I’ve often wonder how some parents would allow their young kids to roam the streets on their own. I’ve often wonder .. what these kids are gonna grow up to be. I’ve also often wonder if putting chloe in this school is the right decision but having said that.. we really had no choice.. because it’s zone accordingly, there are no free directories, like in other parts of Canada.. where you can send your kids to a private school if you can afford it.

As a parent, I sometimes wonder - how does these kids survive ..?? how do these parents do it..?? Very often, i hear of parents going out for the nite.. and having a party.. with just about anyone coming to their homes. Yes, I’ll have to admit .. i’m not that popular .. neither is PB. We have very little friends.. and we like it this way. Why..?? mostly, it’s because we are very busy.. and secondly, the investing on the time can be very stressful at times.

As parents, we want our kids to be in the “good crowd” .. but is there a “good” crowd..?? Even the doctor’s kids can bully another doctor’s kid in high school - according to reliable sources. So how do one protect your kids..?? you can’t be with them 24hrs a day.. they have to go to school right..?? Something came to our attention last week about Chloe and one of her school mate - lets just said.. kids can be evil too. As parents, creating awareness is very important. As parents, it’s utmost important to listen to your kids and spend time daily to chat with him or her. It is very important to be there for him or her.. when they need you.

I’m glad that i’m spending more time with Chloe these days.. else i may not have found out what happened of late at school. Of course, as a parent, i do not wish this upon anyone.. therefore, I’m telling all parents out there.. that there are some kids who comes from “different” type of family, therefore, it’s important for you to be vigilant, it’s important that as parents.. we have to open our eyes and ears.. and gently bring across awareness. Working and gaming is important.. but nothing is more important then your kids, should anything happened to your kids.. and you could have prevented it.. by spending less time at work.. and gaming, you would lived to regret it. So dads .. who are into gaming.. spend more time with your kids.. and less them on the computer or console systems.. and moms.. less facebook.. and more time with your kids too. Don’t lived to regret it.. because they are only this age once.

Owning a business.. and having a kid.. doesn’t really make much room for indulging on yourself. I, for one.. cannot bear to buy imitation stuff.. nor inferior quality stuff - don’t get me wrong, not that .. i’m so “atas” .. it’s just me.. if it’s not quality stuff.. i rather.. not get it. But when i saw this recently at Mark’s Warehouse, I just knew i had to get it.. because it was made of real leather .. and so soft. A lot more pricier than most of my gloves.. but i bought it anyways.

So why am i indulging now..?? For the last few weeks, I had been kept busy taking care of Chloe and working out a routine.. so that I can be at the store.. and come home with her .. when she is done school. Now that we are pretty comfy with our new routine, i can now relax a little and pamper myself too. With our new routine.. I don’t have to spend so much time online .. so it works out for Chloe, since she needs more help with her school work now. So from now on.. i can indulge myself .. a little every month .. muahahahha!!! i’m eyeing on something from Etsy .. for Christmas.. but i can’t decide yet.. because whenever i am buying something for myself.. i need to keep checking that it’s the one i really one .. before buying them - what about you ..??

Remembrance Day is tomorrow.. did you all noticed a poppy on my header..?? check it out.. and let me know.. if you see it. Happy Remembrance Day .. everyone..! Lest we forget..! be grateful.. ppl..!

Chloe is already into one full month of dancing - never missed a class.. and even had an invite for a dancing recital last Saturday. She loves her dancing but 3 weeks into it.. she said.. she didn’t wanna do tap dancing.. because it was too tiring. Can’t really blame her.. coz’ she already had a really long day. So we drop out from tap dance and continued with her other dance.. and today she came back showing us the dance steps as soon as she got home. We are just happy she is enjoying it so much.. and looking forward to it every week. More happy.. that she had been healthy .. all these time.. and never missed a class.

We were invited by the Zhu’s for their son’s one month celebration tonite. We left at 7.30pm from the store.. and already there were a few ppl there. The Zhu’s are very popular ppl eh.. and we are indeed blessed to have them as friends. Jasmine on the far left.. is another friend’s daughter - she is definitely getting prettier each time i see her. It’s too bad we don’t see her as often. And Jessica - of course is so sweet.

I was so excited .. i forgot all about taking pictures of the food and my diet pill reviews .. hahahha!! to engross talking with everyone.. and watching the 3 gals play.

There is Mrs Zhu - Yen - and a friend/customer.. and Mrs Zhu looking very radiant. I salute this woman.. because she worked in the restaurant till the day .. she had her baby .. and all thru’ her labour.. she didn’t make a noise. Very tough lady!

Regular customer - Mike and his wife turned friends were also in the party of course. This couple is very sporting.. and very, very kind.

We had a feast..! got lobsters too..!!!! and roasted pork ribs.. and vegies with mushrooms.. noodles.. rice.. chicken, duck .. and other things too. It was pretty good.. but i already had dinner.. so i took a lil’ of everything. The dinner ended at 10pm.. but chloe was very happy .. running around with the other children.. and thankful for good friends, good food .. and good company.

I have officially become a yard sale junkie.. hahahahah!! before coming to Canada.. i would imagine myself to buy things from a yard sale.. not that there is anything wrong with it.. but you know us Chinese right..?? so many superstition .. and feng shui reasons. But our latest purchase of a mini fridge.. because our 3 months old mini fridge broke down a few months ago.. and we refused to pay for the same brand and get stuck with it because the warranty insist that we mail it back to them. For the postage, I might as well get a new one eh.

We also managed to buy a scooter for a friend of the store .. his son is so cute.. we just adore him. So when we found out he loved chloe’s scooter so much..i just had to get him one. And guess what..?? one came up in the yard sale online.. and we got it for him.. muahahah!!

We also bought the bed frame from the yard sale.. but of course.. the mattress is new lah. But had we bought something new like that.. it would have cost us a good $300 .. and we paid really cheap for this one. But course, we did our fengshui cleansing with sea salt .. and holy water.. and only had good thoughts while cleaning it. Plus we bought another coffee table on the yard sale.. a round one.. because the one we had .. has sharp corners. So yes.. ! i admit.. i’m officially a yard sale junkie .. muahahha!!!

It was a chilly day today.. and it almost seems like winter is heading our way.. even though it is only September. We were out in the mall getting some groceries.. and i was only wearing a light sweater. Many years ago.. you would see me wearing in layers .. of clothes.. but today.. the light sweater was alright .. and i didn’t feel a need for more. Things do change.. and even when i didn’t think i would get use to the cold.. well, guess what..?? i am getting used to it. But donch get me wrong.. because i still donch like the cold weather. But then and now.. yes.. things has changed.

Summer is almost over for the kids.. and in less than a week, luckily, i’ve gotten the life insurance quote for myself, as Chloe goes to her new school .. and begin school in this school that she will be for the next 6 years, i’m gonna be busy, busy. Of course, I have my worries.. because this time.. the kids in her new school are a different set of children. Of course, i would like to think that all kids are like mine.. innocent, a bit whiny but kind.. and wouldn’t beat up other kids.. or upset other kids. But as you and I know .. it’s not gonna happen .. some kids .. as I’ve seen in the last few months.. can be really mean.. and nasty.

The other issue is lunch - as we all know that Chloe is a fussy eater.. and with the school not allowing us to even donate a microwave oven.. it’s gonna be tough .. to keep her rice and noodles warm. But for the last few days.. we have been testing out the thermos flask.. and also training Chloe to do her own lunch like school, I can say that it is gonna be a wee bit tough.. since she needs to fix her own lunch at the canteen.. and then gobble up all her food in 20mins.

I know that Chloe ain’t looking forward to her new school.. because she still has fears and reservations from her old school. One can only keep our fingers crossed eh and we all know we’ll survive .. we all do.

So we were headed to check out some AED, when we realized that the Seafest parade was on - so we were stuck and had to wait for the parade to be over with before we headed out again. As usual.. the Seafest Parade was .. lets just say.. “ahem” and i wouldn’t have missed it.. if we had headed out earlier.

The attempt made by the owners of the floats were excellent.. but i guess with so little resources.. and so little support.. and a lame mentioned on the papers.. wasn’t worth our while to even attempt to do anything for the parade at all. But if everyone thought the same way as us.. i guess our kids would never know any better.

Like i said.. you gotta give them credit.. when credit is due.. they do try. But you and I know .. that the parades back home are way, way gorgeous than these. Maybe, one day, I can bring Chloe back during National Day to watch the floats.

The kids were cute.. but they must be hot and tired by then. The weather wasn’t the best this summer.

Pity those in this kinda costume eh.

Of course, the red hat ladies..!!

And Boston Pizza!

As cute as she may be .. and as much as we love her .. the kid wouldn’t sleep at nite .. and most times.. we would end up getting really frustrated… as if she was testing our patience .. and pushing us to our limit.

She is extremely smart.. and extremely sensible in a lot of things.. but the kid wouldn’t sleep. She is aware of the consequences.. if she doesn’t get enough rest.. and that we would not let her go swimming the next day if she doesn’t get enough rest .. yet she refuses to sleep at a reasonable time.

We are not even asking the brat to sleep at 7.30pm.. like the neighbour’s kids .. nor at 8.30pm.. or even 9.30pm since we only get home at 9.30pm most days. 10.30pm is reasonable.. it gives us enough time.. to read to her.. watch a little show with her.. and then she sleeps..so that we can get some housework done .. or cook for her lunch for the next day - since she is such a fussy eater. But nope.. the kid wouldn’t sleep.

So at 11.30pm .. i’ll be looking like that.. yes.. i kid you not. But nevermind.. i tell myself.. we asked her to go pee again.. and give her more water.. and carry her from the bathroom to the tv room again.. and cajole her to bed again … but nope.. the kid wouldn’t sleep.

So by 12.30am.. she thinks she is cute.. we think she is not.. and ready to blow up.. and ready to start screaming at her.. but hate to do it.. because that is not good parenting right..?? so we reason with her.. and tell her that we are not letting Kate come babysit her the next day.. and all hell breaks lose because she starts wailing her lungs out. So i put on my sweater.. and tell her.. i’m leaving .. and more wailing.. and then she promises to sleep.. and she cleans up her tears.. and talk a little more.. and wants more hugs and kisses.. and then she falls asleep at 1.45am. So yes.. as much as we loved the brat .. with all our heart and ever breathe we take.. the kid wouldn’t sleep. Pray tell what can we do… and if you think we haven’t tried everything.. than you are wrong.. we’ve been trying for 5.5yrs.. and she just wouldn’t sleep at nite.. when we are around.

So I went for a haircut with a new hair stylist because the one I go to .. is too busy to return my call. Yes.. i had been trying to get ahold of her.. but nope.. no luck for more than a month. So finally, I got myself an appt with another hairstylist in town. She did a great job .. and i really like her. But was amused and amazed … when she asked me.. if everyone in Singapore was poor. I donch know how i should have reacted..?? But that probably explains why when i first came to Canada, the employees we had said stuff like ” I was rescued from poverty” muahahhahaha!!!! I guess they really must think we lived in attap houses. For those who are not aware of this.. the place I am living in .. is prolly like the 80s in Singapore. We have no high rise here.. like in Asia. The tallest building here is 5 - storey tall - of course in the city about 4 hrs they have taller ones.. but not as tall as the ones back home.

Is it ignorance..?? or what..?? am i offended..?? nah.. but quite amused lor .. truth be told.. that the ppl in Canada.. donch know where Singapore is.. nor know that we are the 5th richest country in the world.. and our government has a $170.3billion in reserve. Singapore is highly cosmopolitan and diverse with Chinese people forming an ethnic majority with large populations of Malay, Indian and other people. Well, there you have it.. so if anyone ask me.. i’ll show them this post.. muahahahhaha!!! very amusing eh - Canadians we are talking about here.

So the kid had a bad throat that frightened me but she was good nature .. and was still alert and all with no fever. The family doctor didn’t wanna give her any medication.. but come Wednesday.. she was running a temperature and complained that her throat really hurt.

All thru’ the ordeal, she was good nature.. and behaved well.. and took her medication like a trooper. I know of some kids who would scream blue murder when taking medication .. so we pretty much luck in on this area .. and she always didn’t give us much trouble with oral medication. If she was really sick, she would be listless and not wanting to eat much - and that’s about it. She doesn’t really fuss much.. but i get very worried.. and would lose everything .. and start to fumble. Luckily, PB is pretty calm in these situation.. so it balances out.

The beauty of life is basically up to you - some asked how i make it in a small town with no food .. and no high rise shopping centers and one or two crazy ppl around. But you know what..?? I have a great spouse and a wonderful daughter.. and great extended families here and many good friends/relatives.. a great babysitter albeit she is sick and gets into accidents when i need her the most but she is pretty much a trustworthy and good gal and many good customers. This is how i look at it - the beauty of life is you, you and your family is all that matters. Does it matter how others look at you ..?? I don’t really care pretty much. My conscience is clear, we make an honest living, not on welfare of any kind. But i cannot stand idiosyncrasies and ppl who are pretty much “stupid” and insist on making a mountain outta a molehill - those i just stay away and cut them outta my life very quickly and swiftly. So yes, my bottom line is..?? you are happy if you want to be .. and life is too short to waste on silly stuff. I plan to look at the good side of ppl and bright side of things.. what about you ..?

Chloe went for her orientation yesterday at her new school. The one that she is starting in .. this fall. It is nearer to our home.. and this time round, she wouldn’t be in French immersion. We didn’t have much success in the other school .. and because of that… not only is Chloe having a kind of a phobia with the previous school .. we are having it too. But like PB said.. we are not subjecting the kid to anymore traumatic experiences… like the ones she had last year and no more looking for best diet pills either for me… muahahahah!!! We feel extremely sad that the first school that Chloe went to, turned out this way but on the other hand.. one cannot lived in the past forever.. and learn to move on.

The orientation went a lot easier this year for us .. then it did last year. The anxiety was there.. but not as bad as last year. Chloe took the orientation like a champ… and impressed her new teachers.. as well as her principal. The principal came up to shake our hands.. and introduce herself.. and said to us that Chloe was absolutely lovely and cute. But this year .. we are also taking a step backwards.. and I’m trying not to be too enthusiastic as i was last year.. with Chloe previous school in terms of fund raising and so forth.

We asked Chloe at the end of orientation if she wanted to go to her new school.. she said yes.. because she loves Mrs H. The school has a no touch policy.. but we approached Mrs H.. that it is ok by us.. if chloe needed some hugging or touching.. we have no problem with it at all. Mrs H. is like a grandmother .. and i have full trust in her. The hands off policy is good.. but in situation when the kid is this young.. i think we have to play by ear.. and go with what the kid needs. Last year.. at Chloe’s old school.. she was bawling her eyes out.. but they won’t even hold her hands.. to comfort her. Anyhow.. i’m pretty happy about what i’ve seen so far.. one can only hope for the best eh. Plus, Chloe wanted me to take pictures of her .. outside her school.. for her “Kai Mah” .. i’ll upload it later tonite.. i left it at home.. and didn’t bring my key.

Yes.. ! it’s that time of the year to exercise your rights. Last year.. i voted for the first time.. for the town councils election.. and today.. i’m going to vote for the provincial election. It had been a busy week already for us .. yesterday .. PB and I went for our eye examination.. but for me.. i had to take extra examination like x-rays and stuff.. because i have diabetes. The Ophthalmologist that i went to.. Dr Robichaud was extra careful.. and referred me to an eye specialist .. because there was a small shadow behind my eyeballs. But i already have a referral to Dr Wahji by my family doctor since last week.. but yet to hear from them. Nothing to worry about .. i’m sure.. they just wanna be very careful.

Tomorrow.. Chloe is getting her pictures taken for school .. and then on the Friday is her new school orientation. Next week, another busy week.. with Chloe’s school pajamas breakfast party, followed by another appt with my family doctor.. to review my blood test - that i’m taking tomorrow (no i’m not sick, they wanna be sure.. i’m alright.. since it’s my one year anniversary since my huge surgery last year). Yes.. busy .. busy .. busy.. !! and yes.. getting the Digby store ready too.. for the summer .. darn busy..!!!! can die..!!!!! plus got online work to do.. *slap forehead* .. but what to do right..?? got so many fans… Ok.. gotta run.. Keegan is here.

I was sharing some pictures and stories with some blogging friends on FB yesterday.. and this morning.. i received these pictures.. as to what we can do .. about “siow ren”. I think it is therapeutic .. muahahhahaha!!! afterall, our forefathers didn’t invent this for nothing eh. In fact, I know you all agree with me.. because not only 1 of you .. suggested it .. but quite a few.. muahahahha!!! so please join me.. in this awesome activity : ta siow ren !

“Ta lei-ke sei yan thou, ta lei-ke sei yan hau!
Ta lei-ke sei yan keok, ta lei-ke sei yan sau!

How about that? Muahahahah!!! fun eh..??? You can help me to ta kau kau this siow ren… for a million year. Anyone game..??

For those who are not aware of this, this blog does have advertisers who pays for page views. So those who visit my blogs and view as many page as possible, I really gain from it. Today my page views soared and I’m darn happy about it lah. Why…?? Because the advertisers will be paying me quite a few extra dollars for it muhahahahahaha!!! Your inability to let go and move on, is your own bitterness and a financial gain to me. For those who are obsessed with finding and reading all my blogs.. I urge you to continue to be obsessed lol. I LOVE IT! Oh btw, special people get special blogs dedicated especially to them. I’ve got 30 working blogs, I kid you not - find them all if you can.. muahahahahhaha!!!!

Well, the babysitter did come on the Tuesday .. limping and in pain .. but not as swollen lips and face as we had imagined. She came for a few hours.. but couldn’t do much .. because she was in pain. So come Wednesday, she was due to babysit again.. and she called to say she was in the hospital .. getting her ribs checked out .. because they were so painful .. she didn’t get much rest the nite before. She didn’t know if she could come to work or not.. and she would call back, while we field her calls by someone looking for her dad at our store. It’s almost like someone hounding you for debt consolidation. But alas, she didn’t call .. and not even on Thursday - but i’m not surprised.

And like always.. we don’t know how sick she is.. nor do we know when she is coming back to work. So here’s the thing - the brat wants the attention .. so we have to stop everything .. to be with her.. and play with her. We love our babysitter.. but at times like that.. we donch think it is fair to my brat nor us .. because we do have a business to run.. and i do have my online work to do. But having said all that .. you and I know.. that our brat comes first.. so what we did..?? like any good parents we stop all the rest of our things.. and took care of a very restless and disappointed kid. *sigh* .. bo pian ahhhhh..!!!!! * pull hair out .. right about now*

For those who are not aware of this.. yes.. ! i’m diagnosed as having Hypertension. In another words, high blood pressure lah. And i blamed it on the lack of the kind of food i cannot get here. Back home, i cannot remember eating so much instant noodles.. nor burgers .. but here in Canada.. you kinda wanna eat really fast.. and get it over with. Nope .. i don’t need a Mesothelioma lawyers like those who has Mesothelioma of course.. but having said that .. i just want everyone to know.. that migrating is not as fun as everyone thinks. Not only the food is different.. i haven’t ate steam fish for years now - because i cannot find “ang kor li” here.. only fish i can find here are salmons .. and cod fish .. and they are mighty expensive here.. the fresh ones.