Rewards and Punishment

Childcare centres, parents, workplace, schools and sports club, apply the reward and punishment method.   Reward the job well done and punish mischief and not so good deeds.

As I mentioned earlier,  Ms Smartypants 2  earned some for not displaying the P sign in her car, a stiff verbal warning from (a boy in blue) the police, and a fine.  She wrote to the department and was pardoned.  She won’t tell me exactly what she said to them.  God forbid if she would have said *my mom  blah blah  .... and it’s an emergency*.  Good news to me and for my purse though. What I was most pleased about is, she's now taking responsibility to sort things out.  I will not mention the organizing  and responsibility of their personal space, they are getting there.  It must be a teen-age thing; you’re not cool if your bedroom is speck and span.  You know they purposely run a ladder on their new stockings?  It’s the *cool for school* thing.  I’m  thinking positive, that the messy room is just a teen-age statement for now.   They used to be very tidy with it, I don’t know what happened.  Trust me, I tried the rewards and punishment method.  Now, I use the *don’t look, close the bedroom door method * until I decide to use the *I should get in there and clean it myself method*.

At the workplace workers get rewarded for job well done, free lunches, movie tickets, gift vouchers, parties at Christmas all paid for the company.  Then there's *disciplinary action* yes that’s the term not the P (unishment) word nowadays they tend to use sophisticated words and titles at the establishments and the form of it varies from company to company and on the type of offense. 

My kids know their mom just use the bluff method.   But deep down there’s only one method I use all the time and that is the LOVE them unconditionally method.  They’re not kids for long, let them have fun now and guide them not control and run their lives.   Their brain will eventually get hard wired, (experts say teens brains are not that hard wired yet, that’s why they act like that) and they will decide and organize their lives, eventually.  In this case I believe the experts.  Now I will reward myself with my favourite ice-cream, after I punish myself with that strenuous dance and yoga workout or is it punish with ice-cream and reward with YOGA?  And then waiting for me are the duties of being the household managing director, the rewards of such job really outweighs any task it brings, really it does!

Sleek ...it's a tool!

I don't keep up with what the Jones’s got.  I do my own thing.  But I do keep informed of what’s new there and what’s exciting.   I get excited when something is useful, simple, compact and streamlined.  I like minimalism and portability of things. If I can get my way I would love to get rid of things around the house and streamline things, de-clutter and keep only the essentials.  But I have others to share the household with.  So, I learnt to close my eyes, tiptoe around things that I have no control over.  I do have control on other things such as which phone to use and what music to listen to.

It was time to upgrade my iPhone 3G, and they just have released the latest one.  I couldn’t contain my excitement this time, when the package arrived  in due course.  It was a good move that I pre-ordered  it online.  I unpacked it with so much enthusiasm, and yes pictures of it were plastered in my FACEBOOK wall.  There it was, so sleek, dual camera, video capability, better pixels and higher  resolution.  I was an advocate for the iPhone 4S.  My clients were not exempt from it.  Especially the savvy ones who flash their iPhone and fiddle around with it when doing their business transaction.   It think it's a bit rude when they don't concentrate on their business, when they answer a call or text message.  I occasionally  throw in, ”i got my iPhone 4S" and try to  razzle  dazzle them with how fun it is and blabber with iCloud and all.   Then  I would get their full undivided attention, especially the ones who are still waiting for their order.   The more so, when I mention SIRI, which by now everybody knows about her.   The virtual assistant that make phone calls,  get the weather forecast, google things, and even played my music from the song list when I told it to play ADELE’S , SOMEONE LIKE YOU.  One asked “how did you get SIRI to work?”   I just laugh and geared them back to the business of the day.  

It’s not just material thing, it’s a tool.  And the best tool there is. 

Penguin on the Iceberg

This morning I was doing my workout The Balance.   It’s a Wii Fit game, where you are a penguin in the floating iceberg and you balance your penguin- self dashing left and right to catch as much fish.  It is a fun game while getting fit and balancing your inner penguin.   At first I concentrated on catching as much fish, the bigger the fish, the bigger the score.   But I kept falling off the iceberg.   So, off I took my little penguin flaps up and went back up on the iceberg.  I gave it another try, this time stay on the iceberg without falling off, but to my dismay I only catch the little fishes.  And I gave it another try, this time focusing on staying and catching fish.  My score was higher staying in the iceberg catching as many little fishes.  Then I tried jsut standing there, to my surprise, the fish slammed on me and caught a lot, but my overall score was atrocious, there was no balancing act. Then I wanted to catch the big red one, which only stay on the edge of the iceberg.  Fell I did, but caught the fish, then I jumped back on the berg to catch some more.  I fell a couple more times but jumped back up straight away, and it was okay.   Catching the little fishes was fun though, they came near me, I didn’t notice them at first because I wanted the big ones.  But by focusing on the little ones first, it got much better as it gave me the practice i needed for catching the big ones.

Life is like that, we have to try to and  keep a nice balance.  Focus on little goals at first and have fun.  When you accomplish it then you can try for the bigger goals.  But be prepared for the fall.  If you do, just jump straight back up.   There might be another penguin that might push you off, but just focus on your goal.  And it helps if you have a strong back.   Keep your back straight, stomach in breast out.  And now march towards it and jump up on that iceberg.  

Bring out your inner penguin, but be a positive, pro active one, dive, swim, flap whatever it takes to catch that fish.  Don’t just stand there and pick on the other penguins, help the newbie and weaker penguins too.   And don’t just focus on the big fish, the little ones are just as relevant to the whole game.

 And one more thing.....have  a vision of the whole picture!   The iceberg, the fishes, the other penguins, the balancing and most of all yourself.  Keep it strong and make it work.  Did I say strong already? I did did I?  :)

The game came with instructions, Life doesn't.  But we can observe and learn from the penguin and the game.

Sunshine will come soon.

Like teardrops the last of the rain fell,
My bare feet crunch onto the gravel path.
I wandered outside to check the aftermath,
I noticed a lone bird shaking it's tail..
Where are it's friends in flight?
They all disappeared and nowhere in sight.
The rain poured and they scattered,
To take shelter, and fly on their own.
Like them, at times we lose friends that mattered,
Lose not your  Hope, sunshine and friends will come again soon.

BREAKFAST WAS FINE

As I was about to kiss Valentino by the Italian stream, I got a rapping on my bedroom door.  It wasn’t a manic Monday more of a *Terrorise mum Tuesday*  Since she got her license she seems to find a new sense of independence, not this early I thought.  Twin no.2 wanting to know if I want Mackers for brekky as well.  They know I don’t fancy Mackers much but don’t mind the brekky menu now and then.  I said there’s lots of food in the fridge and selection of cereals in the cupboard too, not to mention weetbix and Uncle Toby’s oats as well.   Nahhh, we want Mackers this morning, she said.  Okay it’s a toss between the pancakes and the egg Mcmuffin, I settled for the latter.   She asked for money, ahhh that’s the catch I have to pay for it if I want it.   They know well I don’t have any left, since they bled me dry for ice cream the night before and I’m not about to hand them my atm card.   I said they can raid the jar for change.   As I heard the front door slammed and the revving of their newly acquired second hand blue mini cruiser, I tried to drift back to the land of nod’s stream but Valentino was gone.   I decided to get up and tidy things a bit in the bathroom.

I was still upstairs when I hear the front door slammed again.   Mum come down!  Oh my! what a sense of urgency.   I’ll be there in a sec,  as I leisured down the stairs stopping to pat our pup that was following me, the holler again.  There they were at the table, double trouble plus no.2’s bf, all glum.   I asked how was it?   The reply was a chorus of *fine.  I was puzzled with the long faces.   Was it the burgers?  Did they have a fight on the way home?   Darting a suspicious look at them,  I reached for the obvious brown paper bag for my feed.  Then, I was handed a piece of paper, *the fine.    What?  What did the boy in blue got you for?   Speeding?  “Nooo, read it, mum really it was your fault.”   Why?   Smarty Pants no. 2 said,  “You drove our car yesterday to work remember?  You did not put back my P plates”    My car was being serviced, so I borrowed theirs.   I did reason with them it’s their responsibility to check before they drove off.   But arguing with them is always like *wrestling piglets in the mud*  you both get dirty but only the piglets get satisfaction out of it.   We agreed to split the fine.   That was the most expensive egg Mcmuffin brekky I had in a while.  And it wasn’t fine at all.   But we all learnt for our mistakes, at least they are okay.  No more Mackers for us for a while.  That was a week back, noting the brown paper bag in the bin, they were back for more Mackers and it’s just fine this time.

LIFE'S TABLECLOTH

Life is like dance floor and you do your moves and steps with a partner or on your own and do a freestyle. Or you could even do a line dance routine with your friends and family. But one couldn’t be dancing all the time. One has to stop at some point for a breather a rest and you may want to do something else. Or just sit there and watched others dancing in the dance-floor. You sway to the music, tap your feet, you may even do an air guitar act, bop your head and you comment on some of the dancers and their moves.

There you are sitting in your dining table all comfortable with all the drinks and nibbles scattered around. Sitting there enjoying the laughter the company of your friends and loved ones.  Life could not get any better. You Love your table, the way it’s arranged with your relevant people dining and whining I mean wining with you. J the way your friends pop by for a chat and sit down on the vacant chair for a quick chin wagging. The one thing you like too is the tablecloth. It covers and protects the table but also help keep your drinks and plates and what not firmly in place. It prevents from slippage. Then after all the dancing, the drinks and nibblers you had, you worked an appetite. You and your relevant company around the table decided to go all the way and order dinner, “might as well”. You thought you should feel guilty about this but you brush it off and enjoy the party. Then one by one your relevant company stood up, went to the dance-floor, to the bar and you noticed you're on your own. You are a bit tipsy so you sat there. You might try and pull out your weapon, the one and trusted *in moments like this* your mobile phone. You try and call some friends but no answer, then you try and shoot a text message to some, still nothing. What to do? go to the rest room, powder your nose a bit, fix your hair, a touch up of lippy. Then on your way to the table you might decide to sway in the dance-floor. You tried to find your friends but you couldn’t and decide to go back to your table and wait. Then you notice the waiter is eyeing your table, and you told him not to touch things yet, your relevant company is coming back.

Then an unexpected jolting moment happens right there, that hot waiter you were throwing a glance before and was obliging earlier and didn’t clear your table, just did a trick, no explanation, he pulled the tablecloth right there while you're sipping your drink, and picking on what’s left of the food. If he was a good tablecloth puller, you will be lucky everything will be left intact. The silverware will stay where it is.  But if he's clumsy, no experience type of waiter, he will make a mess of everything, silverware tumbling everywhere, broken glasses, you will be soiled with the food and drinks, your precious outfit will be ruined and if you don’t have quick reflexes you can get cut with the broken glass. But all of it can be prevented, do the dancing et all, but know when you have enough, leave when your company has dispersed and call a taxi and take yourself home. If there’s a good chance that tablecloth pulling scenario might happen, don’t lean on the table sit back on your chair for support and hold your drink.  And don’t order fancy foods that are so saucy, it will go everywhere on you. That’s some of the tricks I can think of, to avoid this tablecloth mess. Or just sit back and relax at home, whatever really tickles your fancy, but don't tickle yourself with the tablecloth.    That's Life, watch for that  pull !

Rush dash and KIT and KABOODLE

The girls decided to accept a birthday invite after they rush to the door at 5:30  pm Saturday.   Hurry up mom get ready, they yelled.  And that was after saying no they're not keen, then they were going, then they were not, that morning.   There was a mad rush upstairs.  Eavesdropping,  I could hear, where is my shoes?   Can you take extra dress just in case.   I went upstairs and told them how much time they got.  And I was told everything's under control.  I went downstairs to get away from the chaos upstairs, to calm down and make the phone call that we are coming after all.   The drive down the freeway was alright.  I love that free feeling driving at 120 k/h  and wished I could go faster, but have to stick to the limit, If I don't want a speeding fine, plus I have to be in my best behaviour and be an example to my girls.   Girls were snoozing, with madam no. 2 occassionally  questioning me if I know the way, to our friends place.  Young ones nowadays think we don't know anything.   When I come up with something savvy they'll get surprised and asked where you learn that from?   Kids...hmmmm, and they don't like it when I refer to them as *kids* too.   We were going to my friend's place to get ready and stay the night there.   We got there eventually.  The girls got dolled up ready to party.  We were warned not to take pictures.

 



The traffic was atrocious in downtown Sydney on a Saturday night.   Eventually after crawling what seems like eternity in Darlinghurst Street,   we found the place.  There it is KIT AND KABOODLE.  They literally jumped out of the car.  And they joined the queue, while some security   officers keep an eye and check the patrons one by one.   While we were crawling in the car again, trying to get a parking, we watched as all these young people spilling out of cars and taxis.   So this is where the hip crowd go, I thought.

Then after a good walk from the parking, we spotted this cosy little spot called COCO CUBANO.  The place suits us, not too flashy a bit cosy.   There we were listening to live music and trying to concentrate on the lyrics which were mainly SPANISH.   Tapping my feet, swaying to the music a bit, absorbing the atmosphere I watched through the window the people walking milling outside the bars.  People, stumbling out  the venues with their phones covering the other ear, trying to make a phone conversation, while the others to light a cigarette.   A group of girls walking awkwardly with their high heels,  one was nearly   knocked over  when accidentally bumped into, by one of the group of boys making banter and being boisterous in the walkway.  We daintily sipped our CHOCOLATE, JOSE MARTINI, and enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere at our venue.   Then after a couple of hours,  missed call followed by text, "where are you mum?"   "Why what happened?  Is everything okay?"   I replied.  “Nothing, stay where you are we are coming to join you” was the reply.   Apparently, they had enough, too crowded and the birthday girl has already left.   Just as we were enjoying ourselves .. kids! they are party pooper sometimes. 

They piled behind the car and as soon as we came round the bend they were asleep.  The plan was to go to the 24 hours “PANCAKES ON THE ROCKS”.   You still want to go girls?   A very subdued chorus of yeah whatever.   With that, we took them home.

No such thing as free lunch.

Actually it’s dinner.  The invite is a year overdue.  "Should I accept it?"  I asked a friend.  He said, "You should  seems keen.  But you know when you accept dinner they expect it, you know",  my friend retorted. 
"No way, it has to be with somebody  I like and maybe after about 3 years  down the track.   Otherwise it will be doing it for dinner .  Yeah, I’m old fashion that way."  And the reply was "how do you get by without it?"   "Ha! that’s where men and women differs, women can get by without it.   I'll just go shopping and buy my own dinner."  Then I stormed off to get me some lunch.

Crowning Glory

                                           

I was brought up with women who were proud of their crowning glories.  As a little girl I used to go with my mom when she has her hair done or permed and I can still remember how I watched in fascination how the hairdresser worked with the scissors and rollers with her agile fingers  fast and efficient.   And I always thought my mom looked beautiful after.  My grandma also taught me how to look after my hair.  For lustrous hair she alternate coconut milk and aloe vera extracts for conditioners. And she also uses rain water to rinse my hair which made my long hair silky and smooth.  Sometimes she French braided my hair before I went to school.  I remembered some kids just came up behind me and touched or stroked my hair, and said it felt like silk.  One thing my grandma used to say is; worrying too much will cause the thinning and greying of one's hair.   She'll say don't worry you will go grey early.    I learnt not to worry too much for the sake of my hair...lol.    

me                                                                                     my girls hair

I had my hair long since I was a little girl.  Then  in college I was getting confident and wanted a change.  So with my pocket money that I saved I went to the best hairdresser in town.  I instructed her I want the latest style the shaggy look they called it.  It's layered in the front cascading the face and you set it in rollers then you do the fringe flip like Farrah Fawcett's.  I was so happy with my new look but my mom and dad weren't so.  Over dinner I got lectured of how I should ask permission first.  I retorted, but it's my hair why should I?  That was supposed to be a sign of rebellion. 

We women are very conscious about our crowning glory.  We adore Jennifer Aniston in Friends with her Rachel style.  If we need a change or a new look, we resort to new hairstyle.  If we go through a break-up we change our hair.  And we develop a bond with our hairdresser.  We tell he/him our secrets, we gossip and chat with them, they also become our confidante.  We trust them with our crowning glory.  If we see somebody with a fabulous hairstyle we ask who is her hairdresser.  I did asked my client one day, she replied her hairdresser is the same one that does Anne Saunder's or was it Sandra Sully's hair from Channel 10, and it's just in Surry Hills.  She was willing to refer me.  I said I'll think about it, but I thought it's too fancy smancy to go to a celebrity's hairdresser.  

My hairdresser has moved, about an hour drive away.  She bought another saloon there and entrusted her other one where I go, to a younger stylist.  Although smart and savvy this young one hasn't got the touch of my favorite hairdresser.  I went for a color and trim I explained what I wanted, but I came out of the salon unsatisfied.  The color was not noticeable and she explained she did it on purpose so in a few weeks time after a few washes I'll attain the color I wanted.  Grrrrr but I want the color I want as soon as I come our of the hair salon.  I might yet have to travel an hour just to get my hair done.  The younger one's knowledge has no match with the experience of my favorite haidresser. 

My crowning glory will be alright as long as I continue to eat the bread crust and not worry too much. 

      

Autumn Is Here: BY CINDY

The trees are weeping an amber glow across the once emerald atmosphere.
The birds are nowhere to be seen but if you listen carefully they sing a solemn melody as the temperature drops sneakily and the wind is whispering,
autumn is here…
It is not unlike a dream would be.
I am pirouetting over a field of fallen leaves as all the clouds overhead recede
further into a hole in the atmosphere, chasing after them, trying to imprison them
within a butterfly net, giving up in vain.
I retire to a coffee shop downtown where all the people speak in fake british accents and wear outrageous hats.
A song plays from my iced mocha and i think i can see through the two-way mirror reflecting society's image outside and i think i can see into their minds
but i'm really just looking into my drink listening to that song about love and the leaves are
falling,
falling,
falling…
while the hole in the atmosphere slowly sucks me into oblivion and I wonder if I could be dreaming
because the trees are outside weeping
but they are my tears on the tablecloth.

Where's my dummy Mummy?

“It’s booked” she said, even before I can put my work bag down.  Normally it’s “What’s for dinner mom?”    “What’s booked? “  I asked.   “You know that trip to Melbourne we were talking about “she retorted.   “You should have told me first. I’m not sure if I can have time off on those dates.”  I shot back.   “Just go tell your boss tomorrow, as easy as that.”  Ms Smarty pants no. 2 replied back.   (Don’t you just love the confidence of these teens nowadays.)     “We thought you’d be excited about it, it’s all paid for” Ms Smartypants no. 1 joined in.   Luckily, the next day the boss was okay about it and has to hastily rearrange the staffing for that weekend.  When I told them, I got a chorus of “See, we told you just go tell your boss.”   The trip was an early treat for me for Mother’s Day. 

I sat down to check my FACEBOOK before I cooked dinner, and my mind wanders to when I was young, no worries and didn’t have others look after and even swore I will never have children.  I only worried when is the next merriment, what’s the latest fashion but don’t get me wrong, I was wise about it and was diligent with my studies.   Then I met somebody who wanted to make music with me, a collaborator and we produced these two hits of smartypants at once.  These hits were hard work to sustain, though were very easy to make.  My collaborator was good at making the notes  and  I was good at composing the lyrics. 

There was never a child so lovely but his mother was glad to get him to sleep.
Ralph Waldo Emerson


Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/mother_2.html#ixzz1LnvIpVWK

Time does fly very fast, chipped my fingernails and contemplating of when to have a manicure.  I remember the carpal tunnel syndrome, towards the end of my pregnancy.   I woke up with no sense in my arms and hands I can’t even turn the door-knob.   Panicked my collaborator rushed me to the doctor.   It was nothing to worry about and it should go away after the big release.  The babies were judt pressing my nerves.  The joys of motherhood.

When the big release arrived it was sleepless nights, nappies, bottles, (the baby formula kind), nursery rhymes lots of Disney books and movies later on.   I have to go back to work to help keep up with the mortgage repayments and for all of the items I listed above.   It did us all good, I was independent again, my kids were not too clingy anymore, and we won’t lose the house after all.  Luckily all my work clothes and suits, (we didn’t have uniform) still fit after I have my twins.  I didn’t have to buy new ones and can save money.   The child care fees, nappies, formulas do take a chunk of my wages.   No more lie-ins, it’s up and down in the hallway at night.   I was so much in debit with my sleep.   I find a corner in the train on my way to work and I caught up with some sleep that way.  One time I was fumbling with my purse in the queue for coffee, all looking and feeling confident (I enjoyed the balance, 3 days at work and 2 off to catch up with the housework and kids) a dummy fell out and when I bend down to rummage for it the guy in the suit behind me grinned and handed it to me.  I was so embarrassed.  When you commute you do recognize the other commuters.  I mumbled thank you and sorry.   He said “No worries, you just had a baby?”  I answered “Yes, 2 in fact.”  “Twins? Really? That’s why I haven’t seen you in the trains for a while.  You  good.”  He said.  I blushingly replied, “Thank you and have a nice day.”    Sipping my cappuccino, I said to myself, so that's where the dummy was.  There was chaos the previous night, we couldn't find twin 1's dummy, she already lost a few at the shops and I didn't realize there's no more spares.  I must wean her off it, I thought to myself.  

Fast forward I was dropping my girls at the High School and in the drop off they always have their friends there loitering.   That afternoon they said their friends said they have a cool mom.  Hmmmm let’s leave it at that.   They just laugh it off.   

This Mother's Day I missed my mom so much.  She is a strong, resilient woman and have helped me form a good head above my shoulders.  She taught me Love, mulititasking and prioritizing.  Above all she gave me and taught me Life.   I have to see her soon. 

Motherhood is the best thing that happened to me.  I have learnt to manage time and de-clutter some areas in my Life.  I have found a purpose, not just wandering through it all aimlessly. I have learnt to discard my selfish ways.   I have learnt to look after and nurture precious Lives.  I have learnt to attend to what’s more important.  If I’m allowed to say so without sounding vain, motherhood helped me fully develop physically, emotionally and mentally.   Motherhood is my greatest achievement so far.    With the blessings of our almighty I hope I am doing things right and will continue to do so.  I know God knows I'm not perfect I'm only a human and a woman at that, after all.  All I know is "LOVE IS ALL THERE IS" and I love my girls to bits. Crossing my fingers for the many more years to come of motherhood.  At least I don't have to worries about dummies anymore.

Michael Buble ~ Haven't Meet You Yet~

Listening to Michael Buble, while having my coffee.   His song is just what I need to help me wake up fully today and get ready for work.

Sunset Strip

As she pulled my little HYUNDAI LANTRA into the car park, I let go a sigh of relief, I could relax for a bit before we head home again.  My daughter decided to take me for a spin in my car to hone her driving skills. The traffic we met was a bit heavy. People heading home with their boat on tow and surfboards on the car’s roof racks.   As we stepped out the car I surveyed the hustle and bustle, I thought to myself, so this is the place *to see and be seen* and is a surfers haven. 

Standing at the edge of the cliff, we could make out silhouette of some surfers getting out of the water. 

One of the greatest things about the sport of surfing is that you need only three things: your body, a surf-board, and a wave. ~NAIMA GREEN~

We were contemplating if we should go down the steps for a little walk on the beach. Looking back surveying the car park again, it was alive with nearly bare naked beautiful toned bodies of surfers stripping their wetsuits. Guys are lucky they can just get changed like that.  It's so much harder for girls and we must go do it in the shower rooms or change rooms. Their car boots are open and their surfboards leaning on their cars and utes. I could make out Billabong emblazoned on some.  Sunset Strip came to my mind.  And thought Surfers Sunset Strip Club was befitting for the scene.

I accidentally meet somebody’s gaze he smiled and I smiled back but I was embarrass and could feel my cheeks getting hot. Then I thought it might be a hot flash, no hang on, that was a power surge. The power to go power walking.  Laughing to myself I hurried my clone to get down the steps with me for that little walk. I stumbled on a remnant of a sand castle, obviously an artwork of some kids earlier. We did not see any seagulls, the little creatures  have retired to their nests already.  

We walk along for a few more minutes, and we saw a lone surfer getting out of the cold water.

Surfing is very much like making love. It always feels good, no matter how many times you've done it. ~PAUL STRAUCH~

He was hurrying up to the surfers club on the top.

It was getting dark and clone no.2 said I could drive back.   Living up the coast we are spoiled and sorrounded with beautiful beaches just five to ten minutes away.  The move up here was a good decision.   

JUST THE WAY YOU ARE BY BRUNO MARS

http://www.directlyrics.com/bruno-mars-just-the-way-you-are-lyrics.html

I just love BRUNO MARS.  Between wanting to catch a grenade for his girl and loving her for just the way she is.


*A gentleman can always make a woman feel like a gorgeous dawn or a beautiful sunset.  He would not change you.  And he’ll love you just the way you are*

Easter Sunday

The Holy week went fast, after restraining ourselves we can indulge again.  I woke up to a glorious and refreshing Easter Sunday.  After that slight hiccup with cold I’m feeling tip-top again.  I gave the girls the Easter eggs and settled for a hot cross bun with nice coffee. 

But what is the real spirit of Easter?  For kids it’s just the bunnies and chocolates. 

For some it’s the not working on the Easter break and the excuse for drinking and bingeing.  It’s also for catching up with friends, family and one’s nearest and dearest.

For the religious it’s the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ and a chance to redeem ourselves.  Jesus Christ died by crucifixion to redeem the mankind of sins.

Do we have a true Salvation due to this?  Others might think so.  But I will not go deeper into it.  Two things I try and avoid are religion and politics.  It creates clash, divide and on the extreme can cause war.

We just chilled out and went for long afternoon drive.  The girls went to a dance foam party that night and I went to a dinner party.

Some religious souls are so wind up that others make it all about Peter Rabbit, Easter eggs and chocolates.  Most people know in their heart it’s about Jesus Christ too.  Some choose not to discuss or show it too much.   What matters is what’s in their hearts I thought.  God is a good God and would not mind at all.

Rounding Up Teen-agers

The taming the toddlers time, seems just yesterday.   They are long over the Purple People Eater, Barney, Barbie, Bratz dolls etc.  They are now young adults, voting, working and getting a life of their own.   Learning to drive the car; they also drive everybody else crazy, ie the mum, the dad, the boyfriends, the teachers maybe the neighbours too.  Typical girl teen-agers, vibrant full of life, thinking they know everything and as a parent I try to guide them.  No piglet wrestling in the mud anymore,  although they wrestled me one time to the ground as they tried to confiscate my iPhone; they were curious who I was talking to, they were unsuccessful.     

It's hard to get that balance with your kids especially teens.   You have to be a parent but be a friend sometimes too,but not too friendly.  Somehow we have to be more of a parent most of the time.   Last night I was a confidante and a counsellor.   At dinner madam no 2 was looking upset, and I know it's not the menu of rice, fish and salad.  She knows it's holy week so no eating meat for us. I asked what's wrong, then she signalled me to her room.  It was a matter of the heart.  After I pushed all the stuff aside, I settled lying diagonnaly in her bed ready to listen, while she leaned on the bedhead. 

This is her bed just made up, doesn't stay that organized for long though.

Between her reading out the texts, beeping of her phone for more texts, then alternate of it ringing, which she said "I'm not answering that" and her trying  to summarize last nights events I was listening, processing and absorbing.  Then she asked "What do you think? What should I do?"  I replied you should give it a rest and have a break from each other for a while.  She replied, "Maybe I should".  Then she grabbed her laptop to listen to music, then more texting.   I was there relaying my thoughts and feelings about the situation.  She was listening with occassional verbal nods, at least she'snot upset anymore.  Then, I must have dozed off, she wasn't there.  A quick investigation through the blinds revealed a Black BMW parked by the kerb.  So, the 'cause of that drama decide to dash over.  More snooping and I found them sitting in the driveway in deep conversation.   I left them to it.  Time check was 11:00 pm Good Friday.  Then I have to round up madam no.1 (she was the first born twin) to check where she's up to.  She had a dinner invite along with her bff, and the bff is driving.  I get nervous as she just gor her license.  It is in the next city and a good hour drive along the freeway.  Madam no.1 replied they're on their way.  I relaxed and got ready to settle in my own bed.

On some Friday nights their friends seems to end up at our place.  This holy week it was brought forward to Thursday night.  I’ll be coming in from work to find them getting ready, amidst the loud music, laughing, giggling, deciding what to wear, (by the way they tell me what not to wear)  and doing their hairs and make-up.   It’s usually a yelling of Hi girls! Hi mum! Sometimes I even join in a bit in the merriment a sip of Vodka Cruiser and a bop to the latest hits, downloaded to their iPods.  They dance around to ENRIQUE‘s I Like It, JLO’s On The Floor while I make sure what they’re drinking won’t let them hit the floor.  Luckily this cruisers only has 5% alcohol content and a bottle last them all night or so they say.  

Thursday night, they were getting ready and dancing to Rock this Party and they showed me "the shuffle" move.  In my teens we did some shuffle, we also did the hustle, and did the twist and rock and roll too.  Although nowadays they do it in the CLUB we did it at the DISCO.   Every now and then my girls and I have a dance off at home.   I like some of their music and they don't mind bopping to my old time favorites as well.

Then I usually organize a quick meal then drop them off to the VENUE.  And a quick reminder as they’re geting of fthe the car, every typical mum does.   Guard your drinks, don’t accept drinks from others, behave, don’t get into arguments, stay close together all the time.  Then a chorus reply of “yes mum, we know mum” accompanied by rolling their eyes.  Then I get back home do a bit of tidying then catch a bit of sleep before I pick them up around midnight.  I prefer to do that, and then I know they will be safe and sound.   A couple of times I even rescued some of their friends who has no transport or means of getting back home. 

I was a bit rundown a couple of weeks back, so it was suggested they should get a taxi home.  Then, a text just before midnight, informing me they are sleeping over at one of the friend’s house as it is nearer for the service bus drop off.   I was going to drag myself to pick them up but relented. 

And to make sure they really are where they said they are, I pick them up early the next day around 6 am.   “Mum we are not 2 year olds anymore!”  That’s what they keep telling me.  But to me they're still my little angels and are always the apples of my eyes.

A daughter may outgrow your lap, but she will never outgrow your heart.  ~Author Unknown~

As the mother of two daughters, I have great respect for women. And I don't ever want to lose that.  Vera Wang

Read more: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/daughters.html#ixzz1Kas8B5sa

The Apple Crunch

Apple was the fruit in the Garden of Eden that Adam and Eve couldn’t resist.  Seems everything started with apple.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.   Only Apple give you the Crunch when you bite into it.  You don’t get that same crunch with other fruits.

My kids are the apples of my eyes.   We always have apples in our fruit bowl too.  Apples rule our lives it seems. 

One time I was on the kitchen phone on an important phone call and kids were too noisy.  I could not yell at them as it would be rude to my caller; we did not have handsfree that time you see.  What to do?  How to get their attention?  The fruit bowl was in front of me.   I grabbed an apple and chuck it at their direction.  I did not hit anybody, and the apple wasn’t bruised it landed on the lounge.  It did make them hush and walk away."   

Then the double trouble must have been good for SANTA to bring them an iPod each that Christmas in the year it first came out.   So it was the latest hits downloaded in iTunes to be transferred to their iPods.  And Santa also brought them a snazzy speaker iTrigg with an iDog that dances to the music.  Sometimes iCover my ears too with all the loud head banging music. 

All were hanky dory until madam no. 2 left her iPod in her school uniform pocket and it went in the laundry.   Then she has to get another one in purple.   Then madam no. 1 has to get a new one too in bright pink. 

Then UNI started and they got a Mac book Pro to share for their birthday. 

 Six months, after they acquired it another mishap.  Spilled drink in the dining table seeped into the Mac book and it was too late when they discover it, it was ruined.  The retailer won’t replace it as it wasn’t covered by the insurance.   Then Apple wouldn’t neither as it’s not a product fault.  My last hope was our home and contents insurance.  Luckily we have premium cover and were able to claim it.   It is a good idea to really check the fine print of insurance of what’s covered and what’s not.  With all the flooding and natural events lately some were not covered by their insurance.  Anyway the madams got a new replacement of Macbook Pro.   And this time I found a good invention that protects the laptop.  It was only $15.00 from KMART, a laptop rest.   It also protects your lap when it gets hot.  It has a detachable foam padding at the bottom.   

For me, I've got the Apple fever too, I got me the first generation iPhone which I really love, and still works and as good as new.  It got a bit wet one time and was flickering, then blank screens a couple of times; but it's all good again.  I'm due for an upgrade but is waiting to see if Apple will release a new iPhone sometime this year.

Then on my birthday last year my clones got me the iPad.  I love Facebooking in the iPad, browsing is easier too. Very portable, works on 3G as well as WiFi.

Let's wait for the next Apple Crunch and we're definitely biting and byting into it.

Falling in Love Imelda Style

That day I was Imelda, and I know straight away we were perfect for each other. The moment I laid eyes on that handsome, sleek, funky, nice skin tone, fine good looks of a creation; my heart skipped a beat and I decided we compliment and suit each other nicely.  Our first meeting, happened smoothly. I immersed myself in the moment we were together. Then as I wave goodbye, I promise we will be together soon. I drove off with a big smile and could barely contain my excitement.

So the next day I was back at the usual rendezvous. Alas! another woman was enjoying what I was enjoying the day before. I was hyperventilating, what should I do?  But I was first in the scene.  They haven't notice me yet. I was watching them like a hawk.  Pretending to inspect something, I was watching their every move in my peripheral vision.

Then my moment of glory came, the woman that was my competition was distracted and let go. It's just appropriate that I claim what is rightfully mine.

While I settled the bill, I could feel the other woman's stare burning at my back.  I know then how the saying *if looks could kill* felt.  I just smiled and sashayed and my conquest in my arms.

Not too tall, and his name is not Jimmy, but perfect for me.

My latest conquest came home with me.  See for yourself! Imelda was rumoured to have more than 3,000 pairs.  :)

Our Need For Speed

As I hit the brakes hard, I was jolted up to a grim realization of how careless my earlier actions were.  I was a tad late for work and it was due to my own mismanagement of time and was revving up the car’s accelerator to gain some.  Usually, I follow my routine to a T, but not this particular morning I decided to buy time.  I just have to check my e-mails, reply to topics in the forums and have to open my messenger.

When I next check the time it was panic.  I have to shut down every thing and a quick yell to the kids for their instructions before they leave for school and "come quick, give me a goodbye kiss, I‘m going now."   They were soon marching towards where the holler was coming from, followed closely by our little cute as a button darling puppy.  I was standing there waiting and looking at them approaching with their school uniform.  I concluded time really flies, where are those years gone?  Then it’s three quick kisses and I was off flying.

So there in the intersection still a bit shaken but not stirred, I composed myself still clutching the steering wheel and foot hard on the brakes.  I took few deep breaths and the traffic lights turned green.  My conscience was talking to me.  “It’s just not worth it so what if you’re late?  The worst thing that could happen is you lose your job? It’s still better than ending up six feet under the ground.”   I told my conscience to shut up.

Why is that when you are in a hurry everything seems to go very slow?  After that near incident-inducing, revving action of mine, now my patience is being tested by the woman ahead of me.  The speed limit is 70 but by golly she must be only doing 40, it was like going on a procession.  “Where did she get her licence from?  From a packet of cereal?” I said loudly.

I can’t overtake her straight away ‘cause it’s one lane. I have to wait for a few meters ahead before it branched to two lanes.   Then I revved up a bit and honked to her.  Darting a quick glance at her direction I discovered she is on the freaking mobile phone while driving.  Don’t this people learn they are endangering other people’s lives?  My conscience alerted me again, “you were too before” and I replied “it’s different” and told it to shut up once more.

Then it just snowballed, next I realized I have to top up my petrol; which means queuing up again, then further ahead the road works.  This time I gave up looking at the time. I put up the volume listening to my favourite radio station cruising along, singing along, while the guy in yellow fluorescent clothes madly waving his arms to direct the traffic.  Then he signalled me to stop in front of him, he smiled and saluted to me I smiled and waved back and Inoticed and thought he is genetically blessed and his body have beautiful muscular formations. Then he just have to bend over and talk to me in the car window  “Sorry for the delay Miss, won’t be long now”  Our admiration for each other was short lived when the other fluorescent clothes wearing guy on the other end signalled him to let go the taffic again.  We just said “Have a good day”  to each other.

When I walked in the office I was muttering my excuses for being late but my boss said not to worry.  I wish my first client for the day said “not to worry” she needed the paperwork expedited.  It’s the need for speed again.

I kicked my high heels when I got home that afternoon and checked my e-mails before I started cooking dinner.  One was from my social networking friend and it was not a joke of the day.  It was an invite to Speeddate.com.  I said to myself “you gotta be kidding me” it was another speed inducing activity.  Did I check it? I will tell you, but it will be another story.