Glad I listened to the Learning Strategies Anxiety-Free CD this morning.
I had two things on my mind: the gardener, and the music lesson I was due to give in the afternoon.
Both went well.
I even managed to do a bit of tidying up in the backyard (at 7 in the morning!): pruning the grapevine, removing the cobwebby fairy lights, sweeping the dead leaves - hubby was impressed.
Had a consult with gardener on how to get rid of the grass in the backyard so we can reclaim some play space for the kids.
The most ex but effective method is to kill the grass and pave over it - that'll cost thousand$$$.
The cheapest is to kill the grass and lay mulch over it. But the weeds will come back.
Spraying the grass has to be done in stages, and he recommends I keep Scottie away from the area for 24 hours.
Quote for killing the grass: $120.
Due to a miscomm, my keyboard student didn't turn up till an hour and a half after the scheduled time.
Amazingly, I not only kept my composure (I get antsy when my schedule's off) but even managed to practise some worship songs and to work on a couple of songs I'd written, based on Acts 4 and 17 respectively.
Funnily, though the days leading up to the lesson had been slightly fraught (what will I teach? how much should I teach?), it actually went quite well. I felt comfortable and competent talking about note values, key signatures, note reading, chord formation. At one point, I even openly acknowledged that I didn't understand why a chord was called 1-3-5 when the number of semitones didn't add up. (Eventually I did get it, and I hope my student did too!)
The most valuable thing I learned was to let the student lead the way.
Mine enjoys experimenting on the keyboard, so I introduced her to the C major scale, and explained how finger exercises help with dexterity.
She particularly wanted to know how long it would take before she could read a note sequence.
So I let her have a go at Yankee Doodle...and she figured it out!
Scott the Piano Guy, I owe you one. :-)
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Where to find Nasi Lemak in Werribee
Acting on a tip from our friend Yvonne, we checked out a little makan place on Hoppers Lane next to the driving range.
We rocked up after 2 pm and weren't confident if they were still serving lunch, but the big WE ARE OPEN sign on the door encouraged us to venture in.
Hubby commented that the Migrant Hub - that's the name of the cafe - looked like the interior of an old kampong house in SG. Light green walls and glossy green doors that reminded me of my in-laws' place in Serangoon North. Very simple and homely.
The friendly makcik who runs the place guessed that we're Singaporeans - however did she know? She was surprised that hubby could speak Malay fluently, cos most Singaporean Chinese can't/don't.
The Migrant Hub is known for its Malay cuisine, particularly Nasi Padang and Nasi Lemak.
Today, they were offering Nasi Lemak, and hubby and I had fun choosing dishes to accompany the coconut rice, hard boiled egg and cucumber, fried ikan bilis and peanut, and sambal ikan bilis. The price depends on the number of dishes chosen: $10 for 4 dishes, $8 for 3, $6 for 2.
Between us, we had beef rendang, chicken curry and sambal sotong. The girls had a specially created roti john-like creation with cheese, onions and veges. J had most of it but Beth only ate 1/4, so as usual, we had to finish the leftovers, which made us very sluggish the whole afternoon. We also ordered teh tarik, which was a disappointment: it was too sweet and rather lite on the teh component. The girls enjoyed the iced lemon tea.
Total bill: $29.
Hubby rates the food "not bad" but gives the teh tarik a thumbs-down.
When we next visit SG, he says, we must visit the nasi padang stall next to the coffee shop on the hill on Yio Chu Kang Rd.
We rocked up after 2 pm and weren't confident if they were still serving lunch, but the big WE ARE OPEN sign on the door encouraged us to venture in.
Hubby commented that the Migrant Hub - that's the name of the cafe - looked like the interior of an old kampong house in SG. Light green walls and glossy green doors that reminded me of my in-laws' place in Serangoon North. Very simple and homely.
The friendly makcik who runs the place guessed that we're Singaporeans - however did she know? She was surprised that hubby could speak Malay fluently, cos most Singaporean Chinese can't/don't.
The Migrant Hub is known for its Malay cuisine, particularly Nasi Padang and Nasi Lemak.
Today, they were offering Nasi Lemak, and hubby and I had fun choosing dishes to accompany the coconut rice, hard boiled egg and cucumber, fried ikan bilis and peanut, and sambal ikan bilis. The price depends on the number of dishes chosen: $10 for 4 dishes, $8 for 3, $6 for 2.
Between us, we had beef rendang, chicken curry and sambal sotong. The girls had a specially created roti john-like creation with cheese, onions and veges. J had most of it but Beth only ate 1/4, so as usual, we had to finish the leftovers, which made us very sluggish the whole afternoon. We also ordered teh tarik, which was a disappointment: it was too sweet and rather lite on the teh component. The girls enjoyed the iced lemon tea.
Total bill: $29.
Hubby rates the food "not bad" but gives the teh tarik a thumbs-down.
When we next visit SG, he says, we must visit the nasi padang stall next to the coffee shop on the hill on Yio Chu Kang Rd.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Am recovering from a crazy weekend.
Sat -
Last Yamaha class and piano lesson. Was really cross cos girls got up late, J made such a huge fuss about what to wear, had to drop her off to hubby who was helping out with the $1 sale at church, and got to Yamaha in a fluster and 10 min late. Which has never happened in 3 years.
Visited the craft market at Werribee Park. Enjoyed impromptu picnic time on the grass with other families. The fried calamari was particularly good, though pricey at $12.50 a cone.
Had a huge nap when we got home. Was so worn out. Must be age catching up on me.
Spent the evening wrapping bibles for the SS kids for Sun's presentation.
Sun -
Arrived at church at 9 to get the kids ready for their final rehearsal for the SS dance and drama.
Usual challenge of being heard amidst all the chatter and excitement and distraction as we made last-minute checks on costumes and dance moves.
Beth's best friend Keely and her mum came to watch. Glad they made it but feel terrible that I didn't have as much to spend with them as I wanted, cos hubby and I were pretty much in charge of running the SS show.
As it happened, we were on hospitality duty too, which meant dashing to the kitchen to get the milk and cups and coffee/tea ready, cut up the cheese, put the crackers in dishes. Hubby handled most of that, like the good trouper he is, with help from our lovely home group member Jenny, who is always on hand to rescue anyone who looks like they need help.
The dance went well.
Was particularly impressed by the kids who haven't been regular but managed to catch up to the others and were sporting and courageous enough to join the rest on stage.
With 11 kids aged 7 to 14 up there, the stage certainly looked crowded and small. As the choreographer pointed out, that's a good thing!
The drama went a treat.
Lots of laughter from the audience, who thought the kids brought out the wit and irony of the script beautifully.
As each child's name was called, they went up front and pastor handed them their very own bible (specially selected by our bookshop manager Mandy according to age and ability) and hubby, the SS coordinator, gave a few words of thanksgiving.
After we'd put away the costumes and props, cleaned up the hall and tidied up the kitchen (with help from Geoff and aforementioned Jenny), we went to Kat's for lunch.
Kat, our S Africa missionary, showed us tear-jerking videos and photos of the kids she's been helping over the past 12 months.
It certainly was a reminder of how much we'd been blessed with and how we need to always have a thankful heart because life is so illusory and circumstances can change overnight.
I think particularly of the young boy who watched his sister get stabbed to death while they were out on the street.
However much we may feel we're suffering, someone else is always doing it worse, and if we knew the whole truth, we wouldn't trade places for anything.
Got home and found a text message from our family friend who asked if we were free for dinner. He was leaving for SG on Sat and wouldn't be here for Christmas.
The ever-resourceful hubby put together a simple but satisfying dinner at short notice and the girls were on their best behaviour, esp J, who was especially friendly and chatty. That's always helpful when you have guests!
Today...
...will be a time to rest and do very little.
Other than Kumon at 3.45, I plan to enjoy some reading time and to let the girls direct their own activities.
Right now, they're building a dollhouse from a snack carton.
This is life - as it should be. And we give God thanks for every moment of it. :)
Sat -
Last Yamaha class and piano lesson. Was really cross cos girls got up late, J made such a huge fuss about what to wear, had to drop her off to hubby who was helping out with the $1 sale at church, and got to Yamaha in a fluster and 10 min late. Which has never happened in 3 years.
Visited the craft market at Werribee Park. Enjoyed impromptu picnic time on the grass with other families. The fried calamari was particularly good, though pricey at $12.50 a cone.
Had a huge nap when we got home. Was so worn out. Must be age catching up on me.
Spent the evening wrapping bibles for the SS kids for Sun's presentation.
Sun -
Arrived at church at 9 to get the kids ready for their final rehearsal for the SS dance and drama.
Usual challenge of being heard amidst all the chatter and excitement and distraction as we made last-minute checks on costumes and dance moves.
Beth's best friend Keely and her mum came to watch. Glad they made it but feel terrible that I didn't have as much to spend with them as I wanted, cos hubby and I were pretty much in charge of running the SS show.
As it happened, we were on hospitality duty too, which meant dashing to the kitchen to get the milk and cups and coffee/tea ready, cut up the cheese, put the crackers in dishes. Hubby handled most of that, like the good trouper he is, with help from our lovely home group member Jenny, who is always on hand to rescue anyone who looks like they need help.
The dance went well.
Was particularly impressed by the kids who haven't been regular but managed to catch up to the others and were sporting and courageous enough to join the rest on stage.
With 11 kids aged 7 to 14 up there, the stage certainly looked crowded and small. As the choreographer pointed out, that's a good thing!
The drama went a treat.
Lots of laughter from the audience, who thought the kids brought out the wit and irony of the script beautifully.
As each child's name was called, they went up front and pastor handed them their very own bible (specially selected by our bookshop manager Mandy according to age and ability) and hubby, the SS coordinator, gave a few words of thanksgiving.
After we'd put away the costumes and props, cleaned up the hall and tidied up the kitchen (with help from Geoff and aforementioned Jenny), we went to Kat's for lunch.
Kat, our S Africa missionary, showed us tear-jerking videos and photos of the kids she's been helping over the past 12 months.
It certainly was a reminder of how much we'd been blessed with and how we need to always have a thankful heart because life is so illusory and circumstances can change overnight.
I think particularly of the young boy who watched his sister get stabbed to death while they were out on the street.
However much we may feel we're suffering, someone else is always doing it worse, and if we knew the whole truth, we wouldn't trade places for anything.
Got home and found a text message from our family friend who asked if we were free for dinner. He was leaving for SG on Sat and wouldn't be here for Christmas.
The ever-resourceful hubby put together a simple but satisfying dinner at short notice and the girls were on their best behaviour, esp J, who was especially friendly and chatty. That's always helpful when you have guests!
Today...
...will be a time to rest and do very little.
Other than Kumon at 3.45, I plan to enjoy some reading time and to let the girls direct their own activities.
Right now, they're building a dollhouse from a snack carton.
This is life - as it should be. And we give God thanks for every moment of it. :)
Wednesday, December 08, 2010
If it sounds too good to be true...
Hubby received this email and very excitedly forwarded it to me, suggesting I have a look into whether it might be an opportunity for me.
Dear Calvin Tan
Please allow me to introduce myself; my name is Douglas Wall and I represent Aus Finance Company.
I've found your resume at careerbuilder.com and you are one of the candidates who seem to meet our requirements to fill a vacant position at our company!
Our company deals mainly with the outsourcing of information technology all around the world, matching our clients with the most talented representatives who will help to facilitate their IT needs.
There are no start-up or any other fees, and the company covers all the fees related to the hiring process.
You will be required to perform your duties for two to three hours a day over the Internet for this position.
We provide one month paid training period and a personal supervisor guides your training. After successfully passing the probation period you will be offered this position on a full-time basis.
Your will make AUD 2,300 a month plus 8% commission from each transaction during the trial period. Total income, with the current volume of clients, will be about AUD 4,500 per month. After the training period base salary will be $3,000 per month plus 8% commission.
Please complete a form below as part of your return email.
=====
FORM
=====
Yours faithfully,
Douglas Wall
AUS Finance Inc
PS. I googled the company name and found the entire script, almost word for word, at fraudwatchers.org. Evidently this email has been making its rounds!
Dear Calvin Tan
Please allow me to introduce myself; my name is Douglas Wall and I represent Aus Finance Company.
I've found your resume at careerbuilder.com and you are one of the candidates who seem to meet our requirements to fill a vacant position at our company!
Our company deals mainly with the outsourcing of information technology all around the world, matching our clients with the most talented representatives who will help to facilitate their IT needs.
There are no start-up or any other fees, and the company covers all the fees related to the hiring process.
You will be required to perform your duties for two to three hours a day over the Internet for this position.
We provide one month paid training period and a personal supervisor guides your training. After successfully passing the probation period you will be offered this position on a full-time basis.
Your will make AUD 2,300 a month plus 8% commission from each transaction during the trial period. Total income, with the current volume of clients, will be about AUD 4,500 per month. After the training period base salary will be $3,000 per month plus 8% commission.
Please complete a form below as part of your return email.
=====
FORM
=====
Yours faithfully,
Douglas Wall
AUS Finance Inc
PS. I googled the company name and found the entire script, almost word for word, at fraudwatchers.org. Evidently this email has been making its rounds!
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
Packing it in
It's been a crazy week, with J finishing up at daycare, three separate groups of overseas visitors coming and going, folks staying over, hellos and goodbyes, and stretching of routines in the spirit of hospitality and friendship.
As they like to say here, it's all good. Adults and kids alike are learning to be more flexible and tolerant and to put others' needs above our own.
Yesterday was pretty full-on though.
J and I were out from 9.30 for playgroup which finished at 12 by the time we packed away the toys and washed up the remains of morning tea.
Then it was time to head home for a bite before picking up C to visit our mutual friend D, who lives in Pt Cook.
Only discovered in the car that my lifesaver - the Melway - was in hubby's car.
And the GPS had been lent to a visiting family...in Box Hill.
Resorted to using GPS on my mobile, but it only showed me the map of the destination, not how to get there. This is what happens when you're gadget-averse.
By God's grace, managed to find way to C's place, by which time we were running late.
Finding D's place was harder. I turned left on Pt Cook Rd instead of right and ended up in Seabrook instead of Sanctuary Lakes.
When we finally arrived, I felt as if I'd conquered 'a thousand mountains and rivers'.
Left C and J at D's house to get Beth from school.
Took Beth to Kumon but she wasn't feeling well, so we just picked up the homework and left.
Back at D's house, had difficulty finding the right moment to announce that we had to leave SOON as Beth had swimming assessment at Paul Sadler's at 6.30.
Managed it eventually and got home in time for another quick bite (poor kids).
Discovered on way home that my half tank of petrol had run out, but there was not enough time to fill 'er up, so took a chance and went straight to PS.
Met Sg Sharon at PS and had a lovely quick chat about composite classes etc.
Very impressed by the way PS runs its classes. The interaction between parents and reception/instructor is seamless. Have booked Beth in for the Intensive Holiday Program and will probably switch her there for weekly classes as well.
The girls helped me at the petrol station (with Beth unscrewing the petrol hub cap: good girl!) and we all got home at 7, to find The Tank in the carport already. It's a rare thing when hubby gets home before we do. (We call our 16 yo Commodore The Tank because you can hear it coming a block away.)
Beth was pleased with her newly achieved Green swimming certificate and excellent school report (the latter being one of the prerequisites for a trip to the cinema to watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) but assured me she was too tired to tackle her Kumon homework.
End of another exciting day in the Tan household...
As they like to say here, it's all good. Adults and kids alike are learning to be more flexible and tolerant and to put others' needs above our own.
Yesterday was pretty full-on though.
J and I were out from 9.30 for playgroup which finished at 12 by the time we packed away the toys and washed up the remains of morning tea.
Then it was time to head home for a bite before picking up C to visit our mutual friend D, who lives in Pt Cook.
Only discovered in the car that my lifesaver - the Melway - was in hubby's car.
And the GPS had been lent to a visiting family...in Box Hill.
Resorted to using GPS on my mobile, but it only showed me the map of the destination, not how to get there. This is what happens when you're gadget-averse.
By God's grace, managed to find way to C's place, by which time we were running late.
Finding D's place was harder. I turned left on Pt Cook Rd instead of right and ended up in Seabrook instead of Sanctuary Lakes.
When we finally arrived, I felt as if I'd conquered 'a thousand mountains and rivers'.
Left C and J at D's house to get Beth from school.
Took Beth to Kumon but she wasn't feeling well, so we just picked up the homework and left.
Back at D's house, had difficulty finding the right moment to announce that we had to leave SOON as Beth had swimming assessment at Paul Sadler's at 6.30.
Managed it eventually and got home in time for another quick bite (poor kids).
Discovered on way home that my half tank of petrol had run out, but there was not enough time to fill 'er up, so took a chance and went straight to PS.
Met Sg Sharon at PS and had a lovely quick chat about composite classes etc.
Very impressed by the way PS runs its classes. The interaction between parents and reception/instructor is seamless. Have booked Beth in for the Intensive Holiday Program and will probably switch her there for weekly classes as well.
The girls helped me at the petrol station (with Beth unscrewing the petrol hub cap: good girl!) and we all got home at 7, to find The Tank in the carport already. It's a rare thing when hubby gets home before we do. (We call our 16 yo Commodore The Tank because you can hear it coming a block away.)
Beth was pleased with her newly achieved Green swimming certificate and excellent school report (the latter being one of the prerequisites for a trip to the cinema to watch Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows) but assured me she was too tired to tackle her Kumon homework.
End of another exciting day in the Tan household...
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