you are.
At the moment, they are running a promotion where for any orders of RM35.00 and above placed via Photo Express, you will get Free Delivery and also a lovely 4R photo frame worth RM9.90 for Free!
So what are you waiting for now? Print at one of the most reasonably priced centre, topped with free delivery charges with no hassles and get photo frames for free too!!
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