How amazing. It's Friday again!
Nothing unusual or particularly memorable has happened this week, except perhaps for an insightful time reflecting on the subject of death anxiety in Irvin D. Yalom's book Staring At The Sun, a compelling book on a taboo subject.
I've completed 3 of my 30 hours of volunteer work at school and it's been amazing.
On Mon, I attended the Parents & Friends Association meeting and learnt of all the good work P&F has done to fundraise for good causes in the past year, like buying new instruments for the Music Dept.
On Tue, I did reading with Beth's class during the first period and afterwards lunchtime Yard Duty.
The first kid at play I met was...Beth! She was quietly digging outside the sandpit and was so thrilled to see me - even if she'd just seen me hours earlier. Her huge smile of welcome and shout of "MOM!" made an otherwise inefficient morning (I'm always coming and going from the house!) worth it.
I made so many friends during my one hour in the playground: the Yard Duty teacher, a fellow mom, Beth's classmates, Beth's former classmates, brand new Preppies cautiously exploring their new play area...
One lovely little girl announced that she wanted to follow me around.
I was also able to use my bilingual skills for a good cause when some kids came to tell me about their friend who had hurt himself and was crying and couldn't speak English. The boy in question is new to the school and the country and it was beautiful to see how hard the children tried to comfort and reassure him even though he probably couldn't understand a word they said. I think he was relieved to be able to talk to someone who understood his language, because he started sobbing out his tale. I was glad to get him back on his feet and back in the circle of play before the bell went.
It feels so good to be part of this community of children at their most natural, lively and authentic. There is something about hanging out with kids that balances my adult dysfunctionalities and default mode of behaving.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
On the street where we live
After a two-month break, we're looking at houses again.
CA happened to see a discreet For Sale sign across the road, so on Sat, after dropping Beth off at Chinese class, we went to have a look.
More pictures here.
The agent quoted us $400-$450K. It's a double storey, 4 bed 2 bath house on a 917 sq m block, which is huge when you consider that new house-and-land packages market houses on plots as small as 300 sq m these days.
CA happened to see a discreet For Sale sign across the road, so on Sat, after dropping Beth off at Chinese class, we went to have a look.
More pictures here.
The agent quoted us $400-$450K. It's a double storey, 4 bed 2 bath house on a 917 sq m block, which is huge when you consider that new house-and-land packages market houses on plots as small as 300 sq m these days.
CA and I stood in the backyard looking out over Derrimut Road and thought: you could easily fit in 3 townhouses or units if you wanted to maximize the block.
On our way back, we popped in on our old estate in Werribee.
There used to be this corner vacant plot across from our unit where the owners would come by once in a while to mow the grass, and we wanted to see what had become of it. (Note: if you're a land owner, you're expected to maintain your block even when it's not yet built on, and not just leave it to get overgrown by weeds).
In its place now are two units - one along each arm of the 'L' shape - and built so compactly that the walls go right up to the neighbour's Colourbond fence. Each unit has its own garage and driveway, which is great for rental purposes. Except for the front garden (which hasn't been landscaped), it's all house. Very contemporary, very practical and totally reflective of today's lifestyle.
No time to mow grass, so let's get rid of the backyard and have more indoor living space.
CBA introduces 3pc deposit mortgage rule
The Commonwealth Bank (CBA) has announced plans that will require first home buyers to stump up at least 3 per cent of their new home's purchase price on top of any government grants to which they are entitled.
The bank says it is prudent to seek minimum deposits in the current economic climate.
The Federal Government currently grants $14,000 to first home buyers who purchase an existing home, and $21,000 for a newly built home.
So if you are planning to purchase a $250,000 home, make sure you've got at least $7,500 in ready cash. Don't just rely on the First Home Owners' Grant.
The bank says it is prudent to seek minimum deposits in the current economic climate.
The Federal Government currently grants $14,000 to first home buyers who purchase an existing home, and $21,000 for a newly built home.
So if you are planning to purchase a $250,000 home, make sure you've got at least $7,500 in ready cash. Don't just rely on the First Home Owners' Grant.
"Vic towns on alert as heat, wind returns"
A total fire ban has been declared in all but Victoria's southwestern region and residents in the Warburton region, the Yarra Valley and at Enoch Point, near Eildon, have been warned to decide as early as possible to leave or stay and fight any bushfire that may come.
Of most concern is the giant East Kilmore-Murrindindi fire.
Enoch Point residents and those in the Yarra Valley including communities near Warburton, East Warburton, Reefton, Wesburn, Millgrove, Yarra Junction, Gladysdale, Powelltown, Launching Place, Don Valley, Hoddles Creek, Woori Yallock, Yellingbo, Seville, Wandin and McMahons Creek have been urged to get out early or be prepared to fight.
"...we want to remind people about the stay or go bushfire policy. That means that people must decide to stay or leave as early as possible, and that means tonight or Monday morning.
If you see flames, it's too late to leave."
If you see flames, it's too late to leave."
@->@->@->@->@->
As of this morning (23/2/09), the Country Fire Authority has already posted six Awareness/Alert messages. Residents of these areas are being advised to listen to ABC radio for updates.
Please join with us in praying for the people, pets and property that are under threat. May God grant us wisdom and courage to do all we can to be His agents of compassion and help.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Guess what we had for dinner
This is home-cooked Singapore Satay, recipe courtesy of Prima.
Even CA thinks the peanut sauce is superior to what you get at the satay stall, and that's saying something!
Sticks and Ashes
Today is National Day of Mourning for the victims of Black Saturday (7/2/09) and the VIC bushfires.
At church today, we were invited to show our support with an offering for the victims, an opportunity to place a yellow flower in a vase (to represent our prayers for the victims) and a special time of prayer and reflection, In The Grieving: After The Fires.
I particularly want to share with you this reflection which touched me.
At church today, we were invited to show our support with an offering for the victims, an opportunity to place a yellow flower in a vase (to represent our prayers for the victims) and a special time of prayer and reflection, In The Grieving: After The Fires.
I particularly want to share with you this reflection which touched me.
Forgive us as our faith is blown by the hot wind of questioning.
May we honour what lies before us,
rather than attempting to offer easy answers or trite responses.
May we honour what lies before us,
rather than attempting to offer easy answers or trite responses.
Even though the fires seem to have taken place in remote places (e.g. Kinglake, Marysville), we know of locals who are personally affected.
One family lost their eldest son aged 22. He was at his parents' house in Yarra Glen and when the fire swept through, there was no time to escape. He did, however, have just enough time to call home and tell his family he loved them.
What tremendous presence of mind and thoughtfulness. And how gracious is our God for letting that final "I love you" happen. I am guessing that memory and that conversation will be in the hearts of his loved ones forever.
Tragedy has a way of revealing who we really are.
Just as we are encouraged by stories of Australians who are organizing fundraising appeals, sending caravans packed with relief essentials and helping to rebuild broken communities, we are appalled by those who seek to take advantage of the situation: making false bereavement claims, looting from collection tins, calling up real estate agents to find out if there is any scorched land going cheap.
Here's another reflection I want to share from today's service.
One family lost their eldest son aged 22. He was at his parents' house in Yarra Glen and when the fire swept through, there was no time to escape. He did, however, have just enough time to call home and tell his family he loved them.
What tremendous presence of mind and thoughtfulness. And how gracious is our God for letting that final "I love you" happen. I am guessing that memory and that conversation will be in the hearts of his loved ones forever.
Tragedy has a way of revealing who we really are.
Just as we are encouraged by stories of Australians who are organizing fundraising appeals, sending caravans packed with relief essentials and helping to rebuild broken communities, we are appalled by those who seek to take advantage of the situation: making false bereavement claims, looting from collection tins, calling up real estate agents to find out if there is any scorched land going cheap.
Here's another reflection I want to share from today's service.
Affirmation of Faith
We believe that we are never left alone.
God holds us in the hollow of a loving hand
and cradles the whole world in compassion.
Christ walks beside us and bears within,
every grief and pain which is ours.
The Holy Spirit hovers like a dove of peace,
breathing healing and kindness over the stricken people.
This is our God,
the One whose life is never defeated.
Already we see before us the rising of good and hope.
This we believe.
Despite this disaster our communities will live again.
We believe that we are never left alone.
God holds us in the hollow of a loving hand
and cradles the whole world in compassion.
Christ walks beside us and bears within,
every grief and pain which is ours.
The Holy Spirit hovers like a dove of peace,
breathing healing and kindness over the stricken people.
This is our God,
the One whose life is never defeated.
Already we see before us the rising of good and hope.
This we believe.
Despite this disaster our communities will live again.
Monday, February 16, 2009
The Passionate Chef
Beth loves watching Better Homes & Gardens. If a particular episode inspires her, Daddy might even have to buy the latest issue of the magazine on his next trip to the supermarket.
It was during Friday's episode that Beth decided she absolutely MUST make this no-bake slice.
So we made a trip to Safeway during the weekend to get all the ingredients, with Beth reciting the ingredient list as we went aisle-hunting.
Uncle Sean and Aunty Yin had first-bite privileges when they visited us for dinner on Sunday.
We have them to thank for our exceptionally clean house...which lasted less than an hour into the visit when the 2 y.o. spilled soup on the table and dropped her food onto the newly vacuumed floor.
Still, our efforts didn't go unnoticed, because Yin remarked while looking out the kitchen window, "Your backyard looks tidier today." lol
I didn't bore her with the details of how I'd spent the morning sweeping and raking the leaves, popping them into trash bags and putting away unused equipment into the shed.
INGREDIENTS
1 pkt dessicated coconut
Raspberries
Glaced cherries
Thickened cream 150 ml
Dark or milk chocolate for centre layer
1 pkt Scotch Finger Biscuits
150g unsalted butter, plus an extra 150g
Dark chocolate frosting (we used Betty Crocker spreadable choc frosting)
RECIPE
J had great fun with Sean and Yin. The baby of the family is never short of affection!
It was during Friday's episode that Beth decided she absolutely MUST make this no-bake slice.
So we made a trip to Safeway during the weekend to get all the ingredients, with Beth reciting the ingredient list as we went aisle-hunting.
Uncle Sean and Aunty Yin had first-bite privileges when they visited us for dinner on Sunday.
We have them to thank for our exceptionally clean house...which lasted less than an hour into the visit when the 2 y.o. spilled soup on the table and dropped her food onto the newly vacuumed floor.
Still, our efforts didn't go unnoticed, because Yin remarked while looking out the kitchen window, "Your backyard looks tidier today." lol
I didn't bore her with the details of how I'd spent the morning sweeping and raking the leaves, popping them into trash bags and putting away unused equipment into the shed.
INGREDIENTS
1 pkt dessicated coconut
Raspberries
Glaced cherries
Thickened cream 150 ml
Dark or milk chocolate for centre layer
1 pkt Scotch Finger Biscuits
150g unsalted butter, plus an extra 150g
Dark chocolate frosting (we used Betty Crocker spreadable choc frosting)
RECIPE
- Crush or pound biscuits till fine and crumbly. (Some people like using a mortar and pestle. We haven't got one, so we tried the paper bag method. The mixture came out rather unevenly.)
- Combine with 150g butter and press into bottom of cake/biscuit tray to form biscuit base.
- Chill till firm (at least 20 min).
- Melt remaining butter, cream and choc in a pan.
- Add cherries, raspberries and coconut into the mix.
- Spread mixture over biscuit base.
- Chill for 30 min or until firm.
- Spread choc frosting over the top and decorate as you like.
- Cut into little squares to serve.
J had great fun with Sean and Yin. The baby of the family is never short of affection!
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Install insulation, get rebate
There is talk of 4000 jobs being created through the Federal Government paying up to $1600 towards the insulation of owner-occupied dwellings and doubling to $1000 the rebate landlords can get for insulating rental properties.
More here >>>
More here >>>
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Value for Money
I went to my favourite fruit shop at the Plaza yesterday.
I placed 4 bananas, 3 peaches, half a cantaloupe and a bunch of grapes on the counter.
I handed over a $5 note.
And got back a dollar plus.
All that fruit for less than $4!
Now that's value for money.
I placed 4 bananas, 3 peaches, half a cantaloupe and a bunch of grapes on the counter.
I handed over a $5 note.
And got back a dollar plus.
All that fruit for less than $4!
Now that's value for money.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Bushfire Update
Last night, my mom called and said, "If it gets any hotter, come home!"
Thankfully, the weather has calmed down considerably and Sat's scorcher is now a recent memory.
But not for the families and friends of the 108 people who lost their lives in bushfires last week.
We spent most of Sunday afternoon watching news updates and images of the bushfires. Brave (and outnumbered) firefighters. Tearful home owners who have had to watch their dream homes reduced to ashes. Farmers who have had to euthanase their cattle and horses. Residents worrying about missing neighbours (what a loving neighbourhood that must be!) and puzzled by why the fires hit some houses and missed others.
Most of the affected areas are in regional VIC: Ballarat, Bendigo, Kinglake... But one outer suburb (Narre Warren) was a casualty as well, which was surprising because you would think densely populated areas would be safe from raging bushfires. There's a suspicion that that particular fire was an act of arson. The madness of some humans!!
We had plans to go up to Bendigo on 15 Feb with my cousin for Chinese New Year yum cha, but we might think twice now. At least 50 homes were lost in Bendigo. The Bendigo homepage has been updated with advice on temporary housing solutions, location of recovery centre, advice about financial assistance...It gives you an idea of how bad things are there.
The Prime Minister has called the 108 deaths 'mass murder' and the Police Commissioner has labelled all bushfire areas 'crime scenes' because there is evidence that some of the fires were deliberately lit.
Which makes you wonder: what's going on in the perpetrators' minds? What drives some people to act cruelly and callously towards their fellow humans?
Truly the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked. The more outward progress we make in science, math and technology, the more divine redemption we seem to need.
Thankfully, the weather has calmed down considerably and Sat's scorcher is now a recent memory.
But not for the families and friends of the 108 people who lost their lives in bushfires last week.
We spent most of Sunday afternoon watching news updates and images of the bushfires. Brave (and outnumbered) firefighters. Tearful home owners who have had to watch their dream homes reduced to ashes. Farmers who have had to euthanase their cattle and horses. Residents worrying about missing neighbours (what a loving neighbourhood that must be!) and puzzled by why the fires hit some houses and missed others.
Most of the affected areas are in regional VIC: Ballarat, Bendigo, Kinglake... But one outer suburb (Narre Warren) was a casualty as well, which was surprising because you would think densely populated areas would be safe from raging bushfires. There's a suspicion that that particular fire was an act of arson. The madness of some humans!!
We had plans to go up to Bendigo on 15 Feb with my cousin for Chinese New Year yum cha, but we might think twice now. At least 50 homes were lost in Bendigo. The Bendigo homepage has been updated with advice on temporary housing solutions, location of recovery centre, advice about financial assistance...It gives you an idea of how bad things are there.
The Prime Minister has called the 108 deaths 'mass murder' and the Police Commissioner has labelled all bushfire areas 'crime scenes' because there is evidence that some of the fires were deliberately lit.
Which makes you wonder: what's going on in the perpetrators' minds? What drives some people to act cruelly and callously towards their fellow humans?
Truly the heart is deceitful and desperately wicked. The more outward progress we make in science, math and technology, the more divine redemption we seem to need.
Saturday, February 07, 2009
Sear Scorch Sizzle
Today's temperature is a low of 24 and a high of 44.
Outside, the wind is roaring and the trees are bending over - but it's a hot sort of wind. Like having the heater blowing in your face, if that makes any sense. The evaporative cooler is barely making a dent in the indoor temperature.
We're going to keep indoors as much as possible.
Poor Beth - she's got keyboard class this morning and Chinese class this afternoon.
Don't think the church car boot sale took very much $ today.
There'll be some respite tomorrow onwards, with low 20's expected the whole week.
We're guessing the heat is what has brought the ants indoors, cos we asked around and we know we aren't the only household battling the ant invasion. They're coming in by the hundreds everywhere: bathroom, kitchen, play room. Wipe one lot away and a few minutes later, they re-form in the exact spot.
Am looking forward to the cooler weather...so the ants will find somewhere else to play!
Outside, the wind is roaring and the trees are bending over - but it's a hot sort of wind. Like having the heater blowing in your face, if that makes any sense. The evaporative cooler is barely making a dent in the indoor temperature.
We're going to keep indoors as much as possible.
Poor Beth - she's got keyboard class this morning and Chinese class this afternoon.
Don't think the church car boot sale took very much $ today.
There'll be some respite tomorrow onwards, with low 20's expected the whole week.
We're guessing the heat is what has brought the ants indoors, cos we asked around and we know we aren't the only household battling the ant invasion. They're coming in by the hundreds everywhere: bathroom, kitchen, play room. Wipe one lot away and a few minutes later, they re-form in the exact spot.
Am looking forward to the cooler weather...so the ants will find somewhere else to play!
Monday, February 02, 2009
Plague of the Ants (aka A Plague on Ants!)
You can tell by my posts today that I'm relishing my new freedom, can't you?
We've been invaded by ants. Hundreds of them.
We thought we'd left the ants behind in Sg, but for some reason, they've taken up abode near the kitchen sink, the window sills, the bathroom vanity top...
Usually, an ant invasion signals the presence of some dead thing: say a moth or fly. I've followed the trails and I can't seem to find the source.
I hate commercial insectide (indoor air pollutant!) but being taken hostage by creepie crawlies - that's worse. So I cleared the counter of utensils and sprayed Shieldtox and waited for the ants to drop like ninepins.
And drop they did.
Except more came to replace their fallen comrades!
Belatedly, I thought of the bottle of Eucalyptus Oil in my ensuite. I alternate using EO and an organic household cleaner for cleaning the vanity top and toilet bowl. EO, besides being a great sinus clearer, does a great job of masking any noxious odours from the WC at night.
I made up a diluted spray bottle and started cleaning all the kitchen surfaces. The ickiest part was removing the little black bodies embedded in the rag. But short of tossing a perfectly good rag, there was naught to do but get on with it. (Ditto with snaring long-legged spiders and winter millipedes. Isn't it amazing how motherhood makes you grow up?)
Now I'm watching and waiting. Ah, the joys of a SAHM....
We've been invaded by ants. Hundreds of them.
We thought we'd left the ants behind in Sg, but for some reason, they've taken up abode near the kitchen sink, the window sills, the bathroom vanity top...
Usually, an ant invasion signals the presence of some dead thing: say a moth or fly. I've followed the trails and I can't seem to find the source.
I hate commercial insectide (indoor air pollutant!) but being taken hostage by creepie crawlies - that's worse. So I cleared the counter of utensils and sprayed Shieldtox and waited for the ants to drop like ninepins.
And drop they did.
Except more came to replace their fallen comrades!
Belatedly, I thought of the bottle of Eucalyptus Oil in my ensuite. I alternate using EO and an organic household cleaner for cleaning the vanity top and toilet bowl. EO, besides being a great sinus clearer, does a great job of masking any noxious odours from the WC at night.
I made up a diluted spray bottle and started cleaning all the kitchen surfaces. The ickiest part was removing the little black bodies embedded in the rag. But short of tossing a perfectly good rag, there was naught to do but get on with it. (Ditto with snaring long-legged spiders and winter millipedes. Isn't it amazing how motherhood makes you grow up?)
Now I'm watching and waiting. Ah, the joys of a SAHM....
Grade One Timetable
Here's Beth's timetable for the year.
Mon: Music
Tue: PE
Wed: Technology (wah, chim ah!)
Thu: Art & Drama
Fri: Sports, Library
Swimming starts Week 2.
Thanks Yvonne! ;-)
Mon: Music
Tue: PE
Wed: Technology (wah, chim ah!)
Thu: Art & Drama
Fri: Sports, Library
Swimming starts Week 2.
Thanks Yvonne! ;-)
First Day of Term One
How peaceful the mall seems now that all the kids are at school.
It was weird being able to shop again without having to stop every 5 minutes to mediate between two bickering girls or think up satisfying responses to "I'm so hungry I could die!"
This morning, J and I waved Big Jie Jie off to a new year. (Come to think of it, J was more interested in copying Trudy and stepping on the stencilled patterns on the concrete floor.)
It won't just be Beth who is making new friends. Mummy will have to prep herself up for some socializing too (which for an introvert, always seems to take twice the effort).
Am very glad that there are so many familiar faces in Beth's class. Sarah who used to go home with us; Ethan, Triston and Cassandra from her Prep class; friendly Danielle whose mum used to watch over J when I read to Beth's class last year; Joey, Beth's kinder bestie and the most gorgeous 6 y.o. boy I know; Daniel from church...
The general sentiment among the mums I spoke to was one of RELIEF. The summer hols were too long, one said, particularly towards the end. I know exactly what she means.
There will be mums who will feel just a bit sooky because their youngest starts school today (big hug, Sharon! :-)).
As for me, I'm determined to complete my 30 hours of volunteer work in the first semester so I won't have to think about it when winter comes. Reading, yard duty and a couple of Parents & Friends meetings should do the trick. We're also taking advantage of the 6% discount for those who pay the school fees upfront, although this will mean redrawing from our home loan. That will save us about $500.
Thank you God, for new beginnings and the promise of hope.
It was weird being able to shop again without having to stop every 5 minutes to mediate between two bickering girls or think up satisfying responses to "I'm so hungry I could die!"
This morning, J and I waved Big Jie Jie off to a new year. (Come to think of it, J was more interested in copying Trudy and stepping on the stencilled patterns on the concrete floor.)
It won't just be Beth who is making new friends. Mummy will have to prep herself up for some socializing too (which for an introvert, always seems to take twice the effort).
Am very glad that there are so many familiar faces in Beth's class. Sarah who used to go home with us; Ethan, Triston and Cassandra from her Prep class; friendly Danielle whose mum used to watch over J when I read to Beth's class last year; Joey, Beth's kinder bestie and the most gorgeous 6 y.o. boy I know; Daniel from church...
The general sentiment among the mums I spoke to was one of RELIEF. The summer hols were too long, one said, particularly towards the end. I know exactly what she means.
There will be mums who will feel just a bit sooky because their youngest starts school today (big hug, Sharon! :-)).
As for me, I'm determined to complete my 30 hours of volunteer work in the first semester so I won't have to think about it when winter comes. Reading, yard duty and a couple of Parents & Friends meetings should do the trick. We're also taking advantage of the 6% discount for those who pay the school fees upfront, although this will mean redrawing from our home loan. That will save us about $500.
Thank you God, for new beginnings and the promise of hope.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)