tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90211354876286716822024-03-18T11:03:43.615+08:00Beanie N Us!PARENTING, CRAFTING, COOKING & HOMESCHOOLING FUN!beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.comBlogger484125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-84282685887235818382021-03-01T08:00:00.012+08:002021-03-03T10:37:19.356+08:00PSLE tips and resources Part 2 - Science<p>PSLE Science gives me a headache when I recall our P6 experience last year.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">While Science is a very fun and interesting subject to learn,
to score well, it may not be easy. To start, MCQ takes up more than half of the
marks of the full paper with each question being allocated 2 marks. This means
that any mistakes would be costly as it would be “0”. So, 3 mistakes would
place your child in the below 90 range (based on just Booklet A). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I attended some webinars last year; some were paid and some,
free. One common advice given by most educators online was to try and score as
high as possible for the MCQ section. This is because in Booklet B - it is a free
response section so marks can be lost if keywords are not included or the child
has not acquired the correct technique of framing his / her answers. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">In this post, it would be more of sharing my learnings and
perhaps key areas to look out for in addition to resources which we have found
useful. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>:: Books</b></p><p class="MsoNormal">Honestly there are many many good books out there in the market so the intention is not to list 20 books but the few that I think are more useful:</p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>1. Science PSLE Revision Guide</u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">This guide is a very popular title as most of my friends have it. It has good notes and detailed notes and explanation and covers all topics. Local parent influencers have also shared comments on it before. You can get a copy <a href="2BBhANEiwAe7eyFLZxofVr292EcPKBh4PerAuGFElYY1dFt8_LaC2a539b9y1pB5rhkhoCwD8QAvD_BwE" target="_blank">here</a> if you prefer online shopping as opposed to visiting physical book stores. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7kxW0lCGsUc/YDxkh1j-KoI/AAAAAAAAMD4/uXzuFnaWDAUcfpU2VEJKzuKORIs-zbuyQCLcBGAsYHQ/image.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="532" height="400" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7kxW0lCGsUc/YDxkh1j-KoI/AAAAAAAAMD4/uXzuFnaWDAUcfpU2VEJKzuKORIs-zbuyQCLcBGAsYHQ/w304-h400/image.png" width="304" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><b><u>2. Science Process Skills Series</u></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">Interestingly, not many of my friends know of this series. Most are into buying mock papers and this seems to be a tad under the radar. It has a series for P3 & 4 too but for the purpose of this post, I am just sharing the photos for P5 & 6 (Upper Block). </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29mf3yAyy8o/YDxlIBeEvfI/AAAAAAAAMEE/J06mPYfJ4IYtarJoM8USfcUR-AFAW-llACLcBGAsYHQ/s1268/Picture1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="1268" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29mf3yAyy8o/YDxlIBeEvfI/AAAAAAAAMEE/J06mPYfJ4IYtarJoM8USfcUR-AFAW-llACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/Picture1.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I like these books very much as they do a few things. <div>a. They build process thinking skills through the questions specially designed </div><div>b. They attempt to make Science relevant by challenging the students to think deeper by linking it to real-world context (see right most diagram). </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1dujKw5tQg/YDxlIMzGKWI/AAAAAAAAMEA/oqfRu5IfHAcfJyPnbBEZi9imjsaChSJwQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1903/Picture2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="944" data-original-width="1903" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p1dujKw5tQg/YDxlIMzGKWI/AAAAAAAAMEA/oqfRu5IfHAcfJyPnbBEZi9imjsaChSJwQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h318/Picture2.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal">A few of my friends shared that they bought these from Popular bookstores so if you are keen, you may like to call them prior to check on stock before heading down. </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /><b>:: Topics</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am not an oracle (lol) so I cannot predict what topics
will be featured but based on the past year papers that the kiddo has done,
both upper and lower blocks are covered and are equally important: topics like <b><i>magnets</i></b>,
<b><i>electricity</i></b>, <b><i>plant and body systems</i></b>, <b><i>life
cycles</i></b> are often seen – sometimes in both Booklet A and B. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">However, some of the topics the kiddo found trickier were “<b><i>Heat</i></b>”,
“<b><i>Changes of States</i></b>”, “<b><i>Energy</i></b>” as well as “<b><i>Forces</i></b>”.
Thankfully, we were blessed to have found many free resources to reinforce
concepts and clear misconceptions. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Here are some to share:<o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Free "live" webinar:</u></b></p><p class="MsoNormal">One resource which I would strong recommend is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/HeuristicsScience/" target="_blank">Science Heuristics</a> FB Live (they were conducting this weekly last year) at 8pm. Mrs Koh (the presenter usually) cuts straight to the point and her sharing is very focused on the right thought process and answering techniques. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HeuristicsScience/videos/1848774455301157/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="863" data-original-width="1468" height="376" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M4l4fEtAeA0/YDxbWnaj71I/AAAAAAAAMDk/exM4H1q57HcG4DVBxI95I851-W6-PvDBACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h376/Picture2.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Print screen is that from Heuristics Science FB Live)</span></i></div><p class="MsoNormal">In the video above, she was sharing specifically on keywords. </p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal">They also conduct "live" webinars on different topics too so do hop on over and subscribe / follow and watch with your child weekly. Here's one on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/2097409587144767/videos/3597117960319175" target="_blank">conductors of heat</a>. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Besides "live" coaching, here is a list of printable resources / online reading which you may find useful. <br /><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Forces</u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Science Shifu has a post on <a href="https://scienceshifu.com/understand-forces-diagram/">understanding forces
illustrated by diagrams</a> which you may find useful. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Pique Lab has many posts on <a href="https://thepiquelab.com/blog/category/primary-school-science-techniques/primary-6-science/forces/">forces</a>
and I have to say that their resources and notes were really helpful. They also
have a <a href="https://thepiquelab.com/blog/5-easy-steps-to-conquer-questions-on-forces/">special
focus on answering techniques</a> where steps and “templated answers” like
these may help children. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VpBD3HJg954/YDxd9agVWqI/AAAAAAAAMDw/EoIwCgWgsfkoIxeYzA6UgCy1dBRRP5NfwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1446/Picture1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1446" height="334" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VpBD3HJg954/YDxd9agVWqI/AAAAAAAAMDw/EoIwCgWgsfkoIxeYzA6UgCy1dBRRP5NfwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h334/Picture1.png" width="640" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Print screen is that of Pique Lab's website)</span></i></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Energy Conversion <o:p></o:p></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Science Shifu also has a post on <a href="https://scienceshifu.com/common-mistakes-on-energy-conversion/">common
mistakes made on energy conversion</a> too. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Heat and Changes of States</u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Infogaphics are a great way to learn and Blue Tree Education
created many which I found to be useful for a quick recap / overview. Here, Blue
Tree Education created one which is on another common misnomer: <a href="https://www.bluetreeeducation.com/psle-science-boiling-vs-evaporation/">boiling
versus evaporation</a>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://thepiquelab.com/blog/category/primary-school-science-techniques/primary-4-science/heat-energy/">Here</a>
Pique Lab also has many articles on Heat where it also analyzed exam papers of
primary schools and provides suggested solutions (with clear explanations). <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Science Shifu also has other articles on other topics which you can find <a href="https://scienceshifu.com/science-revision-notes/">here</a>. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>:: Useful skills <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">For MCQs, I have to say that many questions are tricky.
Children must have very strong conceptual understanding (and a clear head I
must say!) to avoid being misled. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Like many children, my kiddo tends to be careless – skims
through the questions without reading properly (misses out clues- sighs), forgets
key words in her FRQ (double sighs) AND (lo and behold!) missing out on
questions (every parent’s nightmare)! <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I always remind the kiddo to do these steps denoted by
acronym UIC. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>1. U – Underline <o:p></o:p></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As your child reads through the questions, it would be good
to underline (or circle if she / he prefers that instead) the key information
and what the question is asking for.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This slows the child down in skimming through and it points
the child to the key information quicker. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>2. Ink trails <o:p></o:p></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">What are the key words that this question is looking for?
For e.g. if it were to be a question on plant and the conditions it needs to
make food, it would be good to draw / make notes on the diagrams as your child
compares the experiments in the questions (short 2 – 3 words will do, not full
sentences). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>3. Cross out <o:p></o:p></u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">As your child completes the first 2 steps, the next step will be by
rule of elimination – so cross out the options that do not apply. This reduces
shading mistakes in the answering sheet too.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Heuristics Science also has other videos which are focused on their own answering technique (TCR) and here you can see an example as Mrs Koh shares on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/2097409587144767/videos/1059692097815379" target="_blank">SA Revision</a> using this technique for Booklet B (FRQ).</p><p class="MsoNormal">I hope that you find these links and free resources useful in your revision as much as I found them to be last year! This is my second post in this PSLE Tips and Resources series. You find my Post 1 on English <a href="https://beanienus.blogspot.com/2021/02/psle-tips-and-resources-part-1-english.html" target="_blank">here</a>. Do share this post / link with your friends if you have found them useful! :) And, stay tuned to my next post which will be on Chinese. <br /> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 22.3333px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747;">If you have enjoyed this post, please "like" and "follow me" on my </span></b><span face=""Century Gothic", arial, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: white; color: #5a4747; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 22.3333px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share parenting thoughts and articles. I also share loads of food photos and "lobangs" on my IG so please also "like" me on my </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a></span></span></p></div>beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-5331558959198264612021-02-16T00:00:00.014+08:002021-03-02T11:26:47.479+08:00PSLE tips and resources Part 1 - English<p>2020 has been an extra-ordinary year for most. For my case,
it has an added dimension of another layer of parenting woes – the PSLE.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">The kid was not as engaged online learning as compared to
physical classrooms and we had to work through gaps in the last few weeks leading
up to the national exam. During those 2 months, I have sat through quite a bit
of webinars and devised different revision plans as well as flipped through
many different guidebooks and assessment books. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I thought that it would be useful to share them with you in
a few posts split into the different subjects. <span face=""Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif" style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">😊</span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><u>:: English</u></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This has always been Dumpling’s pet subject and while we did
not have to revise as much, there are a few elements in this subject that I wish
to highlight. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>1. Oral <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Oral is a great way to earn marks if your child is confident,
reads widely and is able to contribute to conversations meaningfully. However,
for some children, having the context to talk about and the vocabulary bank
bring about another set of challenges. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are a few areas which I think would be important for
us to highlight to our children. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> - </span></span></span><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -18pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Read and speak slowly and clearly</span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<div style="text-align: left;">Due to nerves, a lot of students
may ramble off or read through the passage at a lightning speed. This to me is
a pity as read-aloud is a great way to secure as many marks as possible as your
child will have time to see the passage prior and prepare.</div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">- Be mindful of the ending consonants and
expressions. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Can the examiner hear the “t” and the “th”? Is the dialogue in the
form of a question? Was the character speaking in anger? Model those feelings
accordingly.</span> </p><div style="text-align: left;">Looking at the rubrics sent back over the years, pupils are rated on accuracy (of pronunciation), fluency and their expression. </div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18pt;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>2. </b></span></span></span><b>Stimulus based conversation <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;">Instead of leaving it to the last
minute to prepare for this section, I think it would be a good practice to engage
your child and have casual conversations about a menu, poster or an
advertisement. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;">“Would you be keen to purchase
the carton of oat milk? Why and why not?” and if the visuals are food related,
they usually are linked to health themes. “Have you tried oat milk before? How
do you think we should maintain a healthy lifestyle?” <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;">Of course, in our conversations
with them, the discussions are more casual, but the idea is to get your child
comfortable in sharing and commenting as the less the examiners prompt them, the better. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><o:p>A book which I used last year is this below. It has both listening comprehension practices and oral practices which make this a convenient resource to have.</o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;">(Note: Listening comprehension is also a tad trickier at P6 where the questions often times require deeper thinking and do not have as many "direct questions" like the lower levels. For e.g. they may describe a sequence / a path and the question may require the child to think in the reverse order of the sequence. Hence it would be good to have some practices in this too.)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 18pt;"><o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dPYp4_86fc8/YCsbad-Q8KI/AAAAAAAAMCQ/2X-7c1DDFukK-IfSK5QJ8RNgHavT9BzVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1136/EnglishOralBoosterLCP6New1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dPYp4_86fc8/YCsbad-Q8KI/AAAAAAAAMCQ/2X-7c1DDFukK-IfSK5QJ8RNgHavT9BzVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/EnglishOralBoosterLCP6New1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b>2. Synthesis and Transformation (S&T)<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This gave me nightmares when the kiddo was in Primary 5 and
for the first time, did badly in a paper component for English. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">With S&T, it is what I refer to as a “sudden death” –
you either get the full 2 marks or you get 0, hence it would be very easy to lose 5 - 6 marks in this section. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are extremely strict rules regarding S&T – if the
subject is in a plural form, it must stay in a plural form. For instance, if
the question listed “apples” then after transforming the sentence, it has to be
same – “apples”.</p><p class="MsoNormal">I
noted that in most past year papers, reported
speech (direct to indirect speech) seems to an area which is always tested on. On this area, the child needs to follow the
“TPTP” rule and Lil But Mighty has a great post <a href="https://www.lilbutmightyenglish.com/blog/2016/1/21/psle-2016-sentence-synthesis-direct-and-indirect-speech" target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">There are not many S&T books available at the bookstore.
Here’s a <a href="https://www.goguru.com.sg/synthesis-transformation-primary-6-new-edition">book</a>
which you may find useful where it explains the rules, connectors, etc., and
provides practices after. I understand that some local schools also has this title listed in their supplementary / recommended lists too. <o:p></o:p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbjmv-Ujto4/YCsdxS2khxI/AAAAAAAAMCc/Dq3Korrd1CYZ7wFJkKAdL6ALjYGjZQQgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s655/S%2526T.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="655" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pbjmv-Ujto4/YCsdxS2khxI/AAAAAAAAMCc/Dq3Korrd1CYZ7wFJkKAdL6ALjYGjZQQgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/S%2526T.jpg" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Away from the monotony of the syllabus, I also subscribed to <b><a href="https://online.kidsdiscover.com/" target="_blank">Kids Discover</a></b> which the kiddo reads for leisure. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpJpn8eDxXM/YCsi0tQMFFI/AAAAAAAAMCw/Eiw86z-qT7sNQhLJ44rIEdEHDyNLOyjxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1280/Picture1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="677" data-original-width="1280" height="211" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpJpn8eDxXM/YCsi0tQMFFI/AAAAAAAAMCw/Eiw86z-qT7sNQhLJ44rIEdEHDyNLOyjxQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h211/Picture1.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>In the comprehension components for exams these days, passages may include current affairs or things on general knowledge. This site has topics which aid to increase our children's knowledge and could in turn, encourage them to read more. </div><div><br /></div><div>Additionally, the passages from this site allow you to customize your child's reading level (according to the Lexile levels) based on his/her readiness. You can also choose a "read aloud" function which will assist your child in the pronunciation of words which he/she could be unfamiliar with. With Dumpling in Sec 1 this year, she has also found this site useful for History too. :) <div><br /></div><div>Edit: I have done up the second post on <a href="https://beanienus.blogspot.com/2021/03/psle-tips-and-resources-part-2-science.html" target="_blank">Science tips and resources</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span lang="EN-US"><b style="line-height: 22.3333px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span face=""century gothic", arial, sans-serif" lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; line-height: 22.3333px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share parenting thoughts and articles. I also share loads of food photos and lobangs on my </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>!</b> </span></span></div></div>beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-46554842833065061322020-09-20T12:00:00.001+08:002020-09-20T12:23:14.967+08:00Review: Cake Delivery Singapore<p> The family loves cakes and I love cheese. I do not have a sweet tooth so usually I'd take a few bites of any "new" cakes that I've not tried for the experience and that's it. </p><p>This year, being quite an extraordinary year, has been hard on the kids and also the parents. The kiddo does not learn as well via online classes versus that in physical and we have been having a challenging time closing the gaps. So when the opportunity came from <a href="https://cakedelivery.sg/" target="_blank">Cake Delivery Singapore</a> for a cake delivery I was really happy as I wanted to surprise the kiddo with one after her prelims. </p><p>A quick search on their website and I ended up being doubly happy - they were many different types of cakes including *drum roll* up to 7 different kinds of cheesecakes! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gn7cUAUvfW0/X2bPS8f54jI/AAAAAAAAL2A/emJ_OfqBwjUHeMhgSnlN6w-wXq5jhhBkQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1732/Picture1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="1732" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gn7cUAUvfW0/X2bPS8f54jI/AAAAAAAAL2A/emJ_OfqBwjUHeMhgSnlN6w-wXq5jhhBkQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/Picture1.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9pphl8FX04/X2bPS4wCQpI/AAAAAAAAL2E/UNb1LH9pd1QSeNTNqKXQ5Nw2jKD7bS6tACLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Picture2.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2000" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W9pphl8FX04/X2bPS4wCQpI/AAAAAAAAL2E/UNb1LH9pd1QSeNTNqKXQ5Nw2jKD7bS6tACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/Picture2.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The order was quick and easy with a "click and drop" <div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmCkvWGPYvU/X2bRbTs9FyI/AAAAAAAAL2U/wq4acPDQnrQ5XZWs0pdHzZ7HysnlAruEQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2000" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmCkvWGPYvU/X2bRbTs9FyI/AAAAAAAAL2U/wq4acPDQnrQ5XZWs0pdHzZ7HysnlAruEQCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h360/Picture3.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cake Delivery - Click and Drop<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />And each selection page offers you the choice of number of candles and the option of a birthday topper. I really like that as most of the websites that I have visited get us to use a "remarks" box instead. <div><br /></div><div>Now, when I was ordering, I saw that they offer both 24-hour delivery as well as get this - midnight delivery! Why is that great - I now know where to order from when the clock strikes 12 when the kiddo turns 12 later this year! </div><div><br /></div><div>When the cake arrived, it did not disappoint - it arrived with a big festive bow, celebrating our end of prelims! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2InqyhoPB4/X2bVHxRUJ9I/AAAAAAAAL2g/JHzm1TPAfNcLeByo22Ba7POamj4rnItogCLcBGAsYHQ/s985/Picture4.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="985" data-original-width="844" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t2InqyhoPB4/X2bVHxRUJ9I/AAAAAAAAL2g/JHzm1TPAfNcLeByo22Ba7POamj4rnItogCLcBGAsYHQ/w343-h400/Picture4.png" width="343" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDmn_Nerjps/X2bVIbAmeCI/AAAAAAAAL2k/y5LkEU_MHH4ZTKfG7QuCvx2YEIo79Gz0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1125/Picture5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="844" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VDmn_Nerjps/X2bVIbAmeCI/AAAAAAAAL2k/y5LkEU_MHH4ZTKfG7QuCvx2YEIo79Gz0ACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/Picture5.png" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7TieZVGatpo/X2bVIU60YdI/AAAAAAAAL2o/t3mGfC4ZL-I2KYtn8RfEDdONKKuJRIEIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1894/Picture6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="955" data-original-width="1894" height="289" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7TieZVGatpo/X2bVIU60YdI/AAAAAAAAL2o/t3mGfC4ZL-I2KYtn8RfEDdONKKuJRIEIgCLcBGAsYHQ/w574-h289/Picture6.png" width="574" /></a></div><br /><div>My choice for the cake was a <a href="https://cakedelivery.sg/shop/burnt-cheesecake/" target="_blank">Burnt Cheesecake</a>. The cake was still cold when it arrived and the delivery was prompt. The cake was also not "misshapen" which happened to one of the kiddo's birthday cake before when she was younger. </div><div><br /></div><div>Now, if you are a fan of a classic cheesecake - firm but are looking for a twist, then you will like this one. The exterior was charred where it had a caramelized finish which balances the rich cheese. For me, since I do not have a sweet tooth, I enjoyed the slightly burnt bitter ending notes, as it would have been too "jelat" (read: singlish for "rich") for me otherwise. <br /><br />With the kiddo's birthday coming up, I am considering the "<a href="https://cakedelivery.sg/shop/build-your-own-cake/" target="_blank">build your own cake</a>" option which offers up to 10 different flavours and possibly the midnight delivery too! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OF04-azfoX0/X2bYI33dbWI/AAAAAAAAL28/1Rh1t08zozcZ48cYfO24I9tu8s-wFXrHwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2000/Picture7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="2000" height="325" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OF04-azfoX0/X2bYI33dbWI/AAAAAAAAL28/1Rh1t08zozcZ48cYfO24I9tu8s-wFXrHwCLcBGAsYHQ/w575-h325/Picture7.png" title="Build your own cake - up to 10 flavours!" width="575" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span style="color: #5a4747;">Disclaimer: We were invited to the meal by Cake Delivery Singapore so that we can give our opinions about it. We are not compensated for the post. All opinions expressed are entirely ours. </span></i><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;" /><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 22.3333px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: white; color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 22.3333px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> and </b></span><b style="color: #888888; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #da218b;"><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none;">Instagram</a> </span></b><b style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">where I share my parenting thoughts (both on the kiddo and my furkid), food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), outdoor fun, useful reviews, early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">!</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"> </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div></div>beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-51107929586135751482020-06-14T13:50:00.000+08:002020-06-16T20:30:27.347+08:008Crabs Feast: Convenient Zichar with Delivery! During the circuit breaker period, my family cooked a lot - up to about 12 meals per week. As we slowly eased into the middle of the CB, I started taking breaks, ordering food instead. I live in a great estate where we often have group buys for contactless delivery and in doing so, we will often share delivery cost or garner enough responses for special discount but that post is for another day.<br />
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So you can see how often I've been searching and googling for food and <b><a href="https://8crabs.com/" target="_blank">8 Crabs</a></b> popped up on my IG recently and we had the chance to try it out!<br />
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<b>:: Ordering</b><br />
The ordering process was fairly quick and simple as it basically has a mobile responsive site as well as sections for quick selection:<br />
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A quick "click and drop" to your cart where the checkout process is just as easy:<br />
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<b>:: The stars</b><br />
We chose a variety of items which had seafood (crab of course), meat (poultry & beef), vegetables and toufu.<br />
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But first, some fun facts! <br />
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Do you know that crabs travel about 500m every night and prefer to live alone. However, crab farms breed as many crabs as possible in a small confined area so as to be profitable. This causes crabs to be stressed up which then causes them to release ammonia, a sign a decomposition in seafood.<br />
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Most restaurants purchase farmed crabs due to the lower cost. 8 Crabs is the only company in Singapore which uses AAA premium Sri Lankan sourced wild crabs which are caught, flown, prepared and delivered to consumers in 12 hours!<br />
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<u>:: Salted Egg Yolk Crab </u><br />
We chose this style of cooking because amongst us, Dumpling is the crab lover. The salted egg yolk style from 8 Crabs is somewhat a tad different from those we have tried before. For one, there's gravy and secondly, the taste is lighter and less salty. While the taste is much lighter, this means that we were able to taste the freshness of the crabs and I'd have to say that the crab was sweet and the flesh came off from the shell easily.<br />
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One suggestion: if you are going to order this, do order the mantous so that you can dip them in the gravy.<br />
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<u>:: Stir fried kai lan</u><br />
One true test for me when it comes to food delivery is the "done-ness" of vegetables. A simple dish but when overcooked, they tend to be limp (even worse when time is needed for delivery) but on this note, I really enjoyed this dish - the vegetables were green and crunchy. <br />
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<u>:: Claypot toufu</u><br />
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The other non meat dish we ordered was the claypot toufu.<br />
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The mix of ingredients good for me - toufu, veg, black fungus, prawns, mushroom & yam. I could also taste a dash of chinese wine which balanced the dish well - as a result, most of the gravy ended in our rice.<br />
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<u>:: Black Pepper Beef</u><br />
We were pleasantly surprised by the beef as it was really tender. I also like that there is quite a good portion of onions and capsicums added to this dish as these usually helps balance dishes with "stronger taste" be it thick brown sauce / black pepper. <br />
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Though peppery, the kiddo walloped it; on hind sight, we should have ordered a "medium" for this instead seeing how we are all meat lovers. :p<br />
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<u>:: Prawn Paste Chicken </u><br />
A quintessential poultry dish of all zichar stalls, I was originally hesitant about ordering this dish. Tis is because I was worried that the skin would be soggy and soft with the moisture trapped in the container during delivery.<br />
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However, I was pleasantly surprised once again as the food arrived warm and this chicken was still crispy and the skin was flavourful.<br />
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All in all, our experience with 8 crabs was good - from the ordering to the contactless delivery right down to the quality and affordability of the food.<br />
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For this Father's Day, 8 Crabs is also offering a <a href="https://fathersday.8crabs.com/product-category/fathers-day-set/" target="_blank">Father's Day specials</a>.<br />
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<h3 style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #555555; font-family: "Fjord One", sans-serif; font-size: 1.25em; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0px; text-rendering: optimizespeed; width: 510px;">
About 8 Crabs</h3>
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<a href="https://8crabs.com/" target="_blank">8 Crabs</a> is an award winning crab delivery and seafood delivery service serving Singaporeans island-wide.</div>
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It started of as being the only premium seafood importers specialising in wild catch crabs, sea cucumber, prawns, grouper, and tilapia from Sri Lanka. </div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #777777; font-family: "Fira Sans", sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1.3em;">
Today, it has its own processing premises in Sri Lanka. Being the only supplier of wild catch crabs, it is always being able to promise you crabs that are better than the rest. (<em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bolder;"><a href="https://8crabs.com/our-signature-fresh-crabs/" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #334862; text-decoration-line: none; touch-action: manipulation;">Read more about our crabs and its advantages here!</a></span></em>) </div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><i style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span style="color: #5a4747;">Disclaimer: We were invited to the meal by 8 Crabs so that we can give our opinions about it. We are not compensated for the post. All opinions expressed are entirely ours. </span></i><br /><br /><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 22.3333px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: white; color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 22.3333px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share my parenting thoughts (both on the kiddo and my furkid), food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), outdoor fun, useful reviews, early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>!</b> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-6801302676457351772020-04-14T12:00:00.000+08:002020-04-14T12:00:02.241+08:00Circuit Breaker & home-based learning: a week on... <br />
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I have been
on a split team WFH basis since end February and like all, with the circuit breaker,
I have since then transitioned to fully working from home. With the kiddo also
doing full home-based learning, honestly it has been challenging.</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">While
working (back to back con calls daily), I have to still attend to the kiddo’s
IT problems, emotional needs (she is missing her friends and get grumpy as it
is just worksheets and quizzes from period daily without much engagement) and we can’t go out of the house to do for e.g. some netball drills. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So along the way, during
this past week, I’ve learnt many things which would equip me better for the
next circuit breaker / even an extension. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">1. Top up
top up! <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I am not
talking about food here (that’s below). The whole circuit breaker thing took most
of us by surprise so while most are doing panic groceries shopping, I was mainly
at home as I was trying to stay away from the crowd. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">About a
week into full HBL, my ink cartridge (the printer is new mind you!) ran out after
printing out worksheets after worksheets from her enrichment classes. As it was new, I really had no inking as to how much ink would be used hence I was unprepared for this. And then just yesterday, the kiddo told me that some of her pens seem to be running low
on ink too.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So that
started my online hunt for more pens (Popular bookstore is closed!) and going on
<a href="https://shopee.sg/search?keyword=stationeries&trackingId=searchhint-e95182e6-7dfa-11ea-9ad2-4cd98f803668">Shopee</a>
& <a href="https://www.qoo10.sg/s/INK-CARTRIDGE?keyword=ink+cartridge&keyword_auto_change=">Qoo10</a>
to purchase new ink cartridges and pens. On this note, I have to say that I am very
thankful we still have pencil leads! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">2. Alternative
groceries sources<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After trying
my luck and waiting for a slot at redmart for about 3 odd weeks, I finally had
a delivery slot last evening. But as alternative sources, I’ve found that
Singaporeans are very resourceful especially when it comes to our favourite
national pastime – eating / food. I have a regular estate group buy chat group which I belong to where I've been ordering fruits to meat to seafood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">However, there are 2
Facebook groups that I have just joined – <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/HawkersUnited2020/">Hawkers United</a>
which is basically set up where we can either pre-order in advance for quicker
takeaways / for food delivery as well as <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/PasarUnited/">Pasar United</a> where anything
from meat to seafood to fruits and vegetables can be ordered online / via whats
app and then delivered to you. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Some of
these sellers even have pre-packed bundles for our convenience <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<img alt="Image may contain: food" height="400" src="https://scontent.fsin7-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/92613951_10157218961207194_9091171904101810176_n.jpg?_nc_cat=107&_nc_sid=be0b5f&_nc_ohc=It_ypEYza9wAX-I6yXJ&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin7-1.fna&oh=c09f1553a29787931241c79baf2b98f3&oe=5EBA33E7" width="400" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10157218961202194&set=oa.2540835276182267&type=3&theater&ifg=1">Source</a>)</div>
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<img alt="Image may contain: food, possible text that says 'Set B: Seabass Seafood Set $50 nett 8ش'" height="640" src="https://scontent.fsin7-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/92847738_118777263110326_2609616872009629696_o.jpg?_nc_cat=105&_nc_sid=be0b5f&_nc_ohc=ibTGwQpx9MgAX_ZbObw&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin7-1.fna&_nc_tp=7&oh=6f9914ff874ef4a1d54e1580ed9b5f1b&oe=5EBB0348" width="359" /></div>
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(<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=118777256443660&set=oa.2541106472821814&type=3&theater&ifg=1">Source</a>)</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>3. Eyeballing <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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During the first week of HBL, I saw how restless
my kid was. I am not sure if your children’s attention span is really good but
for Dumpling, she has been missing her friends and social interaction. Additionally, for us,
HBL has so far just been online attempts – quizzes and MCQs online + preprinted
worksheets prepared by the teachers prior to the closure so this of course cannot be compared to frontal teaching. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For the first 2 days, she was distracted and did not finish
the exercises on time. As we had classes after the school’s HBL, it was really
draining for me to nag (while working) and for her as well as we ended “school
day” really late on those occasions. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So what I am still attempting to do is to get her to wind
down at night as per the usual time so that she is up on time for her HBL. At
the same time, I have shifted my “workstation” to her study area so that there’s
some still some nagging and hand holding along the way. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">4. One
dish wonders for lunch <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For lunch,
as it is right smack in the middle of my work day, to be frank, I am unable to indulge
and cook the usual soup and dishes (</span><span lang="ZH-CN" style="font-family: DengXian; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">三菜一汤</span>) but have gone into cooking
noodles “zichar” style where all ingredients are in that 1 dish </div>
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<img height="640" src="https://scontent.fsin7-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/92695399_10157938114051352_7528564215137697792_o.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_sid=dd7718&_nc_ohc=WgW5OXqA0dYAX-swoiQ&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin7-1.fna&_nc_tp=7&oh=66f50cac61b9912f07c11d1d106460e4&oe=5EB9B6BC" width="512" /></div>
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<img alt="Image may contain: food" height="640" src="https://scontent.fsin7-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/90356681_10157885592961352_6329361040597319680_n.jpg?_nc_cat=102&_nc_sid=110474&_nc_ohc=gCQq0VcMdHMAX9bm2aS&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin7-1.fna&oh=250d475443530a06a83b43e9e3c106aa&oe=5EBB2A67" width="480" /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrMnkd5b0Q8/XpUyJyuKT-I/AAAAAAAALrs/2gU8aQMV5xIt3G9SiGBiPUVdCwSQynuLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1c9f0ea9-258e-440c-9156-103441cd53ff.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrMnkd5b0Q8/XpUyJyuKT-I/AAAAAAAALrs/2gU8aQMV5xIt3G9SiGBiPUVdCwSQynuLgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/1c9f0ea9-258e-440c-9156-103441cd53ff.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLh7cDwqBoI/XpUyJyPM0OI/AAAAAAAALro/lG5rc-Dazo8FSt_CycA7wXR6CoRvxQX1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1de689f9-3679-47d4-9ee2-bd2a055dae9a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QLh7cDwqBoI/XpUyJyPM0OI/AAAAAAAALro/lG5rc-Dazo8FSt_CycA7wXR6CoRvxQX1gCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/1de689f9-3679-47d4-9ee2-bd2a055dae9a.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<i>(More food photos and ideas are shared on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beanienus/">IG account</a>! Please follow me and share your thoughts and ideas too)</i></div>
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as well as dishes
which you can simmer over the stove – beef ribs stew yesterday.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<img alt="Image may contain: food, possible text that says 'STAY HOME'" height="400" src="https://scontent.fsin7-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/s960x960/92670626_10157957244796352_5153073170143510528_o.jpg?_nc_cat=109&_nc_sid=dd7718&_nc_ohc=i7hpsmrj178AX9OsQf3&_nc_ht=scontent.fsin7-1.fna&_nc_tp=7&oh=775d4831b13c19f754fb77fbc5ef72c5&oe=5EBA3893" width="320" /></div>
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<i>(Recipe <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG/photos/a.380224558746376/2520518771383600/?type=3&theater">link</a> here)</i></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p>So here's what I've learnt from the past week. What about you guys? How are you all holding up? I hope that the circuit breaker would help to flatten the curve and we can see the numbers decline in about 1.5 - 2 weeks time. Prayerfully, the worldwide situation improves soon too. Till the next post, please stay safe, and please stay home! </o:p></div>
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<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
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<o:p> </o:p><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 22.3333px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: white; color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 22.3333px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share my parenting thoughts (both on the kiddo and my furkid), food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), outdoor fun, useful reviews, early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>! </b> </span></div>
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<br />beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-60502295486207568992019-12-23T12:00:00.000+08:002019-12-30T17:28:06.617+08:00A review: Cats the Musical Cats the
Musical is based on a 1939 poetry collection of Old Possum’s Book of Practical
Cats by T S Eliot and has been written as a musical composed by the famous Andrew
Lloyd Webber. It is a sung-through musical (meaning no dialogue) which depicts the story of a tribe
of cats – the Jellicle cats. These cats were gathered at the annual Jellicle
Ball to make a jellicle choice on which cat will ascend cat heaven (Heaviside
Layer) and be reborn again into a new (hopefully better) life.<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The production is a 2-hour performance of songs and dance with an intermission in between. </span>The junkyard stage set is the same throughout the musical so do not expect fanciful props. However, there are loads to watch for and here's the kiddo's and my favourite parts of the show. </div>
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<b>1) Graceful and cat-like movements</b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br />When I
first watched this musical, it was eons (and I do mean eons) ago when our local
artiste Jacintha was cast as Grizabella in 1993 (in the South East Asian tour). I recall that the actors were
around the foyer and seating area, really getting into their character as they
came near to us for us to pat them. <br />
<br />
For this round, we did not spot any, but the actors did an amazing job getting
into their characters – their movements graceful and gestures deliberate and lifelike. </span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tA5Fiuu7uUQ/XgBfLHnTiwI/AAAAAAAALno/BuEZPfhKCaIRLVjDsn742HO574LyMilBwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/_FRA0308.jpg" width="640" /><br />
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<i>Rehearsal photos</i></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f69zoKCaIvA/XgBYgx16RxI/AAAAAAAALm4/G3GcR4IcVoIFoQqXwg3olh1cfrrGg2MAACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_5826.JPG" width="640" /></div>
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<i>Check out the makeup and the movements</i></div>
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<text class="_3ziulaHePS" data-test="textbox" direction="ltr" height="13.7999877929688" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" style="background-color: #f7f9fa; color: #3d464d; font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: 11.04px; text-align: left;" textlength="282.325958251953" x="72.9513549804688" y="-756.839965820312">Photo credit: CATS Tour 2019 Photography by Alessandro Pinna</text></div>
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If
you are lucky enough to be seated along the aisle (Dumpling did!) you will meet
them close up and personal as they prowl along the steps where we could see the realistic makeup and even their contacts! </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5HgmS6a2d6U/XgBbr_ohTtI/AAAAAAAALnc/yGc31ZpVHQwkPj-fLo44vAzu41mD5mgeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_6870.JPG" width="640" /></div>
<text class="_3ziulaHePS" data-test="textbox" direction="ltr" height="13.7999877929688" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" style="background-color: #f7f9fa; color: #3d464d; font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: 11.04px; text-align: left;" textlength="282.325958251953" x="72.9513549804688" y="-756.839965820312">Photo credit: CATS Tour 2019 Photography by Alessandro Pinna</text><br />
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<b>2) Mr
Mistoffelees the Magician</b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br />Oh, can
this magician cat dance! His “solo” was frankly one of the highlights for me as
he twirled, swirled and owned the stage. More than that, he has fur that lit up (bling bling!) and had a couple of magic tricks up his sleeve! (I shan’t say
more so that there’s no spoiler) He was a clear crowd favorite judging from the
applause he received. </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";"><span style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif;">😊</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol-ext; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";"><span style="font-family: "segoe ui emoji" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
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<i>Fun fact: Number of conjuring turns Mr Mistoffelees
performs during his solo: a whopping 22!</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pc5WAHleBs4/XgBZYL3oUBI/AAAAAAAALnE/ag7mJtEGpVEPaZ7bxqPRXsXQ5BiCuCNPACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/8264%2B-%2Bmisto.jpg" width="640" /></div>
<text class="_3ziulaHePS" data-test="textbox" direction="ltr" height="13.7999877929688" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" style="background-color: #f7f9fa; color: #3d464d; font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: 11.04px; text-align: left;" textlength="282.325958251953" x="72.9513549804688" y="-756.839965820312">Photo credit: CATS Tour 2019 Photography by Alessandro Pinna</text><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><b>3) Grizabella
the Glamour Cat <o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br />And of
course, not forgetting Grizabella. According to </span>the "fandom" website, her name "griza" is derived
from grey / disheveled and "bella" of course, means beauty. Hence as the name would suggest, it means grey beauty. </div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br />When Grizabella first appeared on stage, she was indeed disheveled and “old”. Previously known as the Glamour Cat, part of the story is centered on this cat, a
“has-been”, who has fallen hard on times and was trying to seek for the tribe’s
forgiveness. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XQ169wWB0KU/XgBZZK5YP8I/AAAAAAAALnI/yBnJ12HqVrEtqyo_p4d0HqKe0PIuqTiRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Griz.DSC_8367.JPG" width="426" /><br /><text class="_3ziulaHePS" data-test="textbox" direction="ltr" height="13.7999877929688" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" style="background-color: #f7f9fa; color: #3d464d; font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: 11.04px; text-align: left;" textlength="282.325958251953" x="72.9513549804688" y="-756.839965820312">Photo credit: CATS Tour 2019 Photography by Alessandro Pinna</text></span></div>
<div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><text class="_3ziulaHePS" data-test="textbox" direction="ltr" height="13.7999877929688" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" style="background-color: #f7f9fa; color: #3d464d; font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: 11.04px; text-align: left;" textlength="282.325958251953" x="72.9513549804688" y="-756.839965820312"><br /></text></span></div>
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The vocal
prowess and the actor’s portrayal of Grizabella did not disappoint. Dumpling
and I could hear the despair and the loneliness as she first sang “Memory” and
when she later reappeared and sang the reprise (of Memory), trying even harder to earn
the acceptance of the tribe. Her desperation rang convincingly and true as the last
notes faded in the theatre. </div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s8tL4vstQzA/XgBbq5cXJsI/AAAAAAAALnY/jxkzoq5K86IUNZZYYBcuvxJmHuP67v_lgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/DSC_7490.JPG" width="426" /></span></div>
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<text class="_3ziulaHePS" data-test="textbox" direction="ltr" height="13.7999877929688" lengthadjust="spacingAndGlyphs" style="background-color: #f7f9fa; color: #3d464d; font-family: Calibri, serif; font-size: 11.04px; text-align: left;" textlength="282.325958251953" x="72.9513549804688" y="-756.839965820312">Photo credit: CATS Tour 2019 Photography by Alessandro Pinna</text></div>
<div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Though I
was originally unsure if the production was suited for Dumpling, she enjoyed herself (she’s just
turned 11 recently) and could understand most of the play and the emotions
behind it though there were some parts she had to google to understand the characters better. For me, it was a great night where I got to re-watch the musical at a different phase in life, and just enjoy the songs, dance and the feline antics. :) It is no wonder that <o:p></o:p></span>CATS is one
of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, received its
world premiere at the New London Theatre in 1981 where it played for 21
record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances.<br />
<br />
Here's more fun facts to share:<br />
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</div>
<ul>
<li>The word JELLICLE is mentioned 138 times in the show</li>
<li>The production tours 9 full shipping containers </li>
<li>The production tours 116 wigs</li>
<li>The musical has toured 20 cities so far this year</li>
<li>50kg of ice is used for ice baths for the actors at the end of a hard week </li>
</ul>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><b>
:: PERFORMANCE TIMES</b>
(From 17 December)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Tuesday to
Friday: 8:00pm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Saturday:
2:00pm and 8:00pm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Sunday:
1:00pm and 6:00pm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /><b>
:: TICKET PRICE<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">From 50
SGD*<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US">*Excludes the booking fee of 4 SGD per ticket<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><br /><b>:: BOOKINGS<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.marinabaysands.com/ticketing">www.MarinaBaySands.com/ticketing</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">or <a href="http://www.sistic.com.sg/">www.sistic.com.sg</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">PHONE<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">+65 6688
8826<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /><b>:: IN PERSON
AT<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Marina Bay
Sands Box Offices<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">(Museum,
Theatre, SkyPark, Retail Mall and Hotel Tower 1 Lobby)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">For more
information please log onto<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="http://www.marinabaysands.com/">www.MarinaBaySands.com</a><br /><br /><i style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span style="color: #5a4747;">Disclaimer: We were invited by Base Entertainment to the Gala night so that we can give our opinions about the musical. We are not compensated for the post. All opinions expressed are entirely ours. </span></i><br /><br /><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 22.3333px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: white; color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 22.3333px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share my parenting thoughts (both on the kiddo and my furkid), food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), outdoor fun, useful reviews, early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>! </b> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-53047183769349572772019-12-08T10:21:00.002+08:002019-12-23T14:48:44.441+08:00Her netball journey - a year of tears, pain, sweat and joy On the 31<sup>st</sup>
Jan this year, I received a call from a teary Dumpling crying into the phone
that she was not selected for the school team. It was the first time she’s ever
called me to seek comfort over the phone, through tears.<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With a sinking
heart, I tried my best to keep her calm and give her assuring words, but this
decision did not come as a surprise. It was because a few weeks just before the
announcement I had a conversation with a teacher from the school who told me
that while Dumpling did very well as a defender, they were not looking for one.
I was stumped and asked why. The reply that I was given was that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“defenders
do not need thinking skills”</i></b>. I then asked what support has then been
given to Dumpling to hone her attacking skills, but my question was brushed
aside. And at that moment, I knew that Dumpling had next to zilch chance in
getting into the team. More than that, I did wonder about the leadership of the
team if person has such skewed thoughts about the role of defenders.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br />This was
where things got frustrating for me because Dumpling would return home, telling
me about the drill work that she did and who she was paired with, and
there were many instances where she was not given the chance to work with weight
belts, etc as compared to some of the other girls. Hence, it seems that the choices
were already made way prior and that the school was spending the time and the effort on
those who will be selected. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Dumpling
told me that on the announcement day, they were informed that the choices were
made based on “<b><i>attendance</i></b>”, “<b><i>grades</i></b>” and "<b><i>ball skills</i></b>". Of which, in terms of the
1<sup>st</sup> 2 criteria, factually (by this I mean statistically) Dumpling would
have been in the top percentile. As for ball skills, this would be very subjective
since there’s no official sets / criteria. Dumpling was sharp enough to know that
and asked me then on what basis was she not chosen since she made the mark based
on the first 2 criteria and this was something that I could not answer to.
Additionally, there was a player in that list (who was chosen) whose attendance
and the attitude have been known to be bad.<br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I did ask one
teacher, but she could not answer me. Shockingly, this same player (with the bad attitude) stole (by this I actually referred online to the meaning of the word and here it is: <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">"</span></i></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>take another person's property without permission or legal right and without intending to return it."*</i></span>) from
Dumpling some months later where Dumpling found her item in this girl’s bag and
the girl admitted to it. The matter was brought up to the school and yet,
this girl remains as part of the team, donning on the netball dress
representing the institute which I sent my child to, in hopes of my child being educated not just in
terms of book knowledge but also in values. <b><i>What an irony</i></b>. There were also many dramatic
incidents amongst the players which I feel did not show that the team was building
up to be one which has strong camaraderie and with the right focus.<br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">When Dumpling
did not make the final cut, one of the things we spoke about was if she
intended to stay on in this CCA and be part of the recreational team and she
told me “no”. I asked her for her reason, and to be honest, if she were to tell
me because it was “too hard” I would not have agreed to it, Surprisingly, she shared
that the recreational team does not have exposure to friendly games as opposed
to the competitive team and if that were the case, she will never learn more and improve.
I was very surprised by her thought process and maturity and hence, we
transferred her out of that CCA which she was part of since P2. <br /><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On 2 Feb, I
put up this photo of her trying out new shoes on her new journey in my personal FB page. And I recall
encouraging her to continue on with her passion and that maybe one of these days, we
can share her journey with some of you readers where it would encourage you and
your children but I did not think that I would actually be able to share about her journey within the same year. </div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5pzti2hpvw/Xexa0eUpqbI/AAAAAAAALkY/9U4CZEYPX6oCYU2F0gY46Vign-__dNp2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1039" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5pzti2hpvw/Xexa0eUpqbI/AAAAAAAALkY/9U4CZEYPX6oCYU2F0gY46Vign-__dNp2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/B1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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After she left the team, she then began to train with a club outside where she forged new
friendships and I dare say, more respectful ones too. The players all played
for one thing – “<b><i>team success</i></b>”, not for individual glory. They built on each
other’s skills and encouraged each other during games with assuring words like “you
can do it!”, “good job”, “really well done”, etc., and even when mistakes were made (very unlike her school experience), encouragement such as "it's ok, good try!" were dished out.</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">She’s
trained through rain (yup, they continue even in the rain if there’s no lightning
alert), played through injuries and worked through personal obstacles. There were no
tinted glasses when she joined the team (i.e. "defenders do not need thinking skills" type of opinions) and instead, she was given a fair chance to be exposed
to, and nurtured in various positions where she started learning more about
being an attacker too.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="1225" height="364" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1-_MkF_IyE/Xexb3sYrktI/AAAAAAAALk8/Z0uWleb2244qb2nGsP2XpXrEjPEy5wiYgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/B7.png" width="640" /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Playing and training through rain is quite a norm for us. In fact, I now have sets of towels, slippers, 2 hoodies and a change of clothes all the time in my car</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="580" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3yIUidNt9Y/Xex6GybAXmI/AAAAAAAALlU/Nu97NH8sOjAosXCQ4shPWxVEB2x1AeeTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/B9.png" width="640" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><i>Training through a hyper-extended knee and after being knocked down during a morning league game</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="1559" height="212" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Cgw8bjX8qI/Xex6Fe5P-KI/AAAAAAAALlQ/yUgGLWXSFzIrjB5BHTMMLzVtPOsHI1snACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/B8.png" width="640" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And for this season, she's played through a few different leagues and committed to some sessions on Sunday too</i></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
Over the
past few terms, she has rarely missed out on any training unless she was sick
(I think twice) and has not missed out on any league matches which she has
committed. She played through exam weeks, learnt to juggle that with her violin
practice and after her weekly higher Chinese class, she would travel to a gym for
her youth academy classes where she worked on being stronger to counter balance
her hyper-mobility so she reduces the risk of injuries. <b><i>And for all of that, she’s made me a proud mum</i></b> – because she
has shown resilience, maturity and commitment to improving herself.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tXePcpUYsfw/Xex7n-6UMxI/AAAAAAAALlo/5O2dyf5tz4k8TkxpY3If1fM81l8Q3yb4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/B10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="564" data-original-width="1600" height="224" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tXePcpUYsfw/Xex7n-6UMxI/AAAAAAAALlo/5O2dyf5tz4k8TkxpY3If1fM81l8Q3yb4ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/B10.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
And after (almost)
a year of playing with the club, at an award presentation last evening, much to our
surprise, she was given an award - <b><i>"Most Improved Player" (U11, Year 2019)</i></b>.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1193" height="482" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQOa7-XUx68/Xe7qS5oKw3I/AAAAAAAALmE/2geim0zg1Wc4mVilgU9oJebOfjc1hdGAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/b2.png" width="640" /></div>
<br />
An award which recognises her leapfrog in court and ball skills, good performance, great attitude and commitment to the sport and also to her team mates, and of course, her hard work.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwizI8Rw7xY/Xexa3n2YTnI/AAAAAAAALk0/9zOKYv4Zdh0uEc4J0M2mIKra943UltJ7ACEwYBhgL/s1600/B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="954" height="478" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bwizI8Rw7xY/Xexa3n2YTnI/AAAAAAAALk0/9zOKYv4Zdh0uEc4J0M2mIKra943UltJ7ACEwYBhgL/s640/B3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>She was a bit shell-shocked and was in disbelief. <br />Past year winners congratulating her and handing over the shield award & personal plaque to her</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<i>Where her name now is immortalised on the plaque for the <b>"Most Improved Player" for U11 group </b>in 2019. We get to keep this award at home for the whole year where she will hand it over to the next Most Improved Player for U11 in 2020! (How cool!)</i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p><i>And the personal one which we get to keep</i></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p>Looking back, I would have to say that it was a very frustrating experience dealing with the school and with a teacher who did not seem to understand (let alone appreciate) the value of each position and how to groom / support each players' growth. <br /><br />It was also heartbreaking as a parent to receive a call with your child crying over the phone, for the first time ever, and not having the power to make things better for her. It has also been arduous as we had to carve out (almost non-existent) pockets of time to do this outside of school hours so that she can train (on court and in gym) to become faster, stronger and better. There were many times on this journey that she was very discouraged by the plateau in her performance (and possibly me yelling on the side line, haha) and also by the "injustice" of the selection <b><i>but the important thing is that we stayed on</i></b>. </o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p>From a parenting perspective, <b><i>I did not try to soften the blow for her because hey, this is life and it is what it is.</i></b> There will be moments in life where there are favourtism and when things do not go her way, where she will be struck down, so the only thing that I can do as a parent was to guide her to problem solve - discuss with her our next course of action, what we can do better and how she can bounce back; to encourage and support her in whatever areas that we can and to always assure her that we believe in her. </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p>And in the end, it was a sweet moment of small success, where she is recognised by her coaches for her effort and performance. Where she has grown to be more confident, make better decisions on court and importantly, I am most happy to see that she is smiling once again, during her training. </o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p>Success begets success and she is so encouraged and so stoked that her coaches recognise her effort that she told me on the way home that she will train harder. So, well <b><i>done Dumpling, I am so proud of you, that you rose above the challenges and the negativity and improved as a player, a team mate and a person.</i></b> And as parents, if your child(ren) is/are facing challenges, stick by them, believe in them and continue to whisper words of affirmation. What Dumpling said to me last evening sums up her relationship with her team, "Mum, the girls were all very happy for me and they cheered me on as I collected my plaque. There were no snide remarks and bad attitude and many patted me on my back as I sat. They were so encouraging!" </o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p><b><i>That my readers and friends, is what sportsmanship is about and what being a team means. </i></b>And for that, I cannot be more pleased that she is with a club that lives and breathes that motto (first to arrive at leagues for warm ups, warm up as a group - no sprinters and personal glory, no snide / rude remarks to each other and to other teams), and that she is taught not just to be a better sportsperson BUT also a better being. <i><b>Thank you Centaurs and my deepest gratitude to all the coaches who believe in her and are supporting her so that she can be the best version of herself. </b><br /><br />* <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=steal+meaning&rlz=1C1GCEU_en-GBSG821SG821&oq=steal&aqs=chrome.0.69i59j69i57j0l6.1086j1j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8">source</a></i><b style="color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 22.3333px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747;"><br />If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; line-height: 22.3333px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share my parenting thoughts (both on the kiddo and my furkid), food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), outdoor fun, useful reviews, early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>! </b> </span></o:p></span></div>
beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-59420825483719096302019-11-11T00:00:00.000+08:002019-11-11T14:50:13.948+08:00Review: Shepherd's Pie Food is a common language for my family; I am very blessed that the kiddo is not only not picky about food but also very adventurous. This means that she's ok with most cuisine types: Korean, Japanese, Indian, Western etc.<br />
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We recently received a delivery from <a href="https://shepherdspie.sg/">Shepherd's Pie</a>; to try out the beef rendang version. It is not our first time ordering from The Shepherd's Pie as I have previously ordered pies from them to bring for Potluck at for parties. However, it was our first time trying out this flavor.<br />
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As the kiddo and I were out the whole day, so we placed them in the freezer and then reheat it the following day.<br />
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As you guys would know, I bento daily for the kiddo. Mainly because the school canteen has very few stalls (4 at last count). If you have been following my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beanienus/">IG account</a>, you would know that I am quite particular about food and nutrition for the family where weekly herbal soups are a regular thing for us and I also make it a point to ensure that there's always fruits at home and that the kiddo eats her greens daily.<br />
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With Shepherd's Pie, I did not get the heavy sauces where I usually get if there's too much seasoning (and MSG). The meat was still moist and tender with the taste of homecooked mash potato (nothing like those instant mash potato). A quick chat with the founder and I found out that the pies are freshly baked daily!<br />
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Additionally, the pie was very well balanced in terms of the proportion of "filling" and the potato. It is not a case where there's more potato than meat. Here's a side view of one slice:<br />
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Besides the "family sizes", the company also sells "mini ones" which are exceptionally useful for me when the kiddo has to stay in school till 3+/4pm. So besides packing for her recess and lunch, these minis came in handy as a "noon time" snack and the portion size was just right.<br />
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With the upcoming year end festivities, this is definitely a great option to have for parties and for potluck and I dare say, popular with all ages. :)<br />
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<b>:: About Shepherd's Pie</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Shepherd's Pie's journey started in 2011 when the founders were looking to find some good old Shepherd’s Pies for a Christmas party. Shepherd’s Pies weren’t so popular then, and it was rather difficult to find someone to bake them. Their party was coming up they really wanted to get Shepherd’s Pies as they were some of the founders' favourite foods.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This led to some research, and the founders made their own Shepherd’s Pies! Over the years, the recipes have since been refined and perfected to what they believe to be the tastiest, freshest Shepherd’s Pies in Singapore.</span></div>
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Contact Number: 9762 6523<br />
E-Mail: admin@shepherdspie.sg<o:p></o:p><br />
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<b>::DISCOUNT CODE! </b></div>
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Keen to try some wholesome pies? I am pleased to share a 10% discount code with you! Just click on this link <a href="https://shepherdspie.sg/shop/">https://shepherdspie.sg/shop/</a>, add the items to your cart and then input <b><span style="color: blue;">alicia10</span></b> in the discount field! (10% per single use) </div>
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<i><span style="color: #5a4747;">Disclaimer: We were sent the pies above by Shepherd's Pie to try so that we can give our opinions about it. We are not compensated for the post. All opinions expressed are entirely ours. </span></i></div>
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<b style="line-height: 22.3333px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.3333px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share my parenting thoughts (both on the kiddo and my furkid), food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), outdoor fun, useful reviews, early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>! </b> </span></div>
<br />beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-12265724218447129182019-09-24T12:00:00.000+08:002019-09-24T21:40:43.034+08:00Our Ortho-K journey: 9 months later...The kiddo
has been on the Ortho-K journey for about 9 months now and I thought that it would
be great to update since the usage of these lens is now very much a part of her
“lifestyle”.<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If you need
to have some background of what Ortho-K is about, I have previously done a post
<a href="https://beanienus.blogspot.com/2018/12/our-ortho-k-journey-prologue.html">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But as a
recap, Ortho-K is the usage of hard lens to reshape the cornea as the child
wears it to sleep. This then reduces the need for glasses or contact lens
during the day. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But of course, to start off, the kiddo needed to go for a consultation to determine her suitability on the use of the lenses. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><i>Consultation to determine suitability</i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br />One of the most common questions that Dumpling gets from her classmates and me, from other mums are, what's needed / the steps involved. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So here's what she goes through on a daily basis:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p>And off she goes to bed! </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p>When she wakes up, basically there are <b><u>3 steps</u></b>: </o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p><b>:: Step 1: Removal of lenses </b></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p>This is done with a small removal (suction) tool. Of course, when the kiddo first got her lenses, she "trialed" the removal and putting on under the watchful eyes of our consultants at <a href="http://eyesight.sg/">eyesight.sg</a>. I have to say that the staff there were super patient and very experienced in explaining, teaching and managing the kiddo's experience. </o:p></span><br />
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They talked the kiddo through the steps slowly and very encouraging despite the fact that she was flustered in her first few attempts as it must have seem quite daunting to her to place the lenses into her eyes the first few times.<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p><b>:: Cleaning of lenses</b></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p>The steps involved in the cleansing were explained simply and the staff got the kiddo to demo to them too to ensure that there's no miscommunication. As hygiene is key to the success of this programme, I was really impressed with the detailed explanation and how the staff made it a point to highlight to the kiddo that it is her responsibility to maintain that hygiene. </o:p></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p><b>:: Soaking of lenses</b></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><o:p>And after the rinsing, it is off to soaking the lenses in another cleansing solution where it stays in the holder during the day. </o:p></span></div>
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<b>:: Overall experience</b></div>
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The kiddo's "degree" was about 150 to start off so I wanted to quickly manage / control the increase of the degree to a minimum when it was still on the "low" side. And because it was "low" to start off, her eyesight was tested to be perfect only after a few days of use.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8sZvwuTJGyg/XYoAnVJSRXI/AAAAAAAALeE/GmC-IyHDDbcygmMt7zLKgmcG-b54BlHHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/KPP.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="777" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8sZvwuTJGyg/XYoAnVJSRXI/AAAAAAAALeE/GmC-IyHDDbcygmMt7zLKgmcG-b54BlHHQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/KPP.png" width="584" /></a></div>
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<i>(This was a momentous moment as we went on a family vacation in Dec, just 2 days after she started on Ortho-K. On the 4th morning, I still recall that she said to me "Mummy, I can see the ripples in the water! It's magical!")</i> </div>
<br />
While there's "work" to be done in cleansing and soaking of the lenses plus regular eye checks, the pros far outweighs the "work". The kiddo has better "quality of life" because of better "quality of sight". It's now much safer for her to partake recreational netball<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="844" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R3ZybjgKMQo/XYoYP1M2OVI/AAAAAAAALeQ/8JC-oawLETkRRbR8m26xbJPPRBiD1T8wgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/It%2527s%2Ba%2Bgoal%2521.png" width="480" /></div>
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She's now able to enjoy her holidays where she can see well and do not have to cope with the hassle of wearing glasses... </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1137" data-original-width="844" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jy34YHdz1ZM/XYoZQWAcZBI/AAAAAAAALeY/CPDR46YTDC0MZuPiJgSZ9UQJjZdJAOVMwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Penang%2B1.png" width="474" /></div>
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<i>During March holidays in Penang</i></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1137" data-original-width="844" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eB9-abRUf_k/XYoaU43P-KI/AAAAAAAALek/EhZ6RkmkeJcAZ22Qqr6Pr1b2x3v3PhWxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/HCMC.png" width="474" /></div>
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<i>During June holidays in Ho Chi Minh City where she could take in the sights while on the back of a motorcycle during a local night tour!</i></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: calibri;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 17.6px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><b>Eyesight.sg </b></i></span></span></div>
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Addresses:</div>
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148 Potong Pasir Ave 1, #01-51 Singapore 350148<br />
827 Tampines Street 81 #01-146 Singapore, 520827</div>
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Call or WhatsApp at (+65) 9824 1607</div>
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Operating hours: Monday to Sunday
11am-9pm<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>CALL FOR A NON-OBLIGATORY FREE CONSULTATION AND QUOTE "<span style="color: blue;">BEANIE "N" US</span>" FOR $100 OFF YOUR ORTHO-K PACKAGE! </b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: calibri; font-size: 17.6px; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: this is a series of collaboration as invited by Eyesight.sg so that Dumpling and I can share our reviews and experience on this new Ortho-K journey. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: calibri; font-size: 17.6px; font-style: italic; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: white; color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>! </b> </span></div>
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beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-4540849587145588952019-08-12T00:00:00.000+08:002019-08-15T09:54:24.535+08:00All to get good grades – but is it worth it? The family had
a “big weekend” with the National Day celebration and Hari Raya Haji that just
passed. I was actually looking forward to enjoying the rest of the last day of PH where I attended a play with Dumpling in
the morning. After the play, I went for lunch with a buddy and her family. The kiddo then was with my buddy’s children and spouse when she
suddenly got very upset and showed me her classmate's status update which
basically read as such:<br />
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><i>“I’m dying”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><i>“I feel
depressed”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><i>“I’m not
joking. I’m serious” <o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The girl then proceeded to share that it is because she has to <i>"</i></span><i>do 3 exam papers every day”</i> and she has not even a day to rest. (Just to add, the exam papers are not given by the school.) Then it was followed by:<br />
<br /></div>
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<i>“I do wanna
get good grades but I’m dying”</i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><i>“I wanna
cry but I can’t”<o:p></o:p></i></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And then to our horror, she added on to say </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><i>“She says
that XX <dumpling name="" s=""><dumpling name="" s="">does more work than me. She’s probably right but
still … too much” <o:p></o:p></dumpling></dumpling></i></span><br />
<i>“And XX</i><i> </i><i><dumpling name="" s="">doesn’t have a choice either”</dumpling></i></div>
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<i>“All to get
good grades… it’s not worth it… I just wanna have a day when I can rest… but I
can’t”</i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><i>“I wanna
die” <o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
There were more in between and she ended with:<br />
<i>“I’m stuck
here… crying”</i></div>
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<br />
*XX being Dumpling's name<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Firstly, I
do not know how it is humanly possible to expect our kids to do 3 sets of practice
papers <u>daily</u>. Clearly, the author’s mum’s motto is “more is more”.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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Secondly,
my kid does <u>not </u>do more work than her kid. My kid does not even smell, let alone touch practice
papers monthly. Heck, I will be laughing my way sending her to school if she
even remembers to complete her school homework on time.</div>
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Thirdly, why is there a need to use my child or any child for that matter a yardstick for comparison? <b>More than that, why is my child being used as an "excuse" to normalize the <i>"3 exam papers daily"?</i></b> And to dispel any myth, my kiddo is not a top student
in her class. That child, however, possibly is one of the top and at the rate
she is going, is well on-route to be a scholar.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I am
sharing this openly <b><u>not</u></b> as an attempt to shame anyone but because as a parent, I am concerned.<br />
<br />
Is this the method
which we use to get our children to excel – the non-stop practice papers and the
pressure by saying that another child is doing more work than yours? Why is
there such a need for these comparisons and the need to be so overly focused on
<b><i>just
grades</i></b>? When your child is pushed to a corner where she used her
whats app status to share these, does it not say something? <b><i>When she talks
about dying not once, not twice <u>but thrice</u>, does it once again not say
something? </i></b></div>
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<br />
I am sharing this openly also because my child, after seeing the status update was very upset and broke down outside, witnessed by my buddy. In short my child feels that she does not want to do well in school if it means that her friend bears that brunt of it. She also could not understand why she was dragged into it, where "she" (in the status updates) had the impression that my kiddo does exam papers like a machine and my kiddo also did not understand why there is a need for such comparison. Mostly, Dumpling was upset that she will end up not having a friend due to all these competition.<br />
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I am sharing this openly because I truly wonder, <b><i>when
have grades become more important than mental health and other things such as values –
honesty, perseverance, integrity and responsibility? </i></b>Why are grades, the only definition
of “success”?<br />
<br />
I am sharing this because <b><i>I am worried about the kind of world our children are raised in.</i></b> Though there are changes to the
education landscape where exams are removed, it is very clear here that it would take loads more before
such competitions and the the over emphasis of “grades” are lessened in our society. It is
sad because in a warp way, what we have done is like what we see in a B-grade movie: we created this grade culture and monster and think that we have it
under our control, instead laughably, it has infiltrated our system, "become" the system, gotten into our DNA and it now owns us. Our children end up being drilled endlessly, disliking school and unfortunately, experience first hand how "Kiasuism" and the pursuit of grades drive a wedge in their love for learning and in forging genuine and healthy friendships. </div>
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<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
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<b><i>So, the question
aptly asked above resonates deep and true: “all to get good grades – but is it
worth it?”</i></b></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Is your
child’s sanity worth it?</i></b> </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n78KCabMbdI/XVIKNjCLHrI/AAAAAAAALXM/lWh6eS2C_hIiMEG8erb7xuD36WukRKOygCLcBGAs/s1600/Depression.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="727" data-original-width="1024" height="454" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n78KCabMbdI/XVIKNjCLHrI/AAAAAAAALXM/lWh6eS2C_hIiMEG8erb7xuD36WukRKOygCLcBGAs/s640/Depression.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.spbh.org/recognizing-depression-in-children-and-teens/">Source</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: white; color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>! </b> </span></div>
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beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-18627313786498974162019-07-31T12:00:00.000+08:002019-07-31T19:59:01.606+08:00A lesson from "The Great Automatic Grammatizator": what should I be when I grow up? Lately the kiddo has been pondering over what she wants to be when she grows up. I suppose this is triggered by class discussions as well as the big topic - DSA. Years ago, when I was interviewed for a magazine, I was asked the same question where I quipped "<i><b>I just want her to be happy</b></i>." Years on, my answer remains the same.<br />
<br />
With Primary 5, I can feel the mounting pressure on academics. There's home work daily for the kiddo (usually an average of 2 subjects) and the time taken is usually around 1.5 to 2 hours. Frankly, on days where she stays back in school for CCA, Higher Chinese and then there's enrichment classes, she has very little wind down time. Hence my reply to her over these years still remains.<br />
<br />
However, her reply has been "but most of my friends know what they want to be - lawyers, doctors, etc!"<br />
<br />
I, too, have friends who are working with their kids on a said profession - training from young, DSA, etc., where activities have all been carefully planned for from young.<br />
<br />
But my reply to her was "<i><b>don't sweat over it.</b></i>"<br />
<br />
Grades are no doubt, very important in our society. Though there's changes to the banding system where there's supposedly less emphasis on results, in my humble opinion, it will take a while before our society sees beyond grades. That's because many of us parents now were brought up where academics reigned and things for e.g. such "arts" was hardly heard of as a career choice then. Many may not catch on that the world has changed and is still evolving.<br />
<br />
When I was recently asked by a friend what I am grooming the kiddo for, she was surprised that I do not have an answer or goal for the kiddo, while I was equally stumped by her question.<br />
<br />
I suppose 2 reasons why I was stumped are:<br />
<br />
(1) I have faith that God has a plan for all of us so most certainly, He has a plan for the kiddo.<br />
<br />
(2) I see that there's a need to move beyond academics because the world our children will be working in is not like the one which we are in now or the one which we were brought up in. Some of these future jobs have not even been created. Take gaming for e.g., I cannot imagine how our parents can see that as careers 15 years back but just look at how "prized" programmers, animation artists, etc. are now. And with AI and machines taking on more jobs, what will there be left for our children?<br />
<br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K4StNtcArFk/XUFMrF0DApI/AAAAAAAALWQ/hDR4nnk9FBADuV5oaKLo8_d3LIJRmh-rwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2537.JPG" width="480" /></div>
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Coincidentally, the kiddo devoured this book by Roald Dahl some weeks back when she was nursing a fever at home and was bored up to her ears. If you are not aware, Roald Dahl wrote stories not just for young children but he also wrote a series of stories for teenagers too. And interestingly, it was over this story that allowed me to explain the changing world to the kiddo. </div>
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If you have not had a chance to read this story, here's a short synopsis. This dark story centres around a genius who created a story writing machine (Great Automatic Grammatizator) which quite literally "took over the world" as the machine was able to replace the human author by creating better stories (and stories which people want to read) and in turn creating a monopoly in the market place. Human authors were no longer needed but they were "bought" into this system where they "wrote" stories through the machines, deceiving the unsuspecting world. </div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This prompted us to have a really interesting discussion if technology is a useful tool, the power of AI (is it too smart for us?) and the disruptions technology and machines can cause in the business world. So, with that, what skill sets are important for one to thrive in a different world 10 years down the road? What disciplines are less replaceable or still require that human touch? What are the jobs that can be replaced and so, what then are left for this generation? </div>
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So, if you are still gunning purely for academics, this story may let you think otherwise. </div>
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<b><i>The key question should instead be "what skill sets should your child have as she powers through the future world?" </i></b></div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: white; color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>! </b> </span></div>
<br />beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-78929986310869106912019-06-17T12:00:00.000+08:002019-06-18T11:04:47.418+08:00Motherhood - a lonesome journey<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As I
journey into my 11<sup>th</sup> year of motherhood, I have to say that it can
be quite a lonesome journey. I am not sure if it is an Asian “tiger mum” thing
but seemingly, there’s tons to compare once you become a mother. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I recall during
the earlier days, it was the early milestones that had parents in a fluster – <i>which
child stood earlier, walked earlier, spoke earlier, read earlier, etc</i>. The popularity
of the flashcards then and how it "coaches" toddlers to read did not help to ease first
time parents’ anxiety too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Comes
preschool, it was a mad rush to getting places at the “best” (or at least most
well-known) preschools with a huge emphasis on literacy. Trust me when I say that
this is a HUGE concern; I was in the early childhood industry for years and my
role then was in Marketing and Enrolment. I have met thousands of parents with preschoolers over the 5 - 6 years and few of the most common questions that I get are <i>"Will my child be ready for primary school? Will she learn how to read and write and count?" </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because such is the nature of our culture and society, the underlying current and quiet competition/comparisons start young. I have had a few run-ins with parents during workshops where there were some comments on why certain roles in drama classes were dished out to certain children, how a 5 day camp should be a 3 day camp because their kids cannot attend (though majority could attend), etc. Naively as a first time parent, and when the kiddo was much younger, I used to share more about the activities which we do and even celebrate small successes on my social media posts. However, there seems to be a backlash - I quickly realize that some were quietly comparing and there seems to be some preconceptions of Dumpling too. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="Wins, Win, and Winning: TRIU IPH SOCIETY
I WILL WIN
NOT IMMEDIATELY
BUT DEFINITELY" src="https://pics.me.me/triu-iph-society-i-will-win-not-immediately-but-definitely-16731246.png" /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><i>Classic "scary" mums that I meet </i></b><br /><a href="https://me.me/i/triu-iph-society-i-will-win-not-immediately-but-definitely-11485340">Credit</a></div>
<div>
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Things did not lighten up in Primary school. As she is in a girls' school I dare say that it is more competitive than a co-ed school. In the lower years, it is much easier to attain full marks and I found myself falling into the parenting trap where I sometimes hear myself asking Dumpling who else scored full marks or what's the highest score in her class for a said subject. Dumpling was also made Monitor during Primary 1 and I recall that choice / decision was questioned by another mum - why Dumpling and not her child. So these were unhealthy as well. Fast forward to a few years on. The girls were to work on group projects and I have previously shared <span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">that they had to construct a boat individually but work as a group to present and share their thoughts, findings and rationale for the choice of materials for their boat. Dumpling was in charge of collating the slides and was repeatedly "chasing" for the slides from a classmate. After 2 - 3 weeks (nearing the deadline), the girl shared that her parent does not allow for her to email or share her slides with anyone prior the presentation for fear that others would copy her slides / ideas. </span></span></div>
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It is no surprise that as such I do not mingle much with the other parents from Dumpling's school - as a FTWM my time is stretched and honestly, I lack the time and stamina to manage such "comparisons" and it also helps me manage my own expectations better. And maybe because of the fact that I have seen so much of these "dramas" I am often uncomfortable to comment or share much about Dumpling and how her classmates are faring when I am asked by other parents in casual conversations. I find myself guarded, worried that things that I share may be misunderstood and misconstrued. When we had small successes, I was hesitant to comment much, only occasionally sharing about fun stuff, vacations, etc. for "fear" of more backlash or further pressure from these unhealthy competitions. </div>
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Having said that, I am very thankful that I have other girlfriends in my life who keep me sane - only a few from "outside" circle and even fewer from her school. With these mums, I do not have to worry much about sharing the bad news (where I could potentially be judged as being too pushy or am a tiger mum reincarnate) or the good stuff (where once again I could be judged as being boastful or arrogant). Frankly in the current days of social media consumption and a change in communication form (whats app), things could often be misunderstood where gossips can spiral out of control. </div>
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So yes, motherhood can be a lonesome journey where it is a case of "darn if you do" and "darn if you don't". So, if you are wondering why I have not been blogging much, this is the reason. I do not want Dumpling to be "judged" or to have my blog infringe into her privacy especially now that she is older. People sometimes think that just because I have photos on my FB or IG sharing glimpses of our lives, they assume that they know us well and well enough to judge and comment. </div>
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I will still be blogging randomly and will share more on my perspectives and unless the kiddo is comfortable with me sharing hers, she will not be making much of an "appearance". If she does, then it would be more of a "cameo". :p </div>
beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-71901118261400385032018-12-29T12:00:00.000+08:002019-01-11T09:44:00.825+08:00Travelogue: Koh Phi Phi <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Some years ago, I brought Dumpling to Krabi for a surprise
trip. Then she was still in K2 and I wanted to bring her away to do something
different before formal school starts. We both have fond memories of the trip
with us spending time in the pool, doing island hopping and snorkelling in the
open sea, walks on the beach etc.</div>
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It has always been my wish to try and bring her to Krabi and
Koh Phi Phi again. Interestingly, that’s rarely a choice destination amongst my
friends with children. In fact, many ask why that choice and what do we and can do
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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With that, I thought to share a bit on what we did in Koh
Phi Phi as my first ever vacation post (I usually am very lazy to take notes
and photos conscientiously when on vacay!) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">:: Getting to Koh Phi
Phi <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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If you have not been there before, here’s some background on
PP. Koh Phi Phi is a standalone island where you will need to take a ferry to
get there. If you are travelling out of SG, I guess the easiest way is to either
take a flight to Phuket and then change to a ferry or to head to Krabi then
change to a ferry. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I have always preferred Krabi to Phuket as it is less
crowded and I prefer the small streets at Ao Nang. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Here’s a ferry schedule from Krabi:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KffvK0zZEds/XCR5OWvjXaI/AAAAAAAALGA/ON85-0d-vXAsTzz_podOUbDcyeZzvoypACLcBGAs/s1600/PP%2BFerry.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="304" data-original-width="450" height="270" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KffvK0zZEds/XCR5OWvjXaI/AAAAAAAALGA/ON85-0d-vXAsTzz_podOUbDcyeZzvoypACLcBGAs/s400/PP%2BFerry.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.phiphi.phuket.com/schedule.htm" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
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<b>:: Getting to hotel <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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You can either arrange for a hotel transfer via your hotel
in Krabi or you can do it online. Here’s a <a href="https://krabishuttle.com/" target="_blank">link </a>to where I got my hotel
transfer from (about 150THB cheaper than the hotel quote). I have stayed in
Krabi Ao Nang thrice – Golden Beach Resort (this is located like at a corner,
on one end of the shopping area), La Playa (not entirely new but not as old as
Golden Beach but the breakfast selection was good) as well as GLOW, our latest
choice there (great if you have young children as there’s a children’s room and
a lap pool and the hotel is really nice and rooms are nicely decked out).</div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tGVInVykU2w/XCSHf9BnbmI/AAAAAAAALHw/cFsBMCV6VwoCvVaz8QFJ5T9UbuoIyBMlgCLcBGAs/s1600/Pum%2B13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1146" data-original-width="764" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tGVInVykU2w/XCSHf9BnbmI/AAAAAAAALHw/cFsBMCV6VwoCvVaz8QFJ5T9UbuoIyBMlgCLcBGAs/s640/Pum%2B13.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EYXRR78_BqI/XCSHgFy8sUI/AAAAAAAALH0/YgM7CektzRsQ7zXjOrjumNF-NsYDked0wCLcBGAs/s1600/Pum%2B14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="730" data-original-width="1054" height="442" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EYXRR78_BqI/XCSHgFy8sUI/AAAAAAAALH0/YgM7CektzRsQ7zXjOrjumNF-NsYDked0wCLcBGAs/s640/Pum%2B14.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>:: Koh Phi Phi</b></div>
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Koh Phi Phi is somewhat a tad like Sentosa where it is
standalone but with many stalls and shops, which reminds me of the pasar malam
(night markets) here in Singapore. During my recent visit, there’s even a McDonald’s
now but sorry, no Starbucks yet. :p<o:p></o:p></div>
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There are many choices for hotels and resorts, and the only
advice that I can give is to choose one which is nearest to the places you wish
to visit, for e.g. the diving centre. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p></o:p><b>:: Activities</b></div>
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Once you are in Koh Phi Phi, I guess many would think of snorkelling
and island hopping. But if your child is minimally 10 YO, here’s 2
recommendations which you can consider. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<li><b>Cooking at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pumthaicookingschool/" target="_blank">Pum Cooking School</a>! </b></li>
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Not many know but Koh Phi Phi
boasts of a cooking school where you can learn how to cook some of your favourite
Thai dishes. For that morning, Dumpling chose 3 dishes and I chose another 3 (be prepared to spend <a href="https://th.pumthaifoodchain.com/cookingschool.html" target="_blank">3 hours </a>there including the eating time!) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnr2KIn63c0/XCR5OVso10I/AAAAAAAALGE/QseiaBIGKEMRQmxOK5nJRIQa5I49DPwFACLcBGAs/s1600/Pum%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="731" data-original-width="732" height="398" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gnr2KIn63c0/XCR5OVso10I/AAAAAAAALGE/QseiaBIGKEMRQmxOK5nJRIQa5I49DPwFACLcBGAs/s400/Pum%2B2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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If your child has never done cooking before and you are worried about things such as an open flame, fret not as Pum Cooking School uses induction stoves. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qb2luNGQGR8/XCR_Msw8cOI/AAAAAAAALGw/O_kRFRTBmoMTUAFQnBaXwzwIy6wXEtM_gCLcBGAs/s1600/Pum%2B6.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="803" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qb2luNGQGR8/XCR_Msw8cOI/AAAAAAAALGw/O_kRFRTBmoMTUAFQnBaXwzwIy6wXEtM_gCLcBGAs/s400/Pum%2B6.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Upon entering, R2 who is a chef there, conducted the class in English for us. A simple note book plus condiments tray, etc., were all prepared in advance. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bfFUnlZx6bw/XCR_MiMKdaI/AAAAAAAALG0/qYF1Yt1i4uQxT0lHjTviMbbAXsZMJ1b3gCLcBGAs/s1600/Pum%2B7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1384" height="289" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bfFUnlZx6bw/XCR_MiMKdaI/AAAAAAAALG0/qYF1Yt1i4uQxT0lHjTviMbbAXsZMJ1b3gCLcBGAs/s640/Pum%2B7.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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To be honest, I expected R2 to delve right into the cooking class but what was interesting was that he took the time to explain to us and got us to sample the various condiments and sauces used commonly in Thai cooking. </div>
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Did you know that the fish sauce used in their cooking is made from sardines, which is different from Chinese fish sauce and even those used in Vietnamese cuisine? We also learnt about the types of chili used and when to use them in the various Thai dishes. </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lckmbQK_iP8/XCR_MqEQGaI/AAAAAAAALGs/i0LopSamG8wQT7tuy0SkvygoWUcEjuDxwCLcBGAs/s1600/Pum%2B5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="915" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lckmbQK_iP8/XCR_MqEQGaI/AAAAAAAALGs/i0LopSamG8wQT7tuy0SkvygoWUcEjuDxwCLcBGAs/s640/Pum%2B5.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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After getting "suited" up, we are good to go!<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TBC2vOZ6ypg/XCR5OSDZw4I/AAAAAAAALGI/iOwatpdAq0YBfRHmenKBjf8V-3I0f3jhACLcBGAs/s1600/Pum%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1078" height="427" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TBC2vOZ6ypg/XCR5OSDZw4I/AAAAAAAALGI/iOwatpdAq0YBfRHmenKBjf8V-3I0f3jhACLcBGAs/s640/Pum%2B1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you are worried about the cleanliness / hygiene level, you can rest assured that Pum Cooking School runs like a well-oiled engine where the ingredients are also prepared in individual portions, placed neatly on plates at your designated cooking stations.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rngwb5ryTNg/XCSBYqeeRmI/AAAAAAAALHE/5vbLWp-dIPU2F61PePyR4xgNEfsNqLJqACLcBGAs/s1600/Pum%2B8.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="579" data-original-width="1119" height="329" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rngwb5ryTNg/XCSBYqeeRmI/AAAAAAAALHE/5vbLWp-dIPU2F61PePyR4xgNEfsNqLJqACLcBGAs/s640/Pum%2B8.png" width="640" /></a></div>
One of Dumpling's dishes was Phad Thai. You can tell how passionate R2 is in sharing and imparting his knowledge. He was also very encouraging towards Dumpling. Before we started cooking, R2 shared that he really likes it when young children show an interest in cooking and also told me to try and be "hands-off" so that she can attempt it on her own.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqmemyf_Hys/XCR5Pkx3eJI/AAAAAAAALGM/O-HnEvWO_ts5KkoAFcSOgO-j8FWjrjB6QCLcBGAs/s1600/Pum%2B3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="907" height="265" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qqmemyf_Hys/XCR5Pkx3eJI/AAAAAAAALGM/O-HnEvWO_ts5KkoAFcSOgO-j8FWjrjB6QCLcBGAs/s400/Pum%2B3.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pPmxPiZg-Bs/XCSDNwkmQeI/AAAAAAAALHQ/fbmss39s0C8WCB5Y7aJHyRiPjWmKclv2ACLcBGAs/s1600/Pum%2B10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="891" data-original-width="667" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pPmxPiZg-Bs/XCSDNwkmQeI/AAAAAAAALHQ/fbmss39s0C8WCB5Y7aJHyRiPjWmKclv2ACLcBGAs/s400/Pum%2B10.png" width="298" /></a></div>
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Tada! </div>
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Dumpling also chose to cook Gluay Buat Chee (bananas in coconut milk) for her dessert. Though she was unwell on that day and as the cooking class progressed, her energy level plummeted, she still wanted to try her hand to learn to make this dish. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p2YdBzcBWV8/XCSENI980pI/AAAAAAAALHY/VYeWL1dIemktrF_ImRHaav9QqTVu7VCjQCLcBGAs/s1600/Pum%2B9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="670" data-original-width="1483" height="288" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p2YdBzcBWV8/XCSENI980pI/AAAAAAAALHY/VYeWL1dIemktrF_ImRHaav9QqTVu7VCjQCLcBGAs/s640/Pum%2B9.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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And in case you are wondering if it is all child labour, here's 2 of mine ~ <b><i>Thai Beef Salad </i></b>and <i><b>Sweet & Sour Chicken</b></i>. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZcxnXfmjic/XCSEfYgSx2I/AAAAAAAALHk/UFekFNejg7IykiT_JylQxOmeIQuN4B7PQCLcBGAs/s1600/Pum%2B11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="1089" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8ZcxnXfmjic/XCSEfYgSx2I/AAAAAAAALHk/UFekFNejg7IykiT_JylQxOmeIQuN4B7PQCLcBGAs/s640/Pum%2B11.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<ul>
<li><b>Sea sport! </b></li>
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Choices are a plenty when it comes to sea sports / activities. Besides island hopping, you can also consider snorkelling. Many dive centres run these eco snorkelling tours; we originally signed up for one but we cancelled it as there was a sudden surge of jelly fish that few evenings. </div>
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If your child is 10 and above, you can also consider "<a href="http://www.blueviewdivers.com/dive-courses/discover-scuba-diving/" target="_blank">Discover SCUBA</a>". Dumpling completed only half of the course (with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BlueViewPhiPhi/" target="_blank">Blue View Divers</a> ~ this was the same place that I went to when I got my open water licence years back!) as unfortunately she was sick so we will need to return back in a few months time.<br />
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Here's sharing some photos!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXfFQ-AFIG8/XCbuPgTa8MI/AAAAAAAALIU/_qTRlWDfFGQHs5-N4qENLKwd7L9ZewwlgCLcBGAs/s1600/DS%2B1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="565" data-original-width="1028" height="350" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KXfFQ-AFIG8/XCbuPgTa8MI/AAAAAAAALIU/_qTRlWDfFGQHs5-N4qENLKwd7L9ZewwlgCLcBGAs/s640/DS%2B1.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Caroline, one of the owners of Blue View Divers, with Dumpling at a pool session right outside the centre. Pool session with a gorgeous view! </i></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Bs00mzLyf0/XCbuPvE0YnI/AAAAAAAALIQ/AiCqMsoOL0MSKrYuxMaANHTjCdC27g9SQCLcBGAs/s1600/DS%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="575" data-original-width="886" height="414" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Bs00mzLyf0/XCbuPvE0YnI/AAAAAAAALIQ/AiCqMsoOL0MSKrYuxMaANHTjCdC27g9SQCLcBGAs/s640/DS%2B2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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The pool session goes through basic drills (clearing of mask, retrieval of your regulator, etc), hand signs and safety checks etc., before going into the open sea for the actual dives.<br />
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Dumpling was a real trooper as she told us to go ahead with our own dives while she waited for us at the dive centre. Here's some photos of the various fish we spotted:<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TUecMDrjjik/XCbuQvgzeJI/AAAAAAAALIY/mokQmet3PMw_NXaryMdZW295Zj8Q9l9RQCLcBGAs/s1600/moray%2Beel.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="1007" height="356" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TUecMDrjjik/XCbuQvgzeJI/AAAAAAAALIY/mokQmet3PMw_NXaryMdZW295Zj8Q9l9RQCLcBGAs/s640/moray%2Beel.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i>Moray Eel</i></div>
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<i>African Clowns (feisty these ones are!)</i></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u6FiEJukIMw/XCbzc4JCMsI/AAAAAAAALI4/vhCfJ6GNbQMNV2HoUubTLIiyD3NoXR2jwCLcBGAs/s1600/yellow%2Btank.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="604" data-original-width="1010" height="382" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-u6FiEJukIMw/XCbzc4JCMsI/AAAAAAAALI4/vhCfJ6GNbQMNV2HoUubTLIiyD3NoXR2jwCLcBGAs/s640/yellow%2Btank.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Koh Phi Phi being a standalone island has its own convenience stores and pharmacies peppered throughout it. As Dumpling started having fever shortly after, we were quite relieved that we were able to get paracaetamol, electrolyte sachets (she threw up) and lozenges (ya, she had the full works) etc., all on the island, though they were easily selling for twice the amount as compared to main land Krabi itself. There is also a medic centre if you need to see a doctor (so guys, please purchase your travel insurance!) </div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5NAPFquVqsY/XCb12glwuXI/AAAAAAAALJM/ypi_wYzXt3IU0t--vayPG-3ISCAGhtKCACLcBGAs/s1600/medic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="817" data-original-width="1224" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5NAPFquVqsY/XCb12glwuXI/AAAAAAAALJM/ypi_wYzXt3IU0t--vayPG-3ISCAGhtKCACLcBGAs/s640/medic.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Importantly, while their tap water is ok for general brushing and washing up, they are not suitable for drinking hence your resort / hotel will typically provide you with a regular sized bottle for each person staying there, which is hardly enough. So you will need to purchase them from the mini marts / convenience stalls. </div>
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Food wise, choices are aplenty. From pizzas to thai food to seafood places which overlook the beaches (great for evening sunsets!) </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQenaS-OknA/XCb14J3AwpI/AAAAAAAALJU/xO48ckrk9jI1BCqlSF8U3LDMei7Y13nDgCLcBGAs/s1600/seafood.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="865" data-original-width="649" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQenaS-OknA/XCb14J3AwpI/AAAAAAAALJU/xO48ckrk9jI1BCqlSF8U3LDMei7Y13nDgCLcBGAs/s640/seafood.png" width="480" /></a></div>
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to simple food stands selling pancakes and sandwiches / burgers </div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-77tfiSyffFI/XCb13Y56NcI/AAAAAAAALJQ/9IOkotPOCkYqyFuBz8w3qqk0orNNjEpRQCLcBGAs/s1600/food%2Bstands.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="764" data-original-width="1019" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-77tfiSyffFI/XCb13Y56NcI/AAAAAAAALJQ/9IOkotPOCkYqyFuBz8w3qqk0orNNjEpRQCLcBGAs/s1600/food%2Bstands.png" /></a></div>
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The pricing is pretty affordable. Most of these restaurants also offer free WiFi too! We will be back at Koh Phi Phi in a few months time and will update our travelogue! </div>
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beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-16772239090810645842018-12-09T12:00:00.000+08:002018-12-12T09:13:11.663+08:00Our Ortho-K journey: prologue<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As a family, we have been quite careful with Dumpling’s vision by reminding her to take vision breaks. Sadly though, she was diagnosed with myopia this year. I’ve heard friends sharing that once diagnosed, their “degree” goes up quite quickly and so, I’ve been really paranoid about her vision. I’ve heard of Ortho-K and have been reading up on this as a few of Dumpling’s friends are also on it. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Having gone through LASIK years ago, I’d say that’s one of the best decisions I made. With children however, they are of course too young for such an invasive method. Hence the next best possible option is to look at myopia control. </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As I am writing this post, we are in the midst of waiting for Dumpling’s lenses collection after her initial eye examination. While waiting, I got </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Jason, Consulting Optometrist of The Eye Initiative</b></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to answer some questions and debunk some myths. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">:: What exactly is Ortho-K? How does it work? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jason: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Ortho-K is a process where we prescribe kids with specially designed hard rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses that temporarily reshape the shape of the cornea to reduce myopia. This is a great technique to control myopia as it make use of the peripheral defocus (which is to bring the light rays in front of the retina) which is a proven method to ensure the increment of myopia stops/reduces. Apart from that, the advantage for Ortho-K is that it also allows the end-user the freedom of not using spectacles or contact lens in the day time.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">:: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Is Ortho-K safe, after all my child will be wearing it to sleep?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jason: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All contact lenses have a risk of infection, usually due to the negligence of hygiene. As long as the hygiene regimen of the individual is upheld there should not be any risk of infection. The use of Ortho-K to sleep is very safe, mainly because it is a hard lens so it:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- reduces the chances of hypoxia (lack of oxygen) and</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- the chances of infection as hard lenses are not hydrophilic ( water-loving) as compared to soft contact lenses. This means that there are lesser chances of microbes sticking on the lenses.</span><br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hToGVuUi_bM/XAyIKHcpNoI/AAAAAAAALFE/pufLJYn46CoWqh1jVE3fv5VLghDfN7CIQCLcBGAs/s1600/Ortho%2B2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hToGVuUi_bM/XAyIKHcpNoI/AAAAAAAALFE/pufLJYn46CoWqh1jVE3fv5VLghDfN7CIQCLcBGAs/s640/Ortho%2B2.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<i><b>(Jason explaining to Dumpling how Ortho-K works and showing her how the lenses look like)</b></i></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;">:: How often and long does my child need to wear it for? </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jason: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">For best results, we encourage the child to wear them every day as this will ensure that the effect of myopia control is optimal. We also recommend to wear it till 16 years old as it is the 'plastic period' of the kids eyes (the period where the prescription changes significantly.) </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">:: Ok, I am keen but what is the “running cost” and how often do I need to replace the lenses?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jason: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The “running” cost would be saline solution which is quite minimal. Lenses wise, they should be replaced every 2-3 years because of wear and tear. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">:: As this is a long-term partnership, what should I look for in an optometrist for my child?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jason: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The optometrist must be well versed in his contact lenses knowledge and more than that, should be practising ortho-k for at least a year. Additionally, the setting of the optical shop must have a few compulsory equipment: the topographer, slit lamp and auto-refractometer as these are essential equipment for us to design the lenses.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">:: What should the Ortho-K package consist of?</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Jason: </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The cost of ortho k for </span><a href="http://eyesight.sg/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">eyesight.sg</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> starts from $1,800 and it consists: </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Eye examinations (prior and after wearing to track progress)</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Unlimited consultations</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A pair of standby glasses</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">One set of solution for the kids to start learning about the hygiene of Ortho-K and last but not least </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The contact lenses</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>:: The decision </b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">As with my usual parenting style, Dumpling and I would discuss all matters regarding her welfare and interests - from enrichment classes to holidays to camps, so Ortho-K was no different. My viewpoint is simple: the kid must want it and be responsible for it. After all, it is her life and she has to learn to be accountable for her decision. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thankfully, this seems to be the same approach for Eyesight.sg because at the end of the explanation, Jason turned to Dumpling and asked her for her thoughts and if she would be able to be responsible to take care of the hygiene and be responsible for the cleansing of her lenses, etc. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>Dumpling doing her eye examination</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And I am really glad to share that in the end, Dumpling decided that she will proceed with the journey! </span></div>
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<b><i>Update: we've collected our lenses 2 evenings back and Dumpling has just started her journey so next up, we will be sharing her experience + some tips I learn along the way. </i></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">About Eyesight.sg </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At Eyesight.sg,</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> previously known as The Eye Care Initiative, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">we </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #3a3a3a; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">offer a comprehensive eye check as we believe that regular eye examination is the key to improving the quality of one’s life as it helps prevent damage to vision brought about by diabetes and other sight-threatening eye diseases. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Eyesight.sg’s slogan is '</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">improving life with primary eye care</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">' and we achieve this by having a more health-based approach in our eye examinations as we believe that we are here to add value to every customer by assisting them to know more and care more about their eye health. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Apart from that, we are a team of optometrist that is passionate in paediatric optometric practice and that is the reason why we strive and take pride in using Ortho-K to help every child in their journey of myopia control and enjoying a better quality of life.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Disclaimer: this is a series of collaboration as invited by Eyesight.sg so that Dumpling and I can share our reviews and experience on this new Ortho-K journey. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-family: "calibri"; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-style: normal; white-space: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px; font-style: normal; white-space: normal;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>! </b> </span></span></div>
beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-36113474467591482972018-11-30T00:00:00.000+08:002018-11-30T15:23:08.509+08:00Parenting with Love: Values <br />
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With the recent <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/exams-assessments-scrap-mid-year-primary-secondary-schools-10767370">MOE
announcement on schools having fewer exams and assessments</a>, there’s an
attempt to have a shift in focus on academic results. The rigour in our
system has been an ongoing discussion for a while, with an MP raising <a href="https://sg.theasianparent.com/removing-psle/">if PSLE should be abolished</a>
during Parliament earlier this year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The academic pressure has also been much discussed within my
own circle of friends. However, something that I feel we need to look into is values.
A friend of mine recently posted up on her FB about witnessing a child jumping
queue and the parent condoning it. More than that, apparently when my friend spoke
up, the parent got nasty. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Dumpling as some of you would know, participates in <a href="http://beanienus.blogspot.com/2018/09/sports-do-not-build-character-they.html" target="_blank">Netball as a CCA</a>. On most days, her position is that of a midfielder. One thing I’ve
often advised her is to just take on and try various positions, even when it is
not one that is familiar to her. There was an occasion this year where she was
tasked to stand in as a shooter, a position she is unfamiliar with. Needless to
say, Dumpling did not score any goals. After the session, one player (let’s
call her T) called Dumpling a loser. Dumpling (good on her I must say!) told
that girl off. What was disturbing was that Dumpling shared with me the girl’s
mum heard their squabble and confronted Dumpling, asking her <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><b>“what is wrong with T calling you a loser?”</b></i>
Thankfully Dumpling stood her ground. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As Dumpling is in the so called "top class" in her school, I often "marvel" (can you detect the sarcasm here?) at some of the parents' teachings and reactions, and wonder if all they are concerned about are grades. On a recent occasion, Dumpling was placed in a project group
where each of the team mate has a part to research and write on and the slides
were to be collated at the end of the project timeline. Dumpling was “chasing
up” with one particular team-mate who was unresponsive and refused to email /
save her part in the thumb drive. Towards the end, that team member
shared that her slides were ready, but her mum refused to let her email / save
it lest the team “tries to copy them”. So apparently, team work and, respect
and collaboration are not ranked high on her list here. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A few months back, Dumpling was also hit on the arm by a
classmate with a pencil case. This same classmate also threatened to step onto
Dumpling’s violin not once but twice. I had to raise this to the form teacher
as the incidents seem to be ongoing (these were not the only few incidents but
the more “recent” ones). The girls were purposely separated to reduce chances
of interaction. Some days later, Dumpling told me that the girl told the
teacher her mom has also told her to stay away from Dumpling lest she (the
girl) gets blamed by Dumpling again. So clearly, hitting and threatening someone is not something which the parent thinks is wrong. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In the past, if my parents were to get a call from the school,
my mom would hit the roof and start questioning and punishing us first. I
recall my younger days where my mum would cane my brother and I so badly that
my classmates would point and stare at the marks over the next few days when we
attended school. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bCDYpV5s1D0/XADWUp_eAzI/AAAAAAAALEM/yyBmykgCrJMMQo_ELMehdpzNSssvKcGnQCLcBGAs/s1600/what-matters-most-in-life.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bCDYpV5s1D0/XADWUp_eAzI/AAAAAAAALEM/yyBmykgCrJMMQo_ELMehdpzNSssvKcGnQCLcBGAs/s640/what-matters-most-in-life.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.prageru.com/videos/what-matters-most-life" target="_blank">(Source)</a></div>
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In this day and age, it seems that the tables have turned. I
am not sure if the pursuit of academic excellence causes a downplay on values;
after all, our society is meritocratic. It is almost like these children can do
no wrong and I can almost hear parents rebutting with a “well, Thomas came
in tops for his recent Maths exams”; that good grades are all that matter. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Dumpling has on some occasions told me that I am the worst
mum ever and she hates me. Yup, in those words, especially when I come down
hard on her for failing to complete her stuff or not taking responsibility for
her choices and actions. My reply was (and I still stand by this) that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I am
first and foremost, her mother, a parent.</i></b> If we end up being great friends
along the way, that’s a bonus. But my main duty in life is to ensure that she
grows up being a “good” person – one that is kind, responsible, has compassion
and understands the value of good old hard work; one that is willing to speak
up for what is right and understands the value of respect and collaboration. So
if that makes me a bad parent because I am anal about some stuff, then so be it
as I am trying to raise a child with good values, not someone with just great grades. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p><b style="color: #222222; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>! </b> </span></o:p></div>
<br />beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-35013917835643124732018-09-28T00:00:00.000+08:002018-11-30T14:21:43.410+08:00Sports do not build character; they reveal it ~ John WoodenAbout 3 years ago just around this time, Dumpling started
her little journey playing Netball. She returned home from school one day to tell me
that she played Netball during a PAL lesson and promptly asked us to enrol her for training outside. As she was only in
Primary 1 then, I recall that I was amused by her sharing and even asked if she
was sure or was it that they played Captain’s Ball. To this day I still recall
the indignant look on her face when she shared that it was indeed netball.
Those lessons, started her love for that ball game and the fire has not been
extinguished.<br />
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<o:p></o:p>So, for the next 2+ years, she has been learning from and
playing for 2 clubs outside. From simple ball drills to body conditioning work,
she’s been at it almost every Saturday morning and would ask me for my thoughts and
comments on her effort and games. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I personally know of many parents who delayed their girls’
CCA for as long as they could so that their daughters could attend other academic
classes instead. I’ve also had mums who asked me why we stuck to it even as the
school work gets more and more demanding each year. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"><i>So, why did I agree to let her do it then and why do I still
support her after so long? </i></span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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In case you were to misunderstand, let me add that my daughter is
not in any school team nor are we remotely praying over / working towards using
Netball as a DSA. <b><i>I agreed to it initially because of 1 thing: <u>collaboration</u>.</i></b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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As Dumpling is an “only”, I was worried that she would not
know how to “work” with others, learn to share and even handle conflicts. Hence
that was what got me nodding. Along the way, this pursuit of a sport, taught
her many great things: grit, commitment (she sets alarm clock for her training),
discipline and teamwork. She’s played through sickness (high fever which we
later found out where we pulled her out to rest up), injuries (skinned knees, sore ribs) and also in the rain. <o:p></o:p></div>
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There’s been moments where she was at a plateau and she did
not seem to improve or “get it” with her ball drills / game strategies and it
would leave her (and frankly me) frustrated. <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">But what I came to love about her
is that she always bounces back.</span></i></b> My favourite moments “sharing” this sport with
her (I used to play this game too) is of us attending the annual Mission Cup
games (or for this year, the Asian Games) together where we’d shout
ourselves hoarse during the games supporting our team and then discuss the
brilliant moves across the court. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Dumpling started walking at 10+ months old where she’d
skipped the crawling stage entirely. It was almost like she was too impatient
to wait and she went right on to the walking stage. I am not sure if it is
because of that but she can be the most uncoordinated person at times. With this
game, she had to learn how to work around things she is not naturally strong in
and she’s had to endure the muscle fatigue and aches, sprained fingers, skinned knees, bruises and at one game at AIS,
a really sore nose. <o:p></o:p><br />
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<i>Photo with her fav players over a span of 3 years</i></div>
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Her school has recently started a series of really long
training on every Saturday morning (between 4 – 5 hours and us having to reach
school at the ungodly hour of 710am!) as they are now in the midst of selecting
the school team for the next year. So, I have been getting tired over the
long hours of training and the mad rush of sending her for her violin and catechism
classes thereafter. I was sharing with a fellow mum that at times I am not sure why I am
still sending Dumpling in for such long training especially when I know we have tons of homework to clear the following day. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>But I have an answer now. </b></i></span></div>
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Recently Dumpling had a friendly match playing against one
of the clubs that she was training with previously. She met an ex-teammate where coincidentally,
they were direct opponents. After the game, Dumpling shared with me excitedly that
her ex-teammate commented, somewhat in surprise, that Dumpling has improved a lot in speed, etc. Needless to say, Dumpling was really happy and encouraged. <o:p></o:p></div>
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So, that's why we are still supporting her after so long: <u>it is simply to honor her love for
this sport</u>. This strange, unwavering love of more than 3 years.
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Importantly, it is also to recognise that grit and commitment, and celebrate progress.</b> </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cV_CB-l4goE/W64mzJlbLPI/AAAAAAAALAc/TWQMsxSRFBwo9GPEqxxxMWtN56311fqSQCLcBGAs/s1600/Picture3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="633" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cV_CB-l4goE/W64mzJlbLPI/AAAAAAAALAc/TWQMsxSRFBwo9GPEqxxxMWtN56311fqSQCLcBGAs/s640/Picture3.png" width="360" /></a></div>
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<i>Giving a Hi-5 to one of our national players who stands at a whopping 196cm!!!</i></div>
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Of course Dumpling still has many areas to work on but I am very sure that I've yet to meet many 9+YOs who's this committed to something. It is that love for the game that drives her "never-say-die" attitude, even when she faces opponents that are bigger and taller, and at times faster than her. <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">And I, I am proud to be a mom of such a tenacious and determined child.</span></i></b> </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="464" height="514" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6O5Jkx2dlnE/W6zb7AqSDbI/AAAAAAAAK_4/ZJTE8Qc853ATIqFSGF41ibl1VAZXvwmEwCLcBGAs/s640/sports-motivational-quotes21.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<b style="color: #222222; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>! </b> </span></div>
beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-41515814181261965782018-08-30T00:00:00.000+08:002018-08-30T14:39:11.868+08:00Review: Cat in the Hat by SRT (戴高帽子的猫) <br />
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Dumpling has always looked forward to watching Chinese
theatrical productions and was especially thrilled when we made plans to catch
Cat in the Hat <b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "ms gothic";">戴高帽子的猫 </span></b>by Singapore
Repertory Theatre (especially right around our CA period! :p). </div>
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Perhaps one of the world's most famous children’s authors, Dr. Seuss
was certainly a well-liked character in our household when Dumpling was younger. His whimsical rhythmic
stories provided us with such precious moments during our homeschooling years. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGOMLtRdZsc/W4eKvBrEb4I/AAAAAAAAK8A/NpU6zwD21P4Jc1Yyg7uh1HQB7vxGIQPegCLcBGAs/s1600/Cat%2Bin%2Bthe%2BHat%2B%2528Main%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGOMLtRdZsc/W4eKvBrEb4I/AAAAAAAAK8A/NpU6zwD21P4Jc1Yyg7uh1HQB7vxGIQPegCLcBGAs/s640/Cat%2Bin%2Bthe%2BHat%2B%2528Main%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">:: The story<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-large;"><b>“The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house
all that cold, cold, wet day.”</b></span><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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The play was true to the story where the opening scene
depicts the first page of the story with the 2 main characters staring out of their
window on that<span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: large;"> <i><b>cold, cold wet</b></i></span> day. The props were also done up in the trademark Dr.
Seuss's blue with the actors’ costumes riding on the "watercolour and
ink illustration" style which is synonymous with the author.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4URXCpzPTgk/W4eK9NHZw-I/AAAAAAAAK8E/-i_CVHI4B38OCDo7doWqNX60KY5ghsIGgCLcBGAs/s1600/Ann%2BLek%2B%2526%2BSugie%2BPhua.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1234" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4URXCpzPTgk/W4eK9NHZw-I/AAAAAAAAK8E/-i_CVHI4B38OCDo7doWqNX60KY5ghsIGgCLcBGAs/s640/Ann%2BLek%2B%2526%2BSugie%2BPhua.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I first brought Dumpling and my niece to watch this
play, I was worried that the play would be too simple for her since she is in
Primary 4 after all. However, while the play is simple (where there’s far
lesser lines than SRT’s other Chinese productions), it was, by no means, less
enjoyable. What it “lacks” in dialogues, it makes up in physical comedy. </div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Yg2NXby_B0/W4eL07s0enI/AAAAAAAAK8Q/5cEaGUq9X9gbxtQSKtDwHnq536jh894nwCLcBGAs/s1600/Sugie%2BPhua%252C%2BAnn%2BLek%2B%2526%2BHang%2BQian%2BChou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1Yg2NXby_B0/W4eL07s0enI/AAAAAAAAK8Q/5cEaGUq9X9gbxtQSKtDwHnq536jh894nwCLcBGAs/s640/Sugie%2BPhua%252C%2BAnn%2BLek%2B%2526%2BHang%2BQian%2BChou.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The
production was also able to draw on the children’s imagination with the simple
stage sets, fuelled by the outrageous antics of the Cat in the Hat. Of course,
no Cat in the Hat story will be complete without Thing 1 and Thing 2 ->; <span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: ".pingfangsc-regular";">小家伙</span></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fRYQ_wCjdqY/W4eL3KRhbiI/AAAAAAAAK8U/q6kABr-PWXYCZ2QF3NxIBW9Se-O1nTm5QCLcBGAs/s640/Sugie%2BPhua%252C%2BAnn%2BLek%252C%2BClaris%2BTan%252C%2BOng%2BYi%2BXuan%252C%2BTrey%2BHo%2Band%2BHang%2BQian%2BChou.jpg" width="640" /></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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For parents who are looking for a gentle way to ease your
children into Chinese exposure, this play is perfect for you. I heard young
children laughing at the naughty antics Thing 1 and 2
did. </div>
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Good phrases and vocabulary such as <span style="background-color: white; color: #454545; font-family: ".pingfangsc-regular";">急吼着,目瞪口呆,仔细看,垂头丧气</span> were used in the play too and of course, I did not waste the tiger mom learning moment to empahsize on those words to the kiddo. :p </div>
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It was my niece’s (Primary 3) first foray into
watching a Mandarin production and she really liked it. I heard her laughing
out loud and saw her leaning forward, looking really engaged. At one point she also wondered out loud how Cat in the Hat could
balance the gazillion things which he stacked. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TPHCFV387qo/W4eN3kDC8CI/AAAAAAAAK8k/4OQYna0rrrgMihdlJ0tergBsobA9ICyJwCLcBGAs/s1600/Ann%2BLek%252C%2BClaris%2BTan%252C%2BTrey%2BHo%252C%2BHang%2BQian%2BChou%252C%2BOng%2BYi%2BXuan%2Band%2BSugie%2BPhua.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="1234" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TPHCFV387qo/W4eN3kDC8CI/AAAAAAAAK8k/4OQYna0rrrgMihdlJ0tergBsobA9ICyJwCLcBGAs/s640/Ann%2BLek%252C%2BClaris%2BTan%252C%2BTrey%2BHo%252C%2BHang%2BQian%2BChou%252C%2BOng%2BYi%2BXuan%2Band%2BSugie%2BPhua.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<o:p>With the September holidays just around the corner, this will be a great time to bring your children to sample this entertaining production! </o:p></div>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's more details:</span></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Event Date<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #5e5e5e;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Thu, 9 Aug - Sat, 8 Sep 2018<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #5e5e5e;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Weekdays: 10am<br />
Weekend & Public Holidays<br />
Sat, 4 Aug and 11 Aug: 11am & 2pm<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Venue<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.sistic.com.sg/venues?id=41">KC Arts Centre - Home of SRT</a><span style="color: #5e5e5e;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #5e5e5e;">To book for your tickets, please click </span><a href="https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/ccat0918">here</a></span><span style="color: #5e5e5e;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">. </span><span style="font-family: "lucida sans" , sans-serif; font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #5a4747;">Disclaimer: We were invited by Singapore Repertory Theatre to watch the play so that we can give our opinions about it. We are not compensated for the post. All opinions expressed are entirely ours. Images are courtesy of Singapore Repertory Theatre. </span></i></div>
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<b style="line-height: 22.3333px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 22.3333px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share my parenting thoughts (both on the kiddo and my furkid), food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), outdoor fun, useful reviews, early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>! </b> </span></div>
beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-49716255813546381812018-06-17T20:00:00.000+08:002018-11-30T14:22:08.231+08:00Choosing a Chinese Enrichment Centre<span style="font-family: inherit;">Dumpling used to head off to my parents' place after school on some days but that changed with her staying back in the school for an average of 3 times a week because of extra classes and CCA. Hence the exposure to Chinese language has been greatly cut down since that's my parents' mode of communication with her. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And like many other parents, I find Chinese a harder subject to crack and to support in, which explains why I did Chinese immersion for her from 18 months to her Kindergarten years and where we did a lot of <a href="http://beanienus.blogspot.com/search/label/Chinese%20home%20learning" target="_blank">Chinese homelearning</a> too. However, as she progresses on in school, and with me having started a new job earlier this year, I find the lack of time and the lack of teaching materials a challenge in effectively supporting her in this area. More than that, there are also quite a few elements to exams: Learning Comprehension, Composition, Oral, Paper 2 (which includes *gasp* comprehension and <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700;">便条).</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; font-weight: 700;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We tried a Chinese tutor for a good couple of months but unfortunately, because of health issues, she could not teach Dumpling any more. That started a mad rush for me where I had to look for alternatives i.e. enrichment centre. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">With school (and semester 2) restarting in a week's time, how do you then choose a centre for your child and what are the things to look out for? Here, I share some tips and my thought processes. </span></span><br />
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<img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="585" height="286" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D8XVzbbuhDY/WyYiX9UG8-I/AAAAAAAAK5A/qGoedSR66YQsYeOz3wPdAPbSjXJzNzDFwCLcBGAs/s400/easy.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(<a href="https://www.szptstech.com/new/6-tips-learning-chinese/" target="_blank">Source</a>)</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1. Distance </b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In all honesty, this ranks at the top of my list because choosing a centre usually is decision that will "last" over a few years. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The closer the centre is to your home or to your child's school, the less tiring it is for all of you. And you will realise the importance as your child goes into Upper Primary because time is really a constraint with them staying back in school for so many days. You will also need to factor in the travelling time too. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>2. Teachers / Environment </b> </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Chinese is already a hard language to master so to me, having encouraging teachers is very important. Dumpling was previously with another enrichment centre and while the workload was really heavy, the teachers she had there were really nice and always had words of encouragement. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">There were days where Dumpling could not finish the compositions in time and the teachers did not mind and allowed Dumpling to continue on, even after the lesson has ended. I feel that this contributed to Dumping's "openness towards this language" because her experiences with these teachers have always been good. </span><br />
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<b>3. Curriculum / Gaps you wish to tackle</b><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">While the syllabus is set by MOE, different centres have their own curriculum where they plan for their lessons and design their worksheets differently. Even elements in their worksheets differ in focus an in intensity. Additionally, the length of the sessions and what are being covered in the lessons differ too. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">To elaborate, some centres run 2-hour programmes as well as a 3-hour programme. The 2 hour programmes usually come in these sort of combinations:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">- Paper 2 components (Vocab + words from textbooks as well as comprehension)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">- Composition + Oral format </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">- Composition + Oral + Comprehension </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Now, you may ask how it is that some centres are able to cover composition + oral + comprehension while another is not able to. This is where you will need to call and do a bit of "homework". </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">Honestly, it is hard for these centres to cover all these components in a</span><span style="background-color: white;"> 2-hour class so some centres may cover comprehension but they are the MCQ versions and then they pair it with composition; they will then do an Open-Ended Comprehension with Oral the following week. Other centres may do a full paper 2 and pair it with Oral before alternating with Composition the following week. So you will need to think and decide if for e.g. you prefer weekly compositions or you are for e.g. fine with 3 per term. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">You will also need to understand your child's schedule - is he / she able to complete the homework given by these centres:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
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<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">do they have time to learn extra Ting Xie and Mo Xie words</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">do corrections</span></li>
<li><span style="background-color: white;">even work on the compositions from home </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I have some friends who prefer to let the enrichment centres support in just composition and oral while they work to support the child on the paper 2 components at home, on their own. Then, t</span><span style="background-color: white;">here are also centres that run a 3-hour programme where it is "all-in-one" ~ paper 2 components, composition and oral. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">More importantly, based on your child's recent SA1 papers, you will need to identify what the areas of improvement are. If your child seems to be weaker in composition, then you may not quite need to do the paper 2 components but focus your time and resources in choosing a centre that offers just composition support. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>4. Home and centre partnership </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">It takes a village to raise a child and having a good partnership with your child's teacher is really important. In some trials / holiday workshops with some of the centres, I often ask for feedback and this allows me to gauge 2 things:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">- How quick the centres reply with feedback </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">- How insightful their observations are </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">More importantly, when the teachers share areas which Dumpling needs improvement on, I'd often turn it around and ask them back ~ " How are you able to support her in that area then? What are your strategies and what will be your recommendations?" </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><b>5. Slots availability and fees </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">These 2 factors are pretty self explanatory ~ with Dumpling staying back in school so often, it is a challenge to be able to look for a class that suits her timetable so that took a bit of calling and checking too. Additionally, there's the question of fees of course. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">So far, based on my calls, most of these centres charge around $20+ per hour for group sessions (if you were to break the fees down by per term and then by per hour) but of course, there are some who charge a more premium fee. So it will be good for you to call and ask to see the materials and understand the justification in these places charging for a premium. </span><br />
<br />
I hope the sharing is useful and here's wishing you good luck in your search and in the upcoming Semester 2!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 24.64px;">I have previously written a post on nurturing a love for the Chinese language before and you can read more about it here:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 24.64px;"><br /><span style="color: #5a4747; line-height: 24.64px;">Part 1: </span><a href="http://beanienus.blogspot.sg/2014/02/chinese-can-be-fun-1-read-read-read.html" style="color: #888888; line-height: 24.64px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Read Read Read (books of a different kind)</a></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; line-height: 24.64px;"><span style="color: #5a4747; line-height: 24.64px;">Part 2: <a href="http://beanienus.blogspot.sg/2014/02/nurturing-love-for-chinese-2-speak-it.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Speak it, Use it</a>!</span><br style="line-height: 24.64px;" /><span style="color: #5a4747; line-height: 24.64px;">Part 3: <a href="http://beanienus.blogspot.sg/2014/02/nurturing-love-for-chinese-3-watch-it.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">Watch it!</a></span></span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 24.64px;"><span style="color: #5a4747; line-height: 24.64px;">Part 4: </span><a href="http://beanienus.blogspot.sg/2014/03/nurturing-love-for-chinese-4-play-it.html" style="color: #888888; line-height: 24.64px; text-decoration-line: none;">Play It!</a> </span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 24.64px;">Part 5: </span><a href="http://beanienus.blogspot.sg/2015/09/primary-one-nurturing-love-for-chinese.html" style="color: #33aaff; line-height: 24.64px; text-decoration-line: none;">Write it! (小书 Small Book)</a> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Looking for more sharing on the Chinese syllabus, I recently interviewed a friend who is an MOE Primary School Chinese teacher on Chinese Composition which you can read about <a href="http://www.beanienus.blogspot.sg/2015/09/primary-one-chinese-compositions.html" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">here</a> too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>! </b> </span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-42590876887334228412018-04-01T12:00:00.000+08:002018-11-30T14:22:37.454+08:00Parenting with Love: Educating for the Future World I never thought that I'd say this but comparatively to many to other mums, it's evident that I will never qualify to be a "tiger mum". To be one, you must have an iron will as well as the tenacity to weather all storms (including rebellions and meltdowns), not to mention pretty deep pockets. :p I bumped into a mum a few weekends who stopped me in mid tracks to ask about a Netball organisation that Dumpling was with for the last 2 - 3 terms. From that discussion it evolved to many other side topics but all driving towards how I am steering / preparing my child for an elite Secondary school.<br />
<br />
It was clear that this mum was at the top of her game and mind you, I must say that I am very impressed as her child is a good couple of years younger than Dumpling, having only started in Primary 1. Honestly, I could not keep up.<br />
<br />
I have recently moved on from the Early Childhood industry (after having spent the past 6 years in this industry) where I am now taking back on a team leader position, overseeing a department. (Please stay with me, this is leading to something.) As the role was left vacant for a while, there are "headcounts" to fill. So, over the past few weeks, I have been actively interviewing candidates for 2 positions as well as understanding the dynamics of my new team, and learning more about my various stakeholders and colleagues.<br />
<br />
After viewing what feels like a gazillion CVs, it suddenly hit me that my managers and I <b><i>were hardly looking into the academic achievements</i></b> of the candidates. Rather, the candidates that caught my eye were those who cited leadership experiences, commitment (e.g. no job hopping), problem solving skills, etc. During the interviews, traits such as a willingness to collaborate, high EQ (I sometimes ask fairly far out questions to see what response I'd elicit), creativity are things that I look out for.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OluEHtxdpzE/WsDSx5mcrjI/AAAAAAAAK00/2fiJmwtGluYD1C_RvlGr2OQeKYOfX2rbQCLcBGAs/s1600/collaboration-clipart-6-Free-Teamwork-Clipart-Illustration-Showing-Diversity.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="487" data-original-width="1200" height="258" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OluEHtxdpzE/WsDSx5mcrjI/AAAAAAAAK00/2fiJmwtGluYD1C_RvlGr2OQeKYOfX2rbQCLcBGAs/s640/collaboration-clipart-6-Free-Teamwork-Clipart-Illustration-Showing-Diversity.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.clipartpanda.com/categories/collaboration-20clipart" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
<br />
Dumpling is turning 10 this year and it made me rethink ~ <b><i>is the future world or are future jobs just about grades</i></b>? Will interviewers be looking into her PSLE and O level scores comes 10 - 12 years time? <b><i>Or are there other skills which are more important?</i></b> What are the jobs which are yet to be created, for the future world?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8aqxmrAjtLg/WsDEuJ6qAVI/AAAAAAAAK0k/mILSJLB_LVksmi14EsnvTV_VBAazlm2GgCLcBGAs/s1600/WEF.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="1600" height="584" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8aqxmrAjtLg/WsDEuJ6qAVI/AAAAAAAAK0k/mILSJLB_LVksmi14EsnvTV_VBAazlm2GgCLcBGAs/s640/WEF.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2016/01/the-10-skills-you-need-to-thrive-in-the-fourth-industrial-revolution/" target="_blank">Source</a></div>
<br />
As parents in this meritocratic society, I believe that many of us were brought up with a view on the utter importance of grades. But what is an irony to me is while as a society, many areas such as technology, medical research, etc. have progressed but our education system seems to be stuck in some sort of a time capsule. The relentless chase for grades is still ongoing, evident in the thriving <a href="http://www.asiaone.com/singapore/tuition-industry-worth-over-1b-year" target="_blank">billion dollar tuition industry</a> here in Singapore.<br />
<br />
And I must say that some parents start their kids "early" on these. Dumpling had an interesting encounter with a classmate last year where they had to construct a boat individually but work as a group to present and share their thoughts, findings and rationale for the choice of materials for their boat. Dumpling was in charge of collating the slides and was repeatedly "chasing" for the slides from a classmate. After 2 - 3 weeks (nearing the deadline), the girl shared that her parent does not allow for her to email or share her slides with anyone prior the presentation. Frankly, I was mind-blown. 😐<br />
<br />
Collaboration, problem solving skills, conflict management and the ability to lead, to me, are skills which I'd like for Dumpling to hone as they are key to her working well with her colleagues and team mates, no matter where she goes. After all, no one has all the knowledge in the world. <b><i>And if anything, always choose to be kind.</i></b> The world is not just about grades, and certainly not just about possessing this tunnel vision of being so "me-centric" and causing much inconvenience where, in this instance, the form teacher had to insert the students' (lone -ranger) slides into the group deck so no one else could see them prior.<br />
<br />
I still recall my brother purchasing his first computer (286!!!) from years ago and that the shop assistants were playing computer games when we got there. I recall that "gaming" was being frowned on then, by the older folks as it was not really "a job". Just take a look at our children now. Many parents are signing them for robotics and coding classes, and even MOE has released a statement to share that <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/all-primary-schools-to-set-up-applied-learning-programmes-by-10014282" target="_blank">all primary schools are to set up an applied learning programme by 2023</a>. So who's to say what future jobs will be created in 10 - 15 years down the road?<br />
<br />
So are grades<i>,</i> <i>then, </i>truly enough? Or are we, as parents of this next generation, missing out something that's beyond the academics.<br />
<br />
<b style="color: #222222; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>! </b> </span>beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-68868563657439121772018-02-02T00:00:00.000+08:002018-11-30T14:22:54.297+08:00Mortality <div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><i>“Mama, you
will be fine right? All you have to do is to take medication which the doctor
prescribed and you will be fine right?” </i></b>Dumpling asked with tears streaming down
her face. My heart shattered as I held on to that very fine thread of sanity for
strength. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Please
allow me to “rewind” back to the start of the year for January was a really
challenging month for me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">My helper
had to leave very urgently on compassionate leave and because everything
happened so fast, I had no turnaround time to look and arrange for a part time
cleaner. As I had very few days of leave left transitioning into a new job, I had
to juggle work + scheduling for the pick-up of Dumpling + working out her food
schedule as she was staying back in school from Wed – Friday weekly. Add
laundry, medicating the dog, cooking / washing of dishes + mopping, supporting the
kiddo with her homework; you can tell how packed each day was over the course of those weeks. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Along the
way, I went for what I thought was a <i><b>“regular”</b></i> Pap Smear test. “Regular”
because the last round was almost 5 years go. Yup yup, before you diss me, this
was what happened. My gynae appointments are usually made way in advance (like
months ahead) because his schedule is really packed. What happened was I totally
forgotten about it and I got busy with the everyday "busy-ness" and mum duties and then it dragged on and on until very strangely, I had this sudden and persistent “urge”
to head for the test. So I booked myself one and a week after doing the test, the nurse called
me up and said <i><b>“Alicia, your test came back with inflammation with
Parakeratiotic cells seen. Doctor Ong would like to see you tomorrow.” <o:p></o:p></b></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was
totally taken aback <i><b>“Para what?”</b></i> I asked. <i><b>“What does this mean?”</b></i> And of course,
she couldn’t answer further and the next day, I met up with the doctor to
explain to me that basically because there’s inflammation in the cervix, the
cells sort of build up as they layered and layered over, almost like a self defense mechanism to deal with the inflammation.
BUT here’s the thing, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/hpv/parents/whatishpv.html">HPV</a>
also causes inflammation and for some kinds, they are so called the high-risk (types
16 & 18) lead to the majority of cancer and get this, <b><i>cervical cancer is most commonly linked
to HPV</i></b>. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So I went
for a further test / scope and the waiting game started. It was a week of yoyo
moods for me. I hadn’t intended to tell Dumpling anything but she knew that I
went for my regular check up as I had picked her up from school that late
afternoon and so, she was really intuitive as to why I needed to go back for
the second time. Sigh… Hence the water works started. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ja4f45jcoJw/WnPba_U5frI/AAAAAAAAKyQ/bkwSqlz5MzoRUp3oAlRKry0D1V4227pHgCLcBGAs/s1600/211353.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="384" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ja4f45jcoJw/WnPba_U5frI/AAAAAAAAKyQ/bkwSqlz5MzoRUp3oAlRKry0D1V4227pHgCLcBGAs/s400/211353.jpg" width="383" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/still-know-that-god-pallet-art/pd/211353" target="_blank">Source</a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I’ve always
been iffy about the <a href="http://beanienus.blogspot.sg/2012/09/a-tale-of-mortality.html">mortality</a>
discussion. When suddenly thrusted into this situation where I may be at high
risk for cervical cancer, my first thoughts were <b><i>“Oh dear. What’s gonna happen to
the kiddo? How am I gonna break the news to my parents, who will be utterly
devastated?” </i></b>I started tearing in the car, texted some close friends & colleagues and called
my bro who unfortunately was away on business travel. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the
course of the week (where my helper was still away), I tried very hard not to
think about it but honestly, that’s akin to ignoring a time bomb ticking away
in your head. I posted up a status on FB asking for prayers and many replied
back / PM / What’s App me. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And for that, I
am utterly thankful ~ mummy friends helped me to pick Dumpling up from school, close friends prayed for me daily and continued to encourage me and some met me for lunch to cheer me up. I was reminded to be still, and to trust in God. Dumpling and I prayed together and amazingly, she kept assuring me that I will be alright. As for me, I basically passed the driver's seat to God. I told Him that my life was never mine in the first place so I am good if He wishes to take me with him. But if possible, I'd like to be able to parent and witness the kiddo grow up and to spend more time with my parents and loved ones. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">I am glad
to share that I am tested negative for HPV (Thank you Lord!) and I am on a course of medication for
bacteria where I have to repeat my tests again in 3 months time so it will be
another waiting game. :( </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">Having gone through this crazy scare, I was
encouraged by my gynae to go for a HPV vaccine which I will be doing so. A girl
friend incidentally texted me last evening to check on me (thanks June!</span><span lang="EN-US">) and I will share with you all the
same thing that I shared with her then. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">I am also not a big fan of any vaccines
but this episode has made me really glad that I’d still have that option to choose. If
you were to be tested negative for it and the vaccine can provide some degree
of coverage for HPV, then why not? </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US">To quote a read on a website:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US"><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-US"><i><span style="font-size: large;">"</span></i></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Cervical cancer</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">: Virtually all cases of </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">cervical cancer</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> are </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">caused</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> by </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">HPV</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, and just two </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">HPV</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> types, 16 and 18, are responsible for about 70% of all cases (7, 8). Anal </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">cancer</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">: About 95% of anal cancers are </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">caused</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> by </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">HPV</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">." </span></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/infectious-agents/hpv-fact-sheet" target="_blank">Source</a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, have a think about it, my mummy readers
and friends. Let's take some time for self care so that we can continue for a longer period and go a farther distance. </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="color: #222222; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>! </b> </span></span></span></div>
beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-57671665271890687162018-01-15T00:00:00.000+08:002018-11-30T14:23:16.053+08:00Parenting with Love: Developing Good Habits<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">My post is
a tad late I know, as most of my friends posted their “Goodbye 2017” post end
of last year. While I slowed down towards the end of the year (especially with
a small accident) and reflected internally, I did not really have the time nor
was I in the right frame of mind to sit and type it all down. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">On the
parenting front, one of the hardest challenges I faced last year was parenting
a “tween”. I did not experience any terrible 2s with Dumpling so I was totally
unprepared for the struggles we had last year. Then I went on to google and
realize that 9 is the start of TWEENAGE. Yup, welcome to this urban term where
it is defined as </span><span style="background: white; color: #2c353c;">a </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white;">girl</span><span style="background: white;"> aged about 9-14...too old for toys, but too young for </span><span style="background: white;">boys</span></span><span style="background: white; color: #2c353c;"> </span><span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">(thank God!) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">One
of the key areas which I would like for her to work on is to <b><i>develop good
habits</i></b> for this year. As a FTWM, time is something which I lack and with her in
Primary 4 this year, I’d like for her to take on more ownership of her work and
responsibilities. Add to the fact that I am a Type A, I need
things to be planned out properly and way in advance because of the big E word
– Efficiency. With a helper to the equation, I realise that Dumpling hasn’t
quite been given the chances to plan and manage deadlines on her own. This has
resulted in many nagging sessions from me which sometimes lead to intense
frustration on my end. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">For this year, her schedule seems to be getting crazier
primarily because of supplementary classes - </span>the kiddo will be staying on in school for <a href="https://www.moe.gov.sg/education/programmes/gifted-education-programme/enrichment-activities-and-programmes-for-learners-wth-high-ability-(lha)">E2K</a> twice a week (will blog about this once she starts and when we have a better understanding of the programme). Added to the fact that she has to also stay on for CCA, <span style="background-color: white;">I am really worried about her ability
to finish her school homework on time and have a little down time to herself.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">So
with the imminent tight schedule, I took the opportunity to talk to her about
setting goals and creating an agreement. I hope that I do not have to nag too
much. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e12GIAebDSI/WlxTqTcc4fI/AAAAAAAAKxY/fHtHaTdeVcsjye-jXDXuEX6dUhe4VYJfACLcBGAs/s1600/word-positive-clipart-24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="277" data-original-width="450" height="245" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e12GIAebDSI/WlxTqTcc4fI/AAAAAAAAKxY/fHtHaTdeVcsjye-jXDXuEX6dUhe4VYJfACLcBGAs/s400/word-positive-clipart-24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">(<a href="http://diysolarpanelsv.com/word-positive-clipart.html#">Image source</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica;">So
yes, for 2018, my focus is to for her to <b><u>develop good habits</u></b> because I believe with good habits, everything else will follow. And these are what
we agreed to:</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">1. Be responsible for her homework. Namely:</span></div>
<ul>
<li>No devices from 330 to 5pm until school homework is cleared
(on days where she does not have to stay back in school)</li>
<li>Complete school homework on supplementary days after taking
an hour break upon reaching home</li>
</ul>
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2. Keeping to the scheduled time slots to complete the
individual items then personal time</div>
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3. Practising violin daily (even if it is just 20-30 mins)</div>
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4. Understand deadlines – e.g. be in room by a certain time</div>
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5. Praying before bed</div>
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As for me, here’s my focus for the year</div>
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1. To set aside me-time: my weekly Yoga and to continue with my
self-care skin care regime (Mary Kay!)</div>
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2. To guide the kiddo in planning her schedule though it is
much quicker for me to do it! </div>
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3. To be more prayerful and continue to have positive thoughts </div>
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EDIT: Here's a simple goal setting file which I created for Dumpling so that she can list out her top 3 goals where we can pin it up and we can both view daily. It also includes a simple sheet where you can track your progress some weeks (determined by you and your child) down the road. I hope that it is useful for you guys!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1PFEXbJ0vAxP_elRVlH6W4SukxcO4RYIb" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="769" data-original-width="1124" height="435" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iwTVGkGVaeQ/Wl69kYxysMI/AAAAAAAAKxs/X8Ungc7g6bkX64-5-Gg4kMju-o_qTIQDACLcBGAs/s640/Picture1.png" width="640" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1PFEXbJ0vAxP_elRVlH6W4SukxcO4RYIb" target="_blank">Goal setting printable for children</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Do you do goal setting with your child? How do you do it? Has it proven to be successful? I intend to review this a month down the road so wish me luck all!<br />
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<b style="color: #222222; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic", sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>! </b> </span></div>
</div>
beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-22430996223308109332017-11-14T00:00:00.000+08:002017-12-05T13:13:12.176+08:00Review: The Sound of Music <div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Five days after watching one of the world's most famous musicals "The Sound of Music", the songs are ringing in my ears, and in good way. The Marina
Bay Sands Theatre was indeed buzzing with the <i>sound of music</i> last Thursday, where Dumpling and I attended the Gala Night. Melodious songs filled the air over the 2+ hours stellar
performance which had Dumpling and I singing and tapping along with the
singers. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb28ZQ9FEz8/WgpKcEwegwI/AAAAAAAAKug/j7bFytX8Jw4i-blbZKXHIbdVmTlLlPjngCLcBGAs/s1600/Picture1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="735" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pb28ZQ9FEz8/WgpKcEwegwI/AAAAAAAAKug/j7bFytX8Jw4i-blbZKXHIbdVmTlLlPjngCLcBGAs/s640/Picture1.png" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN-US">The Sound of Music</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US"> was an all time favorite when I was
a little girl – especially since I play the organ and we had to learn solfege so
the musical’s theme song resonated well with me. When I became a mum, I was very intentional in
sharing the many classic movies which I enjoyed with Dumpling and <b><i>The Sound of Music</i></b>, is one
such treasure.</span></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></i></b></div>
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<b><i><span lang="EN-US">The Sound of Music</span></i></b><span lang="EN-US"> is a production inspired by a true story: The Story of the Trapp Family Singers. In this broadway musical, it centers on Maria
Rainer, a-nun-in-training, and a widowed Captain von Trapp, with seven
children. <o:p></o:p></span>The story takes place preceding WWII where the underlying tension between the Germans and Austrians was felt in the production.<br />
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<span lang="EN-US">That evening was the second time catching the musical for Dumpling and myself, and it amazed us no less. Carmen
Pretorius, who acted as Liesl in the last production when it staged here in
2014 now returns as Maria. Frankly, at the start, I thought that she has large
shoes to fill but her delivery was on point throughout the whole
show; she did not even look like she broke a sweat as she hit those high notes
with such clarity. :p <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Pretorius was
believable as the young and carefree Maria (employed as a governess) who looked like she’s one who’d scrapped
knees, climbed trees and sang freely on mountains yet in the same breath, was mature and brave
enough to stand up to the regimented Captain von Trapp who runs his household
military style. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2hF5BTgp54/WgpLHfVpSaI/AAAAAAAAKuw/y795R64u8PkAejo18HchCRb3epvlRFKSQCLcBGAs/s1600/shot%2B4%2BSOMv2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B2hF5BTgp54/WgpLHfVpSaI/AAAAAAAAKuw/y795R64u8PkAejo18HchCRb3epvlRFKSQCLcBGAs/s640/shot%2B4%2BSOMv2.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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The story's main theme is notably on <b><i>love</i></b>. Not just the love story which blossomed slowly between the Captain and Maria but also the motherly love that Mother Abbess had for Maria, and the sisterly love between the nuns. From the start of the show, it was clear that Maria somewhat stuck out like a sore thumb in her study to be a nun where she was always breaking rules. However, Mother Abbess was patient and kind and saw more in Maria than Maria ever saw in herself. </div>
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The exchanges between Maria, the nuns and Mother Abbess treated us to the lovely prowess of the performers' vocals. The show started with <i>"Maria"</i> where the nuns harmonized beautifully. Mother Abbess was also exceptional and stole the show in her solo rendition of <i>"Climb Ev'ry Mountain"</i> where the theatre rang with her high notes. </div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52pW0gRrwW8/WgpLGX9RzBI/AAAAAAAAKuo/FU2Ygl05r9s_hFtHX0UCtE6FuxQRBKxGQCLcBGAs/s1600/shot%2B6%2BSOM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-52pW0gRrwW8/WgpLGX9RzBI/AAAAAAAAKuo/FU2Ygl05r9s_hFtHX0UCtE6FuxQRBKxGQCLcBGAs/s640/shot%2B6%2BSOM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The von Trapp children were absolutely adorable (with local cast members too!). Dumpling and I actually had a "double" treat because we were seated directly behind some of the children cast members whom I noted, could not help but hummed along during some songs. :)<br />
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The little star of the show (both in the 2014 and this production) was Gretl who had the crowd eating out of her little hands with her performance of "<i>So long, Farewell</i>". Brigitta also brought many moments of laughter with her precocious personality and (sometimes too) honest views. Friedrich was well casted as the gangly teenager. The audience around me were clearly engrossed as many (including Dumpling and myself) sung and hummed along with the famous "<i>Do-Re-Mi</i>".<br />
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With such strong performance from the cast, it would be easy for Captain von Trapp to be overshadowed. Instead, he held his own with his duet with the Baroness (<i>How can Love Survive</i>) and the ever famous "<i>Edelweiss</i>" as he bade farewell to Austria.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7QJFbmCe6k/WgpLHaVud5I/AAAAAAAAKus/nH7855OeJvQ99S9XoJ3KwDlKolO6cpp1QCLcBGAs/s1600/shot%2B10%2BSOMv2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7QJFbmCe6k/WgpLHaVud5I/AAAAAAAAKus/nH7855OeJvQ99S9XoJ3KwDlKolO6cpp1QCLcBGAs/s640/shot%2B10%2BSOMv2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US">Because this is a love story which took place with an impending war, there were discussions of it between Captain von Trapp, Baroness Schrader (the captain's original love interest) and Max Detweiler (the captain's friend). The captain's political views towards the Germans were all too obvious and this created much tension between him and the officers where he was forced to flee from Austria and the audience was once again treated to "<i>Climb Ev'ry Mountain</i>", ending the show on a crescendo. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">As this is sung "live", it would not be realistic to expect the same plot development as the movie because of time limitation. The whole background of the war may be lost on younger children but I'd say that the songs and sets will more than enthrall them. A musical that is great for the family; highly recommended! </span></div>
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<b>:: PERFORMANCE TIMES:</b> <br />
Tuesday to Friday: 7:30pm<br />
Saturday: 2:00pm
and 7:30pm<br />
Sunday: 1:00pm
and 6:00pm<br />
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<b>:: TICKET PRICE:</b> <br />
From $65*<br />
<i>
* Excludes the booking fee of SGD$4 per ticket</i></div>
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<b>:: BOOKINGS:</b><br />
INTERNET: <a href="http://www.marinabaysands.com/">www.MarinaBaySands.com</a>/ticketing
or <a href="http://www.sistic.com.sg/">https://www.sistic.com.sg/events/sound1217<br />
</a>PHONE: +65 6688 8826 <br />
IN PERSON AT:<br />
Marina Bay Sands Box Offices (Museum, Theatres, SkyPark, Retail Mall and Hotel
Tower 1 Lobby).For more information please log onto - <a href="http://www.marinabaysands.com/">www.MarinaBaySands.com</a><br />
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<i style="font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Disclaimer: Dumpling and I were invited to the Gala Night so that we can share our experience on it. All views expressed are entirely mine and does not represent the organisation that I work for.</span></i></div>
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<b style="font-size: 17.6px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>! </b> </span></div>
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beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-91564304680003392512017-10-15T00:00:00.000+08:002017-10-15T20:22:13.969+08:00Gogoprint - Your "Go-to" digital printer for personalised printing! <div class="MsoNormal">
Amongst my own circle of friends and contacts, I have noted
that increasingly, we are getting more entrepreneurial as many are dabbling
into small businesses. With that, having ready simple collateral such as
business cards, tags, and even brochures are important in communicating the
services and products we carry.</div>
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I, for one, definitely should look into the <a href="https://www.gogoprint.sg/business-cards.html">printing ofbusiness cards</a> for my blog, something that I have put on hold for the longest
time. But with the kiddo’s party, that’s another story altogether. I find planning for her parties easy as they are usually theme bases are you can read more about a “Frozen” party <a href="http://beanienus.blogspot.sg/2014/10/diy-frozen-party.html">here</a> and a “How to train your dragon” art jamming party <a href="http://beanienus.blogspot.sg/2015/11/birthday-blast-toothless-art-jamming.html">here</a>.</div>
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I have been
doing self design for the invitation cards as well as gift tags etc, for the
last few years where I print them at a digital printer in Bras Basah. But this year, I decided to try out Gogoprint's online service as it even provides door-to-door delivery! </div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="884" data-original-width="1490" height="378" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0cMjeol9Djk/WdrT8Gw871I/AAAAAAAAKrU/eS-SCsQs0VIDVhfJxPy2vI0kjxxBevj4wCEwYBhgL/s640/Picture7.png" width="640" /></div>
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<a href="https://www.gogoprint.sg/">Gogoprint</a> is a leading online printing marketing and
technology firm, which has the distinct vision to make ordering printing
products easy and cost-effective, thereby helping small- and medium-sized
businesses to market their businesses and to grow. From popular promotional
materials such as flyers, brochures and folders, to business cards and digital
booklets, choices are aplenty. So this year, I decided to try out Gogoprint
where everything is done online, with just a few clicks!</div>
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Gogoprint’s products are listed on the mainpage where at one
glance you can click and enter into the dedicated product page where you can then
specify your requirements by choosing:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Size</li>
<li>Materials</li>
<li>Finishing</li>
<li>Quantity, etc</li>
</ul>
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In the case of our gift tags, we can even opt for the
position for them to punch the hole for us to loop in the strings!</div>
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As Dumpling’s birthday theme this year is on Star Wars, we
decided to print a booklet in addition to some gift tags and sticks using similar artwork like what we did for her e-invitation.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="No automatic alt text available." height="480" src="https://scontent-sin6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/22450009_10155532153771352_9095759079732115958_n.jpg?oh=21843b869082708c87dd943d1a4bf61e&oe=5A69E109" width="640" /></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129;">The party booklet which turned out gorgeous. The print was crisp and the matt lamination looked really great with the black!</span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="fbPhotoProductTags" id="fbPhotoSnowliftProductTags" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline-block; width: 328px;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img alt="No automatic alt text available." height="561" src="https://scontent-sin6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/22539950_10155532153761352_8601641142583756701_n.jpg?oh=4b5275e4ee88727e537cf6cbae10f9ca&oe=5A726792" width="640" /></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span aria-live="polite" class="fbPhotosPhotoCaption" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="fbPhotoSnowliftCaption" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; line-height: 18px; outline: none; text-align: left; width: auto;" tabindex="0"><span class="hasCaption"><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">Check out our stickers and thank you gift tags! We could print round shaped stickers with Gogoprint! Something that I couldn't do with my previous printer! </span></i></span></span></div>
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="fbPhotoProductTags" id="fbPhotoSnowliftProductTags" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline-block; width: 328px;">
</div>
</span></i><div class="pts fbPhotoProductsTagList" id="fbPhotoSnowliftProductsTagList" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; padding-top: 5px; text-align: left; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;">
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<b>Best of all, the order was done in just 3 steps! </b></div>
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Here’s a walk through of how simple it was to order:</div>
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<b>:: Step 1: Choose my options</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So this is where I get to customise on <b><i>materials</i></b>, <b><i>size, finishing (glossy or matt) </i></b>and
<b><i>the number of pages </i></b>for my booklet. What was useful for me was the short
description for the under “materials” which helps me make better choices on the
type of materials to choose. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xL2f-VlnNOI/WdrT8AXIxqI/AAAAAAAAKrc/n8VGZZxh1EcPU_HYXyFOA6ajMT1T8YkBwCLcBGAs/s1600/Picture5.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="967" data-original-width="1600" height="386" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xL2f-VlnNOI/WdrT8AXIxqI/AAAAAAAAKrc/n8VGZZxh1EcPU_HYXyFOA6ajMT1T8YkBwCLcBGAs/s640/Picture5.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>:: Step 2: Choose Quantity and Delivery Speed</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> The website shows very clearly the various price range for different quantity and different delivery dates. For my 8 pp booklet, I noticed that the incremental difference for non urgent orders is only about $1+ per booklet! </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pKld79pJbpg/WdrW8CmCvpI/AAAAAAAAKr4/TGI2bllKSsgPZUZW7QWbnWngzRj51XDpACLcBGAs/s1600/Picture9.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="892" data-original-width="1478" height="386" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pKld79pJbpg/WdrW8CmCvpI/AAAAAAAAKr4/TGI2bllKSsgPZUZW7QWbnWngzRj51XDpACLcBGAs/s640/Picture9.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><b> :: Step 3: Upload File</b></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>And just like that, I was brought to the next section to upload my file (free for pdf files). (For my artwork, I used both powerpoint as well as Canva to create them.) </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>And once the file is uploaded, I was then prompted to checkout where I can make my payment via credit card. </o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6O7DVEMrgy0/WdrYPPnFVYI/AAAAAAAAKsI/hq01hKS__s8Bpb3Cp7Rx57UP0UkH-7PZwCLcBGAs/s1600/Picture10.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="1502" height="418" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6O7DVEMrgy0/WdrYPPnFVYI/AAAAAAAAKsI/hq01hKS__s8Bpb3Cp7Rx57UP0UkH-7PZwCLcBGAs/s640/Picture10.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p> </o:p><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VE2j2i4QRCU/WdrY9PeUi3I/AAAAAAAAKsQ/aWQseka4lQMI5NT9F1PnQDgefNYVzHTzQCLcBGAs/s1600/Picture11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1502" height="354" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VE2j2i4QRCU/WdrY9PeUi3I/AAAAAAAAKsQ/aWQseka4lQMI5NT9F1PnQDgefNYVzHTzQCLcBGAs/s640/Picture11.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<b>:: What about delivery?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
The delivery was prompt as per the date indicated in my cart and the booklets were gorgeous! The printing was crisp and sharp and the paper, as per what my order was (I opted for a thick paper for the cover). Check them out! </div>
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<br /></div>
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</div>
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-75nWZ2gJmzU/WdreshQ2UcI/AAAAAAAAKsw/9I5UAQFcN4sFFC0ytVcFkV8iDLg6Y8-hACLcBGAs/s1600/Picture12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="744" data-original-width="1171" height="406" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-75nWZ2gJmzU/WdreshQ2UcI/AAAAAAAAKsw/9I5UAQFcN4sFFC0ytVcFkV8iDLg6Y8-hACLcBGAs/s640/Picture12.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiY5iQ6Q3q8/Wdrd4GoffyI/AAAAAAAAKso/2ZGt02Oj_uIP0gPLe6DPxwmlfl52AZLUACLcBGAs/s1600/Picture13.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1070" data-original-width="803" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NiY5iQ6Q3q8/Wdrd4GoffyI/AAAAAAAAKso/2ZGt02Oj_uIP0gPLe6DPxwmlfl52AZLUACLcBGAs/s640/Picture13.png" width="480" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">
<i style="font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Disclaimer: This is a sponsored conversation where Dumpling and I were invited to review the Gogoprint's digital printing service so that we can share our experience on it. All views expressed are entirely mine and does not represent the organisation that I work for.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">
<i style="font-size: 17.6px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">
<b style="font-size: 17.6px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>! </b> </span></div>
beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-48512474290710157312017-10-09T08:00:00.000+08:002017-11-23T15:09:08.871+08:00POSB Smart Buddy - Preparing your child for the future world<div class="MsoNormal">
Singapore,
as a whole, is moving towards a cashless society in its aim to be a smart
nation. This is made even more evident in PM Lee’s recent National Day Rally
speech. And as parents, we are encouraging coding and STEM so it is certainly
not surprising that our children are getting a lot more tech savvy than we were
at their age.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">POSB Smart Buddy</span></b><span lang="EN-US"> Programme is a tech (with a mobile app) that
teaches children how to spend and save money using a watch which is a device
for cashless payments. I was invited for a briefing as well as to trial the
watch with Dumpling. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">:: What are the features of the POSB Smart
Buddy watch?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US">The Smart Buddy watch also acts as a fitness tracker (steps and calories counter).
Additionally, if your child’s school is participating in the programme, it
allows your child to make cashless transactions in the school’s canteen,
school’s bookshop and even at merchants out of the school compound.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">:: How does it work? <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">The POSB
Smart Buddy watch is linked up to your savings / current account. More importantly, it
allows the parent to view the below to understand the spending patterns of the
child:</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="990" data-original-width="559" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8arYCDGmkKo/WdrFge8b1bI/AAAAAAAAKqs/b5wIhG41o8oysu1ko2eX24wXxP6sUGCRwCLcBGAs/s640/Picture1.png" width="360" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b>:: 3 things we like about the POSB Smart Buddy Watch</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1) Ease of use</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">It’s as simple as a “tap and go” to make that NETS
transaction. Dumpling tried first this out at Popular bookstore. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="992" data-original-width="744" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X7JmWWadHrQ/WdrFhVKmf5I/AAAAAAAAKq4/a38P-Q3mjdYxKKCCWCmsFocRsY1KFnYvgCLcBGAs/s640/Picture4.png" width="480" /></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All she had to do was to raise her watch and tap against the
payment unit and the transaction was reflected real-time via my app. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2) Real-time “top up” and transactions update</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><b>
</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was away at the library when the dad and her decided on a
KFC meal and the kiddo wanted to pay for it. Her balance was at $5.80 but the
meal costs $8.8.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="950" data-original-width="723" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WQIxl-__IDY/WdrFgjusRoI/AAAAAAAAKq0/ar7JGIaVbrsTFCBBdQWZ0Exu60r6IEO6wCLcBGAs/s640/Picture2.png" width="484" /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">A quick
call to me and I topped up there and then in the library and she was able to
pay for it in under 2 minutes!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="882" height="571" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NtrcZMAoMIM/WdrFgW9L4nI/AAAAAAAAKqw/Ei8c04Utg6QizAPUb-J3iDCdtw7MnuPOQCLcBGAs/s640/Picture3.png" width="640" /></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The best part is in the event if your child drops the watch, we can disable the watch via our app on the phone remotely! How’s that for
security? <span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "wingdings"; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>3) Encourages the kiddo to be more active</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Believe it or not, Dumpling was really excited with the
steps and calories counter as it looks somewhat like the smart watch that I am
using. She was motivated to walk a lot just to see how many steps she took and
if she can outdo herself the following day. I think that this feature, when
rolled out in more schools, will be one which will get the children trying to
outdo each other, which in turn, get them to walk more and lead a healthier
lifestyle. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">:: OK, so I understand the functions of this
watch but I am worried about financial literacy. Won’t this watch not allow the
child to understand that?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">Honestly,
to me, there is not much difference between the POSB Smart Buddy and from the
child’s EZ link card which is used for bus trips and even for library charges.
The only thing is that for EZ link card, we, as parents are mainly the ones
responsible for topping up and for managing the account. But in the case of the
POSB Smart Buddy watch, the child will be responsible for the spending and
savings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span lang="EN-US">Now, isn’t this a good
thing?<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">This is
especially so if you have a young child (e.g. Primary 1 / 2) where you can now
monitor the spending and speak to your child about it before it escalates to a
larger “overspending” issue? So how can I make the POSB Buddy watch work even
better for us? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span lang="EN-US">:: Here’s 3 tips:<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<b><span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>1) Let them earn their allowance </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Frankly, Dumpling has never had allowance going to school.
We secretly joke that she must be the poorest student we know. :p But the main
reason is because she does not fancy school food and even at this stage I still
pack her a bento daily. She has an emergency fund which she can tap into but
that’s about it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With Dumpling “earning” her allowance (or commission ~ a
term which I learnt from a financial guru), I hope that she grows up with a
less entitled mindset. And by earning, it is not the chores that she is tasked
to do, but to take on extra tasks. This, I learnt, makes her more careful with
her spending as she now understands that money does not grow on trees. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>2) Spending, Saving and Giving </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Besides the spending and saving portions, I do get Dumpling
to put aside a “giving” portion back to church or any organization she wants to
by understanding a certain % of her savings goes to charity. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To us, giving back is very important and I’d like for her to
have such a life habit as it is certainly more meaningful than spending on
frivolous items such as yet another eraser or shopkins item. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>3) Budget and Plan</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Budgeting is a regular topic that I have been talking to her
since young. There were instances where I did not give in to whimsy purchases
or the 3rd expensive meal that weekend and I’d always told her because we do
not need it. Rather, I am saving for our next vacation or for e.g. Christmas
gifts, etc. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because of such exposure from young, I’d say that she is
somewhat quite aware and showed that she seems to be quite prudent with her
money management where we monitor how she spent her money recently at a Pasar
Malam (night market) near our place. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Right now, Dumpling wants to have her own spending money for
the upcoming X’mas and perhaps personal spending money for a year end vacation
so.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">
<i style="font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">To find out more please visit: <a href="http://posb.com.sg/smartbuddy" target="_blank">posb.com.sg/smartbuddy</a></span><br />Here's <a href="https://www.dbs.com/innovation/dbs-innovates/trying-out-the-posb-smart-buddy-programme-learning-value-of-money-is-more-than-being-able-to-touch-dollar-notes-and-coins.html">another mum's experience</a> using the POSB watch<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">
<i style="font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Disclaimer: This is a sponsored conversation where Dumpling and I were invited to review the POSB Smart Buddy watch so that we can share our experience on it. All views expressed are entirely mine and does not represent the organisation that I work for.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">
<i style="font-size: 17.6px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">
<b style="font-size: 17.6px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">If you have enjoyed this post, please follow me on my </span></b><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/BeanieNUsSG" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Facebook Page</span></b></a><b> where I share my parenting thoughts, food photos (be prepared for tons of them!), early shout outs for giveaways and interact with you, my readers! You can also follow me on </b><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/beanienus/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Pinterest</span></b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://instagram.com/beanienus" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><b><span style="color: #da218b;">Instagram</span></b></a><b>! </b> </span></div>
beanienushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01134360845059912145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9021135487628671682.post-17922107885861454882017-09-26T00:00:00.000+08:002017-09-27T13:27:19.154+08:00Parenthood: how are you taking care of yourself? On a daily basis, my schedule is maxed out ~ from being an employee full time to heading home to "parenting" to blogging during free(er) times to bringing the kiddo for her classes etc. A friend of mine, reminded me recently that <u><i>self care is extremely important</i></u> and yes, that got me thinking ~ how am I taking care of myself?<br />
<br />
I am not sure if any of you will resonate with this but I spend both money and time without blinking when it comes to things to do with Dumpling, but when it comes to myself, I am a lot more prudent.<br />
<br />
But one of the things that I have been really conscious about is <b style="font-style: italic;">skincare and personal grooming </b>because whether we like it or not, <u><i>people do judge us based on how we look during the first few seconds</i></u>. And as I have no patience for heading out for facials and perhaps my schedule is too erratic, I find it easier to do eye spa and face spa, etc on my own. So self care for me, comes in the form of <b><i>home range skincare</i></b>.<br />
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I have been using Mary Kay for a few years: from the whitening range to the <a href="http://www.marykay.com.sg/antiaging.aspx">Timewise range</a> (for those in 30s) to the new acne range, <a href="http://www.marykay.com.sg/clear-proof-acne-system.aspx">Clearproof</a>, the products have worked really really well for me.<br />
So I am glad to share that for this month, (as it is my birthday month!) I've decided to do celebrate with a giveaway of <b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><i>1 x Mary Kay Skinvigorate device with + a personal skincare / beauty workshop </i></span></b>at the convenience of your home!<br />
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I have personally benefited much from this cleaning brush as the <i><b>bristles are so soft</b></i> yet <b><i>it cleanses so thoroughly </i></b>that over the course of a few weeks, my skin improved in texture and clarity. Customers who have purchased this have shared really positive feedback too!<br />
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<b>1) What is Mary Kay Skinvigorate?</b><br />
It is a face brush device which has 2 speeds settings (400 and 200 rotations per minute.<br />
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<a href="https://scontent-sin6-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19961381_10155268347586352_8018043264661245514_n.jpg?oh=6045bf2da31f986c76f92976b7e0bc99&oe=5A84C97D" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="No automatic alt text available." border="0" height="400" src="https://scontent-sin6-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19961381_10155268347586352_8018043264661245514_n.jpg?oh=6045bf2da31f986c76f92976b7e0bc99&oe=5A84C97D" width="300" /></a></div>
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<b>2) How does it help me / my skin?</b><br />
It cleanses and removes make up <i><b>85% better than cleansing with our hands</b>!</i> With the bristles and the rotations, it deep cleanses as well as helps in unclogging pores. Based on clinical studies, <b><i>96% reported that it provides a more even-looking skin tone too</i></b>!<br />
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Because I do not believe in recommending anything that I have not used below, here's the before and after photos of my face! (Not filtered!)<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cCB5OTVQjJs/Wci2yIaKRPI/AAAAAAAAKp4/qPoLswILi7UhGr6Ttxav_iKYglgQRnlTwCLcBGAs/s1600/skinvigorate.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1180" data-original-width="788" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cCB5OTVQjJs/Wci2yIaKRPI/AAAAAAAAKp4/qPoLswILi7UhGr6Ttxav_iKYglgQRnlTwCLcBGAs/s640/skinvigorate.png" width="426" /></a></div>
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You can see for yourself that my skin looks smoother and clearer! My freckles (hereditary!) are also less obvious. :)<br />
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<b>3) Who is it suitable for and what does each set consist of?</b><br />
The beauty of this brush is that it is suitable for all skin types and I have clients who also bought it for their husbands! Each set consists of batteries, the hand held device as well as 2 brush heads (each last for about 3 months!)<br />
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<img alt="No automatic alt text available." height="300" src="https://scontent-sin6-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/19959071_10155268347621352_6988393186560989002_n.jpg?oh=3f015783856aff98fc9db0aeb92d1763&oe=5A4F53FB" width="400" /></div>
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<b><span style="color: magenta; font-size: x-large;"><i>Stand a chance to win 1 x Skinvigorate device (worth more than $80!) + a personal skincare / beauty workshop. <br /><br />Here's how to win:</i></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20class=%22rcptr%22%20href=%22http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a3722ab674/%22%20rel=%22nofollow%22%20data-raflid=%22a3722ab674%22%20data-theme=%22classic%22%20data-template=%22%22%20id=%22rcwidget_31g9hejd%22%3Ea%20Rafflecopter%20giveaway%3C/a%3E%20%3Cscript%20src=%22https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js%22%3E%3C/script%3E"></a><a class="rcptr" data-raflid="a3722ab674" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/a3722ab674/" id="rcwidget_31g9hejd" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a> <script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></b><br />
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<b>:: Terms and Conditions</b><br />
<ol style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "Century Gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">The product cannot be exchanged and are not exchangeable for cash</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Please answer this question in the comments section below: <b><span style="color: red;">“What is main your skincare concern / challenge?”</span></b></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">1 winner will be selected and I will reach out via email to make an appointment (weekend only) and deliver Mary Kay Skinvigorate to you! A 60-90 mins session is needed for the sharing and hands-on trial (you get to ask me some questions you may have for your skin <b><i>and</i></b> try out some products at no obligation!) </li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">By taking part in this giveaway, you agree to receiving emails on Mary Kay products which I will share from time to time. </li>
</ol>
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<i style="font-family: "century gothic", arial, sans-serif; font-size: 17.6px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #5a4747; font-family: "century gothic" , sans-serif;">Disclaimer: This giveaway is a personal giveaway where all opinions expressed are entirely mine and does not represent the organisation that I work for.</span></i></div>
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