Land prices continue to escalate even out here in the western suburbs, 35 km from the city.
Here's an email I received today...
At last! Manor Lakes has released a limited selection of exclusive lots in stage 86.
Located only moments from the beautiful wetlands and Lollipop creek reserve, these lots are highly sort after, and won't last long.
This is your chance to enjoy relaxed living in a tranquil location at Manor Lakes, so be first to secure one of the best blocks on which to build the home of your dreams.
Lots range in size from 320m2 up to 608m2 and are priced from $171,000.
Strong demand is expected for these home-sites, so phone us, or call into the Land sales and information centre now and speak to Charles or Vince.
Sincerely,
The Manor Lakes Team
Friday, October 22, 2010
Countdown to piano exam
21 days to the first AMEB exam in the Tan household.
Of course, The One Sitting The Exam is not biting her nails about it. That would be me, the classically trained parent with the ATCL who is probably guilty of reliving her own exam stresses through her hapless child.
I don't know if all 8 yos are like TOSTE - is it a case of blissful ignorance or just "simply bo chap" (can't be bothered)?
I keep telling her she should be putting in one hour a day to get a really good grade (a Distinction would be nice). But she just sails through her scales and list pieces once or twice and considers her daily practice done. She simply hasn't got any competitive spirit in her. Or maybe she has yet to locate it...
Today, we flicked through the AMEB site together and discovered, to my horror, that there are aural tests involved. Even at Grade One.
I don't recall TOSTE's teacher mentioning aural tests during lessons. Perhaps she feels that Yamaha keyboard students are more than adequately prepared to be tested on their aural abilities, any time.
I am quite worried about TOSTE's sight reading.
She still struggles to read notes. It's not that she can't work them out. It's like Math. Most kids get the answers eventually, but the really good ones are those who can produce the right answers consistently and within set time limits.
While it wouldn't be entirely fair to lay the responsibility at Yamaha's doorstep, it must be noted that the emphasis in the Y philosophy is definitely not on note reading. At least not in the first two (and to my Asian mind, most crucial) years of learning. They seem to think it's more important that the child develops their listening ability and enjoys experiencing the music, as opposed to the classical (my!) regime where you are required to read notes from day one.
Of course, The One Sitting The Exam is not biting her nails about it. That would be me, the classically trained parent with the ATCL who is probably guilty of reliving her own exam stresses through her hapless child.
I don't know if all 8 yos are like TOSTE - is it a case of blissful ignorance or just "simply bo chap" (can't be bothered)?
I keep telling her she should be putting in one hour a day to get a really good grade (a Distinction would be nice). But she just sails through her scales and list pieces once or twice and considers her daily practice done. She simply hasn't got any competitive spirit in her. Or maybe she has yet to locate it...
Today, we flicked through the AMEB site together and discovered, to my horror, that there are aural tests involved. Even at Grade One.
I don't recall TOSTE's teacher mentioning aural tests during lessons. Perhaps she feels that Yamaha keyboard students are more than adequately prepared to be tested on their aural abilities, any time.
I am quite worried about TOSTE's sight reading.
She still struggles to read notes. It's not that she can't work them out. It's like Math. Most kids get the answers eventually, but the really good ones are those who can produce the right answers consistently and within set time limits.
While it wouldn't be entirely fair to lay the responsibility at Yamaha's doorstep, it must be noted that the emphasis in the Y philosophy is definitely not on note reading. At least not in the first two (and to my Asian mind, most crucial) years of learning. They seem to think it's more important that the child develops their listening ability and enjoys experiencing the music, as opposed to the classical (my!) regime where you are required to read notes from day one.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
4 yo kinder
J has gained a place in Orange group at Woodville Park Kinder, a council-run 4 yo kinder. She will be doing the 10 3/4-hour program (newly increased from 10 hours) on Mon/Wed/Fri.
I picked her up from daycare where she proudly announced to her room leader Alison that she was going to see her new kinder.
We like the outdoor play area with its new sandpit, boat, tyre swings, cubby house and vast array of climbing equipment. Noticed that the paint is coming off a lot of the equipment; a working bee may be in order.
J thoroughly enjoyed her time in the sandpit making play meat pies, porridge and soup, and was most reluctant to come indoors.
On our way out, she declared that she was coming back after lunch.
Met J's teachers, Jenny and Christine, who look like experienced types who've seen it all and have that infinitely patient smile.
The next thing to do: pay fees, attend AGM on 17 Nov and volunteer (or not) for the Parents' Committee.
Am pleased to have made a new friend, an Indonesian lady whose son Matthew will be in J's class. I thought she was Vietnamese until I heard her say to her child, "Mana Nemo? Mana Elmo?"
It'll be nice to start off Kinder 2011 with a new friend, just like how through Kinder 2007 I met two families that we're still friends with.
I picked her up from daycare where she proudly announced to her room leader Alison that she was going to see her new kinder.
We like the outdoor play area with its new sandpit, boat, tyre swings, cubby house and vast array of climbing equipment. Noticed that the paint is coming off a lot of the equipment; a working bee may be in order.
J thoroughly enjoyed her time in the sandpit making play meat pies, porridge and soup, and was most reluctant to come indoors.
On our way out, she declared that she was coming back after lunch.
Met J's teachers, Jenny and Christine, who look like experienced types who've seen it all and have that infinitely patient smile.
The next thing to do: pay fees, attend AGM on 17 Nov and volunteer (or not) for the Parents' Committee.
Am pleased to have made a new friend, an Indonesian lady whose son Matthew will be in J's class. I thought she was Vietnamese until I heard her say to her child, "Mana Nemo? Mana Elmo?"
It'll be nice to start off Kinder 2011 with a new friend, just like how through Kinder 2007 I met two families that we're still friends with.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Fringe benefits
The girl at the hair salon I visited today is the most PC one I've met so far.
When I confessed my tress stresses, she was quick to assure me.
"You're right about that," she said. "A fringe will make your hair fuller at the top. And I'll tidy the back up, give you more layers on top so it's lighter. Most people already know what they need."
Etc etc.
So The Fringe is back to give some definition to the gleaming high forehead, and I know who to go to in 8 weeks' time for my <$30 maintenance makeover - Hollie at Woodville Cutting Edge.
If only everything else in life was so simple.
Veggie Tales
My Indian neighbour Sebby gave us a packet of coriander seeds during the Sep school holidays and showed me how to plant them.
She said they would start to sprout in 2 weeks.
We've been watering and waiting and watching.
I was terrified nothing would happen, which showed my lack of faith in nature as well as lousy track record in the gardening department.
Finally, a few days ago, tiny green leaves started to appear on the surface of the soil.
Today is 3 weeks since we planted the seeds. Look how much they've grown! For someone who has a history of having even cactuses die on her, this is, like, huge okay.
The tallish plant in the corner of the photo is Beth's tomato plant that we bought from Bunnings at the start of Spring. I am told it will fruit in Summer.
When we've successfully harvested our first batch of coriander, I'm gonna turn my attention to other indispensable Asian herbs and spices.
Probably ginger, cos it's so ex here.
Spring onion. Imagine being able to snip just what you need for a stir fry or soup, instead of buying a whole bunch at Safeway's which then lies unused in the chiller.
And maybe chilli. Fresh cut red chilli with thick black soy sauce and steamed rice...mmm...
Thursday, October 14, 2010
For such a time as this
This has been a spiritually and creatively significant week.
On Monday, I wrote my first song in years.
On Wed, I wrote my second.
It's been a long detour [background story] and it's good to be back.
My current focus is so different from when I first began as a teen, writing for pleasure and self-expression.
Now I am fulfilling a long dormant dream, writing music around Scripture. Think Colin Buchanan, Snack Music and Steve Green. (Especially Steve Green.)
As the Bible says:
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
2 Tim. 3:16
There is nothing more potent than God's Word when it is accurately and effectively communicated, received and applied.
Add to that the universal language of music, singing and playing instruments, and you get a powerful partnership.
I feel a little like a child being led on an amazing journey, eyes round with wonder, hand holding tightly on to my Father's, trying to listen carefully to what He wants me to put down in music.
My challenge is to stick as closely to the NIV text as possible, to allow the God-breathed potency of Scripture to speak with full power to those who hear, while making sure the song itself remains easy on the ear and voice.
This morning, the thought occurred to me: I shy from telling someone face to face about God's love because I struggle to find the right words to say. But through music, I can accomplish the same purpose.
Perhaps this is why He has restored the gift of composing to me after a hiatus of 24 years.
To paraphrase Mordecai when he encouraged Queen Esther to take up the cause of the Jews, who knows but that I have come to creative abundance for such a time as this?
On Monday, I wrote my first song in years.
On Wed, I wrote my second.
It's been a long detour [background story] and it's good to be back.
My current focus is so different from when I first began as a teen, writing for pleasure and self-expression.
Now I am fulfilling a long dormant dream, writing music around Scripture. Think Colin Buchanan, Snack Music and Steve Green. (Especially Steve Green.)
As the Bible says:
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.
2 Tim. 3:16
There is nothing more potent than God's Word when it is accurately and effectively communicated, received and applied.
Add to that the universal language of music, singing and playing instruments, and you get a powerful partnership.
I feel a little like a child being led on an amazing journey, eyes round with wonder, hand holding tightly on to my Father's, trying to listen carefully to what He wants me to put down in music.
My challenge is to stick as closely to the NIV text as possible, to allow the God-breathed potency of Scripture to speak with full power to those who hear, while making sure the song itself remains easy on the ear and voice.
This morning, the thought occurred to me: I shy from telling someone face to face about God's love because I struggle to find the right words to say. But through music, I can accomplish the same purpose.
Perhaps this is why He has restored the gift of composing to me after a hiatus of 24 years.
To paraphrase Mordecai when he encouraged Queen Esther to take up the cause of the Jews, who knows but that I have come to creative abundance for such a time as this?
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Her heart's in her art
Hubby and I reckon Beth is pretty good at "draw-ring" for an 8 yo.
Art is where her heart is. (So's literacy, but reading a book is quite passive compared to putting in the thought and energy to create a picture.)
I told Beth I definitely couldn't produce such artistic quality at her age.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Capital Growth in Wyndham?
Property prices are crazy, even in our neck of the woods.
A 312 sqm block in Reflections Estate, Tarneit (the tiniest block size I've seen) is being listed for $195k - $200k.
Hubby's reaction: "Better buy fast before prices go up some more!"
A 312 sqm block in Reflections Estate, Tarneit (the tiniest block size I've seen) is being listed for $195k - $200k.
Hubby's reaction: "Better buy fast before prices go up some more!"
Reading with a different class
Just had the best time reading with 2C. What a great bunch of kids.
It helps that I already know half the kids because most of them were in Mrs V's class with Beth in Grade 1.
And from the smiles on their faces when they came into the reading room, I'm guessing they were pleased to see Beth's mum too!
Miss C asked what my name is so she could tell the kids.
And when one of the boys (SSC) whom I'd read with actually called out "Hi Mrs Tan" on his way to Music class, I felt my heart swell with such joy. I don't know why. It just felt great to hear this little angmoh boy with the golden hair and angelic smile greet me by name. Very validating, haha!
It helps that I already know half the kids because most of them were in Mrs V's class with Beth in Grade 1.
And from the smiles on their faces when they came into the reading room, I'm guessing they were pleased to see Beth's mum too!
Miss C asked what my name is so she could tell the kids.
And when one of the boys (SSC) whom I'd read with actually called out "Hi Mrs Tan" on his way to Music class, I felt my heart swell with such joy. I don't know why. It just felt great to hear this little angmoh boy with the golden hair and angelic smile greet me by name. Very validating, haha!
Wednesday, October 06, 2010
Good News Gang
Beth has discovered a new social activity - the Good News Gang, a kids' Bible program run by Suburban Baptist Church in Hoppers Crossing. It's every Wed from 7 pm to 8.30 pm during school term. The pastor is also chaplain at Beth's school, and most of the kids that attend are either from Heathdale or Good News Lutheran.
Our friends the Staffords are GNG regulars. As is Beth's best friend Keely, and a couple of other classmates.
Tonight's her first session. Hubby reported that Beth met a number of friends, so he was able to drop her off and come home for dinner.
Can't wait to hear her verdict on the evening.
Our friends the Staffords are GNG regulars. As is Beth's best friend Keely, and a couple of other classmates.
Tonight's her first session. Hubby reported that Beth met a number of friends, so he was able to drop her off and come home for dinner.
Can't wait to hear her verdict on the evening.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Passing of the Mother of Singapore (1921-2010)
We join with our fellow Singaporeans in mourning the passing of MM's beloved wife Mdm Kwa Geok Choo.
Their long and loving marriage, their obvious devotion to each other and her support for her husband's political ambitions are worthy of respect and admiration.
CNA has put together a special report including a section that lets Singaporeans post their thoughts.
There is also a video in 5 parts: Tower of Strength.
I liked this little observation about how Mrs Lee proofread MM's memoirs...
But MP Denise Phua put it best:
"I think Mrs Lee is a personification of what I thought was not possible in women - to have it all.
"Not only did she have a great career, but I think she's a great mother (and), as we all know, (also a) great wife, great mother-in-law and great grandmother," Ms Phua said.
She added the late Mrs Lee was really a "woman of substance".
"To me, she has a lot of confidence to be able to have all that education qualifications behind her, all that cognition, intellect and be able to step behind her husband to provide support, as he serves our country.
"To me, that takes a lot of confidence, a lot of security and a lot of character in a woman," she said.
Their long and loving marriage, their obvious devotion to each other and her support for her husband's political ambitions are worthy of respect and admiration.
CNA has put together a special report including a section that lets Singaporeans post their thoughts.
There is also a video in 5 parts: Tower of Strength.
I liked this little observation about how Mrs Lee proofread MM's memoirs...
But MP Denise Phua put it best:
"I think Mrs Lee is a personification of what I thought was not possible in women - to have it all.
"Not only did she have a great career, but I think she's a great mother (and), as we all know, (also a) great wife, great mother-in-law and great grandmother," Ms Phua said.
She added the late Mrs Lee was really a "woman of substance".
"To me, she has a lot of confidence to be able to have all that education qualifications behind her, all that cognition, intellect and be able to step behind her husband to provide support, as he serves our country.
"To me, that takes a lot of confidence, a lot of security and a lot of character in a woman," she said.
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