Found two worthwhile takeaway places in St Kilda on Carlisle St near the public library.
An Indian eatery where we ordered butter chicken and haleem (a lamb dish that has a texture similar to tuna bake).
A Hungarian eatery where we ordered beef stroganoff with sides of potato and creamed spinach, and a slice of cherry strudel. The elderly lady behind the counter tried to say hello to Miss J but she hid behind me and wouldn't rise to her usual chatty self.
Unfortunately, the excursion turned out to be more ex than usual.
Hubby went out to the car to fetch the girls' water bottles and came back dismally waving a white slip: our very first Infringement Notice in relation to the Road Safety Rules 2009.
Apparently, we'd missed the Loading Zone sign next to our parking space.
$119...ouch!
Monday, January 31, 2011
More Piano Buying Adventures
Over the weekend, we were able to visit Lyra Piano Shop in Hawthorn East and Austral Piano World in Ivanhoe East.
Lyra is in a warehouse on a quiet street away from the retail strip.
Excellent customer service and lots of pianos to choose from.
Loved the Kawai 7X and Yamaha U3M (mellower that U3 and U3H). A bit pricey though. But they do offer instalment payments a la Allans Music: 50% upfront and up to 12 instalments on the balance.
Austral has a beautiful shopfront that makes you feel like you're walking into a very special, upmarket place. They stock Petrofs, Schumanns, Knabe, Bechstein, Kohler & Campbell. Lots of grand pianos (love the white one - Richard Clayderman!).
And Kawai.
Particularly like the full-size Kawai (the K series sounds better than the KX which according to piano forums is made in China), which is made in Japan and contains full spruce soundboard.
We were also able to visit the back room where old pianos were being refurbished and where they kept their used models.
The charming retail strip opposite (East Ivanhoe Village SC) with the Vita Bella coffee shop where we had brunch certainly added to that "I'd love to live here" vibe.
I thought the owner a bit bo-chap. After a few introductory remarks, he disappeared. But hubby says he was just being discreet and non-pushy.
The trouble with shopping for pianos is that when you've played a few, you sort of forget how they sound and what makes one stand out better than another.
It's like house hunting and display village visiting.
Just received an email from AllansMusic giving us the serial numbers and revised quotes (not including delivery + tuning) of the used Yamaha U3 and Kawai US50 that we tested a few weeks ago.
The question now is: good used piano or new one?
Lyra is in a warehouse on a quiet street away from the retail strip.
Excellent customer service and lots of pianos to choose from.
Loved the Kawai 7X and Yamaha U3M (mellower that U3 and U3H). A bit pricey though. But they do offer instalment payments a la Allans Music: 50% upfront and up to 12 instalments on the balance.
Austral has a beautiful shopfront that makes you feel like you're walking into a very special, upmarket place. They stock Petrofs, Schumanns, Knabe, Bechstein, Kohler & Campbell. Lots of grand pianos (love the white one - Richard Clayderman!).
And Kawai.
Particularly like the full-size Kawai (the K series sounds better than the KX which according to piano forums is made in China), which is made in Japan and contains full spruce soundboard.
We were also able to visit the back room where old pianos were being refurbished and where they kept their used models.
The charming retail strip opposite (East Ivanhoe Village SC) with the Vita Bella coffee shop where we had brunch certainly added to that "I'd love to live here" vibe.
I thought the owner a bit bo-chap. After a few introductory remarks, he disappeared. But hubby says he was just being discreet and non-pushy.
The trouble with shopping for pianos is that when you've played a few, you sort of forget how they sound and what makes one stand out better than another.
It's like house hunting and display village visiting.
Just received an email from AllansMusic giving us the serial numbers and revised quotes (not including delivery + tuning) of the used Yamaha U3 and Kawai US50 that we tested a few weeks ago.
The question now is: good used piano or new one?
First Day of School (Grade 3)
Beth is in the inaugural 2/3 composite class this year, with just a handful of peers she knows from previous grades. Her two best friends are in a different class, their parents having opted out of the composite class offer.
There are 12 Grade 2s and 12 Grade 3s under the tutelage of what parents have described as the "best teacher in the year" and even "best teacher in the school".
So far so good.
This morning, I greeted a few school mums whose children have been classmates with Beth before, or whom I know through numerous interactions at school.
I also met a new mum whose daughter is feeling sad because her former Grade 1 friends are now in a different class.
Beth looked lost, flustered and defensive/sulky, the expression she wears when she's not sure of her place in the world.
So different from some of the other kids with their confident manner and smiles.
But I know she'll be fine once she has settled in and knows what's expected of her.
Had a chat with two mums. One is wondering if she has made the wrong decision letting her son be in the composite class after she saw the class list. The other is more optimistic. Not realizing the implications of the 2/3 class till the last day of school last year, she is perhaps less burdened by the whats and what-ifs.
It'll be interesting to see how the composite class works out, and I fancy our little network of parents will grow really close by the end of the year.
There are 12 Grade 2s and 12 Grade 3s under the tutelage of what parents have described as the "best teacher in the year" and even "best teacher in the school".
So far so good.
This morning, I greeted a few school mums whose children have been classmates with Beth before, or whom I know through numerous interactions at school.
I also met a new mum whose daughter is feeling sad because her former Grade 1 friends are now in a different class.
Beth looked lost, flustered and defensive/sulky, the expression she wears when she's not sure of her place in the world.
So different from some of the other kids with their confident manner and smiles.
But I know she'll be fine once she has settled in and knows what's expected of her.
Had a chat with two mums. One is wondering if she has made the wrong decision letting her son be in the composite class after she saw the class list. The other is more optimistic. Not realizing the implications of the 2/3 class till the last day of school last year, she is perhaps less burdened by the whats and what-ifs.
It'll be interesting to see how the composite class works out, and I fancy our little network of parents will grow really close by the end of the year.
Friday, January 28, 2011
What is rainbow calligraphy?
Thanks to our friends the Choos who visited us in Dec, the girls are now watching 桃树陶乐园 and learning about 彩虹书法, a style of Chinese calligraphy that combines images with radicals (横，撇，捺， 竖) to make a beautiful painting that is full of meaning.
My art-loving 8 yo is finally paying attention to what's in the video.
For example, you could write your Chinese name using this rainbow calligraphy.
Check out this video from the Net.
More ways to use rainbow calligraphy.
http://hkartgathering.mysinablog.com/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=1331410
http://www.ee8382.net/RainbowCalligraphy/RC.htm
My art-loving 8 yo is finally paying attention to what's in the video.
For example, you could write your Chinese name using this rainbow calligraphy.
Check out this video from the Net.
More ways to use rainbow calligraphy.
http://hkartgathering.mysinablog.com/index.php?op=ViewArticle&articleId=1331410
http://www.ee8382.net/RainbowCalligraphy/RC.htm
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Where kids eat free (Point Cook)
Travel packages and restaurants that offer Kids Eat Free deals are a real boon for parents on a budget.
A friend told me yesterday that the Outback Jack's in Point Cook has a Kids Eat Free deal for Tue and Wed, but you must place your order between 5 and 7 pm.
As a busy working mum with a child attending extracurricular activities in the evening, this has worked really well for her family.
A friend told me yesterday that the Outback Jack's in Point Cook has a Kids Eat Free deal for Tue and Wed, but you must place your order between 5 and 7 pm.
As a busy working mum with a child attending extracurricular activities in the evening, this has worked really well for her family.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The First Gig
Just completed my first gig as pianist at a friend's birthday party.
Considering I was in the throes of food poisoning on the morning of the event, I am proud of myself for having a go.
Billy Joel's Just The Way You Are was an unmitigated disaster. The Singer wasn't ready, and I forgot what key we'd agreed on, so started on an unfamiliar key and got tangled up by all the chord changes. Duh! *slap own forehead*
Teresa Teng and The Carpenters went a bit better, and it was nice to hear the partygoers join in when we did favourites like There's A Kind of Hush.
My young trumpeter friend E joined in for a couple of ABBA songs which the girls demanded (Beth and her new friend Thalia, that is), and also did a lively solo for In The Mood.
I managed to sneak in a couple of Mandarin pop songs in between: Sky Wu's 祝你生日快乐 and 分享.
Halfway through, hubby took over as singer and suggester-of-what-to-sing-next, which was helpful as I was running out of ideas.
The Prayer, You Raise Me Up, Fly Me To The Moon...
By the time I walked away from the keyboard for the final time, I had a sore back.
Who knew standing in a cheongsam playing the keyboard in semi-darkness could be such hard work?!
Note to self: compile a folder of songs to play at functions. More professional and saves the headache of cooking up songs on the spot.
Considering I was in the throes of food poisoning on the morning of the event, I am proud of myself for having a go.
Billy Joel's Just The Way You Are was an unmitigated disaster. The Singer wasn't ready, and I forgot what key we'd agreed on, so started on an unfamiliar key and got tangled up by all the chord changes. Duh! *slap own forehead*
Teresa Teng and The Carpenters went a bit better, and it was nice to hear the partygoers join in when we did favourites like There's A Kind of Hush.
My young trumpeter friend E joined in for a couple of ABBA songs which the girls demanded (Beth and her new friend Thalia, that is), and also did a lively solo for In The Mood.
I managed to sneak in a couple of Mandarin pop songs in between: Sky Wu's 祝你生日快乐 and 分享.
Halfway through, hubby took over as singer and suggester-of-what-to-sing-next, which was helpful as I was running out of ideas.
The Prayer, You Raise Me Up, Fly Me To The Moon...
By the time I walked away from the keyboard for the final time, I had a sore back.
Who knew standing in a cheongsam playing the keyboard in semi-darkness could be such hard work?!
Note to self: compile a folder of songs to play at functions. More professional and saves the headache of cooking up songs on the spot.
Quote for a 25 yo Kawai
Received an email this week from one of the music stores we visited.
The second hand Kawai that you and Calvin were looking at is the US50 and it's priced at $4499 which includes an adjustable bench and 1 year warranty.
Delivery within 20kms off the store is $150 and $150 to tune the piano.
Reminded hubby that we'd be paying $4800 for a 25 yo piano.
His reply: "But can we afford a brand new equivalent?"
He's also not pleased that the store is charging a separate fee for tuning. Shouldn't this be all in the price he says.
The search continues.
Reminded hubby that we'd be paying $4800 for a 25 yo piano.
His reply: "But can we afford a brand new equivalent?"
He's also not pleased that the store is charging a separate fee for tuning. Shouldn't this be all in the price he says.
The search continues.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Kiasu Parent or Proactive Parent?
We started Beth on Kumon Math in Dec last year.
For any parent who is contemplating enrolling their child, be warned.
The Kumon method, like Yamaha and Shichida, requires active parent participation.
You can't just drop off and pick up your child and pay the fees every term (or month, as in the case of Kumon).
Your job is to make sure your child does their Kumon workbook every day. And did I mention you are expected to MARK it?
There's even a method to the marking. You don't tell your child what the correct answer is. You just mark it up so they can redo the problem, then when they've correctly completed the corrections, you mark up the page to 100. There are stickers for reaching a certain level, trophies for excellence which are given out at the year-end party.
It's probably why the system works - everyone (child, parent, supervisor) knows what's expected of them and does it properly. Over and over, holidays included. No exceptions.
Beth is already chafing at the regimen of daily repetitive work. She is the laissez faire type who has the brains but not always the self-discipline and persistence needed to produce consistently good work. Hence Kumon Math is a good thing to have in her life. Better to work her hard in the early years, then it will be easier for her as she goes up to higher grades.
The other day, she was at a friend's place for a play date and the mums were having a chat. One of the mums, who is from HK, said they had to leave because her son had a lot of homework. We're still having summer holidays but he has homework because he goes to James An in Box Hill (45-min drive each way) for tuition in English, Math and General Ability.
So we're not the only kiasu ones.
Interestingly, whether in SG or AUS, it seems the Asian parents tend to be the more "on" ones, sending kids to Melbourne High for Chinese and Math tuition and Xin Jin Shan for Chinese classes. At least half Beth's music class is made up of Asian kids. The demographic is even more obvious when you go to the annual Yamaha Music Concert - it feels like the event is dominated by Asians. When you chat with Asian parents about their kids' education, a common aspiration is for their kid to get a scholarship to Westbourne Grammar or Suzanne Cory.
There's a hilarious yet insightful commentary on HuffingtonPost responding to Amy Chua's article Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior.
The list of no-nos is chillingly familiar:
Let's just say I prefer a more introspective and inclusive approach, without throwing out the baby with the bath water.
As I wade through the complex array of academic and extracurricular options available, I try to reflect on the pros and cons of each and to consider Beth's preferences, bearing in mind that at the age of 8+, most kids aren't (developmentally) in a position to think long term. It's a maturity issue. If I were a kid, I wouldn't want to slog either, unless I already liked the subject/activity.
Even with this process, I frequently run up against my headstrong firstborn's inclinations, which (naturally) tend towards instant gratification and having her own way. She can read all day and never do anything else. A life without piano practice, Kumon or Chinese classes would be her idea of bliss, but where would that leave her when she has to prove herself against her peers?
For any parent who is contemplating enrolling their child, be warned.
The Kumon method, like Yamaha and Shichida, requires active parent participation.
You can't just drop off and pick up your child and pay the fees every term (or month, as in the case of Kumon).
Your job is to make sure your child does their Kumon workbook every day. And did I mention you are expected to MARK it?
There's even a method to the marking. You don't tell your child what the correct answer is. You just mark it up so they can redo the problem, then when they've correctly completed the corrections, you mark up the page to 100. There are stickers for reaching a certain level, trophies for excellence which are given out at the year-end party.
It's probably why the system works - everyone (child, parent, supervisor) knows what's expected of them and does it properly. Over and over, holidays included. No exceptions.
Beth is already chafing at the regimen of daily repetitive work. She is the laissez faire type who has the brains but not always the self-discipline and persistence needed to produce consistently good work. Hence Kumon Math is a good thing to have in her life. Better to work her hard in the early years, then it will be easier for her as she goes up to higher grades.
The other day, she was at a friend's place for a play date and the mums were having a chat. One of the mums, who is from HK, said they had to leave because her son had a lot of homework. We're still having summer holidays but he has homework because he goes to James An in Box Hill (45-min drive each way) for tuition in English, Math and General Ability.
So we're not the only kiasu ones.
Interestingly, whether in SG or AUS, it seems the Asian parents tend to be the more "on" ones, sending kids to Melbourne High for Chinese and Math tuition and Xin Jin Shan for Chinese classes. At least half Beth's music class is made up of Asian kids. The demographic is even more obvious when you go to the annual Yamaha Music Concert - it feels like the event is dominated by Asians. When you chat with Asian parents about their kids' education, a common aspiration is for their kid to get a scholarship to Westbourne Grammar or Suzanne Cory.
There's a hilarious yet insightful commentary on HuffingtonPost responding to Amy Chua's article Why Chinese Mothers Are Superior.
The list of no-nos is chillingly familiar:
• attend a sleepover
• have a playdate
• be in a school play
• complain about not being in a school play
• watch TV or play computer games
• choose their own extracurricular activities
• get any grade less than an A
• not be the No. 1 student in every subject except gym and drama
• play any instrument other than the piano or violin
• not play the piano or violin.
You would think after barely surviving my Tiger Mother's parenting model, I would be the last person to put my kids through the same.Let's just say I prefer a more introspective and inclusive approach, without throwing out the baby with the bath water.
As I wade through the complex array of academic and extracurricular options available, I try to reflect on the pros and cons of each and to consider Beth's preferences, bearing in mind that at the age of 8+, most kids aren't (developmentally) in a position to think long term. It's a maturity issue. If I were a kid, I wouldn't want to slog either, unless I already liked the subject/activity.
Even with this process, I frequently run up against my headstrong firstborn's inclinations, which (naturally) tend towards instant gratification and having her own way. She can read all day and never do anything else. A life without piano practice, Kumon or Chinese classes would be her idea of bliss, but where would that leave her when she has to prove herself against her peers?
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Buying an acoustic piano
132 cm or 121 cm.
Spruce vs laminated soundboards.
Length of bass strings.
Yamaha U3A vs U3H - what's the diff?
Pre-loved vs new.
Yamaha, Kawai, Alex.Steinbach, Boston, Petrof, Irmler, Estonia, Rosler.
The only things I can remember from reading the forums is:
Love the affordability and mellowness of the A.S.
37 interest-free instalments means I can have my piano right away.
Couldn't quite "get" the Irmler, maybe because it's a smaller piano.
Liked the full-size Yamaha (132 cm). It was 25 yo, in excellent condition and listed for $5995 at Allans.
But the sound of the Kawai that stood next to the Yamaha - also 25 yo and same price - just blew us away. Made me feel like a concert pianist. Hubby and I were unanimous in our votes: the Kawai definitely beat 'em all.
Next few weekends, we plan to check out as many of the shops we discovered on the Net as we can.
2 in Ringwood/Boronia.
1 in Hawthorn. 1 in Ivanhoe. 1 in S Melbourne.
Fun!
Spruce vs laminated soundboards.
Length of bass strings.
Yamaha U3A vs U3H - what's the diff?
Pre-loved vs new.
Yamaha, Kawai, Alex.Steinbach, Boston, Petrof, Irmler, Estonia, Rosler.
The only things I can remember from reading the forums is:
- When buying a Yamaha U3, choose a serial number close to 4 million because pianos with a lower number and made before 1985 had issues.
- When you find a piano you like, make sure you take down the serial number so you can be sure the model delivered to your home is the one you played at the showroom and not another from the warehouse.
- Take your time buying a piano. Play as many pianos as you can until you find one whose sound and touch you really like.
Love the affordability and mellowness of the A.S.
37 interest-free instalments means I can have my piano right away.
Couldn't quite "get" the Irmler, maybe because it's a smaller piano.
Liked the full-size Yamaha (132 cm). It was 25 yo, in excellent condition and listed for $5995 at Allans.
But the sound of the Kawai that stood next to the Yamaha - also 25 yo and same price - just blew us away. Made me feel like a concert pianist. Hubby and I were unanimous in our votes: the Kawai definitely beat 'em all.
Next few weekends, we plan to check out as many of the shops we discovered on the Net as we can.
2 in Ringwood/Boronia.
1 in Hawthorn. 1 in Ivanhoe. 1 in S Melbourne.
Fun!
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
How to renew your driving licence in VIC
When you receive your Driver Licence Renewal, there are several things you need to do.
- Check the renewal notice to see if you are required to provide a new photo.
- If yes, and if your personal details on the renewal notice are correct, take your notice to an AusPost Photo Point or VicRoads Customer Service Centre to show your driver licence, pay the renewal fee and have your photo taken. Your new driver licence will be mailed to you in approximately a week.
- If no (i.e. the notice says that your photo is valid till a future date), you can pay the renewal fee online or by phone. Your new driver licence will be mailed to you.
- If your details are incorrect (address/licence renewal period), call 13 11 71 before renewing your licence. For other details, you will need to attend at a VicRoads Customer Centre with relevant documents to support the change.
Saturday, January 01, 2011
New Year's in Mt Dandenong
I love VIC.
I can drive an hour, two hours, in any direction and be someplace new and special and exciting.
Today, we decided to visit SkyHigh@Mt Dandenong.
Attractions worth checking out:
- If you like gardens, the English Garden and Secret Garden make a lovely stop. Look for the Wishing Tree, the creek where young Billy was lost and miraculously found, the Australiana Tree, Percy Possum's House and the Giant's Chair.
- For families with young kids, the Maze with its passport that you self-stamp every time you locate a Square is great fun. A family ticket is $16, and you get a badge on successful completion of the Maze.
- The viewing terraces outside the bistro at the carpark offer terrific views all the way to the city, Mt Macedon, Mornington Peninsula and the You Yangs.
We also savoured the BEST pies ever - at Pie in the Sky Restaurant. We can see why their pies have won numerous awards. The food is delish and affordably priced, service is friendly, and the ambience is comfortable.
Hubby was so inspired by the "easy drive" to and from the Dandenong Ranges that we're now talking about camping in the area sometime soon and doing bush walks daily.
2011 already?
The new year always takes a couple of days to sink into my subconscious.
We spent a pleasant evening at our friends' yesterday, enjoying what C called a home-cooked banquet: Thai green curry, her specialty; laksa (grateful my effort went down well!); pad thai; seafood marinara; chocolate fondue with fresh fruit; coconut pudding; jelly; Maxim's pork puffs and swiss roll.
Too much food as usual, and now our fridge is bulging with left-overs.
It was nice meeting M's big brother from WA and his daughter and her partner, plus the next-door neighbours G and his wife D and their friends.
Very different kind of countdown party from what we might do with our peers back home.
For one, the music.
M decided to make full use of his surround-sound system, and the house turned into a nightclub immediately, especially with the lights turned down.
But no one came knocking on the door to complain.
Beth the introvert went into hyper mode the minute the music came on, dancing like siao in her own unique way.
Jordanne alternated between bopping up and down on the arm of a couch, enjoying the festivty from a safe distance, and asking Mummy and jie jie to dance with her.
I particularly enjoyed watching M's niece dance: wish I had that kind of confidence and in-tune-ness with my body.
My kids have loosened me up a lot, but I do think I could do with a few private lessons to shed the last bits of inhibition and to understand how my arms and legs relate to each other!
Loud music aside, an Aus party seems to necessarily include smoke and alcohol.
Next year, I said to hubby, I think we'll go away for the year-end countdown.
Just to sample a different way of marking the end of another year.
We spent a pleasant evening at our friends' yesterday, enjoying what C called a home-cooked banquet: Thai green curry, her specialty; laksa (grateful my effort went down well!); pad thai; seafood marinara; chocolate fondue with fresh fruit; coconut pudding; jelly; Maxim's pork puffs and swiss roll.
Too much food as usual, and now our fridge is bulging with left-overs.
It was nice meeting M's big brother from WA and his daughter and her partner, plus the next-door neighbours G and his wife D and their friends.
Very different kind of countdown party from what we might do with our peers back home.
For one, the music.
M decided to make full use of his surround-sound system, and the house turned into a nightclub immediately, especially with the lights turned down.
But no one came knocking on the door to complain.
Beth the introvert went into hyper mode the minute the music came on, dancing like siao in her own unique way.
Jordanne alternated between bopping up and down on the arm of a couch, enjoying the festivty from a safe distance, and asking Mummy and jie jie to dance with her.
I particularly enjoyed watching M's niece dance: wish I had that kind of confidence and in-tune-ness with my body.
My kids have loosened me up a lot, but I do think I could do with a few private lessons to shed the last bits of inhibition and to understand how my arms and legs relate to each other!
Loud music aside, an Aus party seems to necessarily include smoke and alcohol.
Next year, I said to hubby, I think we'll go away for the year-end countdown.
Just to sample a different way of marking the end of another year.
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