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Perhaps it’s one of the most talked about health-related topic these days.

Well. Especially if you live in Singapore.

With the flu virus spreading like wildfire all around the world during the June school holiday AND kids going back to school again last Monday, the media talks about this. A lot.

And naturally, quite a few parents wonder whether they really should send their kids to school, whether it’ll be safe, whether traveling overseas is a good idea, whether what the Singapore government is doing is an over-reaction, OR in fact, a good precautionary measure.

[Go to http://www.h1n1.gov.sg to read the latest updates of H1N1 in Singapore]

Mmm.

I too was a little unsure about whether or not I should let Anya start school last Monday.

I thought of letting her skip her Monday class, just to see how things go when all schools re-opened.

And if you ask me, it’s not about contracting the H1N1 virus itself actually, because I know although it is contagious, it’s considerably mild (well, at least that’s what the media’s been telling us too lately)

What I’m totally not looking forward to is getting the quarantine IF any of us got the virus.

(Just in case you’re not familiar with how Singapore tackles the virus : if it’s confirmed that you have the virus, you might need to stay at a hospital or a designated quarantine centre for 7 to 10 days. AND, even if you’re told to go home, you DO have to be home quarantined, for 7 to 10 days. And all the while, your health will be monitored).

In the end, Wilson and I decided to just let Anya go to school as usual last Monday.

And what do you know.

The school bus auntie actually had one of those ‘thermometer guns‘ and she checked every single child’s temperature BEFORE they boarded the school bus.

[She pointed the 'thermometer' towards the forehead, without touching it, for about three seconds, and she'd know the kid's temperature]

I was utterly impressed.

AND, the school staff checked everyone’s temperature again BEFORE they go to class.

Well.

I don’t know if people call this an ‘over-reaction’ or not, but as a parent, I feel somewhat reassured. You know, that at least the Singapore government and the people out there who’re in charge of our little ones try to do their part in keeping the virus at bay.

And.

I really feel this whole H1N1 virus situation serves as a gentle reminder to us too, that we are ALL vulnerable.

That there’s only so much that we can do to prevent things from happening to us.

And that IF we are still good and healthy today, that is PURE BLESSINGS from God, and is totally NOT because of how ‘in full control’ we are of our own lives.

Let’s learn to count our blessings. In all kinds of circumstances.

…

What are your thoughts on H1N1?

Did you have any concerns before school started last Monday? How does your kid’s school handle the whole situation? And if you live outside of Singapore, how are things in your country?

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An interesting food for thought.

When we are curious about something and go all out to find out MORE about it ourselves, the chance of us REMEMBERING what we’ve just found out and learned is HIGHER, as compared to having the information ’spoon-fed’ to us.

And if you ask me, I think the same principle applies to little kids and their learning style (and, how they discover their surrounding and their ‘world’)

Yes, some info (ie. knowledge) does need to be ‘fed’ to them and yes, kids may be curious about something ‘harmful’.

But, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we as parents can encourage (and guide) these little ones in staying positively curious about things, about their world?

Because through curiosity, we learn and discover.

And remember. More.

…

Someone once said to me,

Stay ’stupid’. Because when we feel we know nothing much, we keep on learning. But when we feel we know enough, that’s when we stop knowing more.

And I couldn’t agree more.

…

[Photo Info]
When checking out the depth and textures of white sands at Cottesloe Beach (Perth, Australia), somehow some ended up ‘near’ Vai’s mouth too! (not sure if the sands got INTO his mouth as well. Now that’s a crunchy discovery!)

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Last week we had a contest where, if chosen, your kid can enjoy a free two-hour tennis lesson (thanks to VVIP International!), with Wynne Prakusya as their main coach.

Now. The contest ended at midnight last Sunday and the winners were chosen yesterday!

And … here are the ten lucky parents :

1. Olivia
2. Mimi
3. Meina
4. Shing Yen
5. Rachel
6. Juita
7. Imelda
8. Jossie
9. Jo M.
10. Ben

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

And, THANKS everyone who participated!!

(If you haven’t quite won this time round, we do have giveaways and contests from time to time, and so please do join in again next time, yes? *smile*)

Here are a few important notes :

1. If you registered two kids in one entry, please let us know the one who’s going for the lesson

2. Please drop me an email (latest by tomorrow - Wed, 1 July) to let us know :
a. if your child DEFINITELY can make it to the session this Saturday, 4 July, 4pm-6pm at Kallang Tennis Centre (as we’d need to ensure that all of the ten spaces are filled)
b. Your contact no.

…

And that is it!

Do share the good news with your kid A.S.A.P., and we’ll see you on the court this Saturday!

Hope you guys are as excited about this weekend’s tennis session as us!

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Check this out.

Straight after our very first fishing trip at Punggol Beach, we got ourselves ready for our next family outing.

Courtesy of the Singapore’s Blog Awards (who gave away 10 pairs of tickets to 10 lucky finalists), we went to catch the one-time Magic Show at Jurong Bird Park called ‘Magical Wonders with Birds’, featuring Singapore’s own illusionist Priscilla Khong.

It was our very first time watching such a magic show LIVE!

AND, it was our first time visiting the Bird Park AT NIGHT! (Lots of ‘firsts’ for our family today!)

Now I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been somewhat sceptical when it comes to magic shows.

As I watch, I’d think, ‘Ahhh … she must’ve had the cards up her sleeves!’ or ‘Now there, they didn’t show the back of THAT box! The bird must’ve been placed THERE!’ or ‘She must’ve had the keys to the handcuffs inside the box!’. Blah blah blah.

[It sure is EASY to be the spectator who gives comments than the one performing on stage, huh!]

Anyway.

Despite my attempts to guess HOW magicians do their tricks and illusions, I do find magic shows entertaining. Especially when I totally have NO idea how they did it.

Like, when Priscilla ‘teleported’ a chicken from a box (placed in the middle of the stage), to a wooden bucket that was held by a man from the audience (and he was standing at least five meters away).

I was totally amazed by that trick!

Another trick that I thought was a good one was the ’sewing a man in half’. A classic one that we all know and have most likely watched on TV.

The guy was picked from the audience, and I could really see how both his legs ’slanted’ downwards and there’s ‘nothing’ underneath the box that was lifted up!

After I downloaded the photos to my computer, I zoomed in to see the trick in ‘detail’, and I still can’t figure out how it was done!

And you know what, Wilson happened to meet the guy (who was ‘halved’) on our way out after the show, and he said he ‘didn’t feel a thing’! Now THAT was interesting!

Anyway. The kids loved the show too, and I guess it’s also because of the music, the dance and the birds involved in the show.

As we watched the show, Vai did say things like, “Look! Look! She’s going to make that man disappear, Mommy!’ (and he was pointing at the crew holding the cable in the background, haha)

And Anya did ask us her many questions as usual,

‘How did she do it? How did she make the birds appear? What is she going to do now? How did she halve the man? Wow, she made herself disappear from the box, how did she do that?’

And to her questions, we explained how they’re all magic tricks, how they’re not real, how the magician has learned how to do the tricks well and how one day she could learn to perform simple tricks too if she knew how they’re done. She’s happy with our answers.

Now guess what else happened at the show.

We met a blog reader and her family, who happened to sit next to us and said Hi when they recognised us! Now that was nice! (Big Hi to Kah Fong, Bryan and their two little ones!)

Yup, we had a good family time at Jurong Bird Park today! Loved it!

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The very first time we went fishing as a family was when we took the kids to Fremantle during our visit to Perth last March.

And frankly, somehow I didn’t think we’d go fishing again once we’re back in Singapore. At the back of my mind, somehow I imagined that we would need a car to drive to places where we could fish.

And.

I was SO wrong.

We went fishing at Punggol Beach with our friends today, AND hey we took public transports!

[You'd simply need to catch bus no. 82, from Hougang MRT Station's exit C!]

We reached the jetty at about 4pm, when the sun was still very glary. But the tide was apparently pretty high and our fishing expert friends wasted no time and quickly prepared the baits!

The kids intently watched the ‘big boys’ got the rods and baits ready. And, they tried fishing too!

As for me, I thought I would most likely just shoot and watch the guys go fishing. You see, I love the togetherness, but not quite the fishy preparations (or the releasing of the hook from the fish’s mouth afterwards!).

But hey, when one finally caught a fish, one might start liking it. Hehe.

This is (super lucky) me, with my very first catch! A baby garoupa! (which we released back to the sea since it WAS small)

There’s a little strip of sandy beach nearby and the kids and moms went to have some sand-play fun there! (errr … or to be exact, Anya and Vai went with the rest, while I stayed with the guys at the jetty, hehe).

Anyway.

It was a totally nice Saturday afternoon fishing trip with friends!

Definitely THAT little relaxing break I needed!

…

A few things to note :

1. Do bring along your hats and sunscreen lotion

2. After the kids tried their hands on fishing, letting the kids have some sand-play fun while the men go fishing was a totally GREAT idea (because the little ones would otherwise be too bored!)

3. There’s no toilet (the nearby blue portable toilet was locked!)

4. Bringing along wet wipes would be handy, especially to clean the kids AFTER they play with sand

5. There were two young guys selling ice creams AND cold drinks (for a dollar each) from a cart near the beach entrance. They said they’re there ONLY in the weekends.

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I love how little ones laugh out loud. So carefree. As if nothing in the world could ever stop the outburst of their super giggles.

And sometimes, when I see my two kids play and laugh, I think of how I myself am just … too serious.

I don’t laugh, relax nor simply ‘let go’ often enough.

Perhaps it’s the list of ‘endless things to do’ that linger at the back of my head. Perhaps it’s the pressure of work and commitments.

Whatever it is, I am aware that the air of ‘adult seriousness’ has somehow started to seep through me and slowly find a permanent place in my life.

Even Anya sometimes leaps onto my back as I lay on my bed, trying to tickle and get me to laugh out loud.

She giggles and says, “Mommy, I don’t see you laugh enough! I want to see you laugh, Mommy!’

…

As adults we have our responsibilities and burdens. And yes, we must be accountable for everything that’s entrusted in our care.

But, the reality is, we may unconsciously let these things weigh us down, so much so that we forget about one of the simplest things in life.

To have a balance.

I believe there’s a time for everything.

A time to be serious, and a time to let go, relax and even join in the innocent laughter of little ones.

(I’d want to do even more of that second one!)

…

To my two children,
I hope Mommy is not turning you both into serious little people. Because as much as you should slowly learn about life and the concept of responsibility, you really shouldn’t be like adults.

Ah.

I thank God for the little reminders He gives to us all through these little teachers of mine.

…

How about you?

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… why should we see each other as rivals, when we can actually be friends

… why should we push, when we can use our hands and arms to hug and cuddle

… and why should we make each other cry, when we can be silly and make each other laugh

…

A magnet on my fridge says, ‘Children see themselves through OUR eyes’.

And I feel it’s just so true.

How we as parents respond to our children - in our actions, words and even in our unspoken words - greatly affect how our children see themselves AND each other in the family.

I care for my two little ones every single day from the time they were born. I see them laugh, snatch, giggle, shove, hold hands, complain and share with each other.

And really, after going through those many early days together with them, I must say, a positive relationship between siblings IS possible to have.

Yes, there are conflicts and tears, but in the end, there are forgiveness and hugs.

And if you ask me, I don’t think we can ever eliminate that little tinge of ‘natural competitiveness’ amongst siblings.

BUT, we as parents sure can (and should) proactively encourage positive and loving relationships amongst our children.

May God help us all in becoming better parents to the little ones whom He has entrusted in our care.

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The other night I was getting Vai ready for bed when I found this little note written by Anya.

As shared before, they may not always be all loving and cuddly towards each other, but reading such a note written by a 5yo sister to her little brother does make a mother’s heart go all warm and fuzzy.

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[Anya, Vai and their tennis friends. There were actually MORE kids, but some couldn't make it that day]

Just recently, both Anya and Vai went for their very first Summer Holiday Tennis Camp, organised by VVIP International.

Over the five sessions they learned a lot about the basics of tennis as a sport and they had fun!

[Coach Ivana showing Vai how to do the 'ready position']

Now.

I’d like to share what they experienced with you!

And that is, through a blog contest where you can stand a chance to WIN FREE two-hour tennis lesson for your child, worth $50!! [Thanks to VVIP International!]

The main coach is Wynne Prakusya, who used to play tennis professionally, representing Indonesia.

She’s great with children and I’m sure your kids will love her coaching techniques too!

[Wynne Prakusya while playing professional tennis a few years ago. Err ... photos were ripped from multiple sources]

So, if you have a kid (or know of a kid) who is between the age of 3 and 10 whom you’d like to introduce tennis to (and how fun it can be!), please do read on!

Here’s HOW to enter the contest! (and it’s super easy!)

1. Subscribe to Our Everyday Things’ RSS by clicking ‘Click to Subscribe’ (on the right sidebar)

2. Share my blog to others via facebook, emails or your blog! (really appreciated it if you can do all three

[If you’re on Facebook, click HERE to share my blog! Please click the ‘right arrow’ to select your preferred thumbnail blog image before you click ‘post’]

3. Leave your comment on THIS blog post, with complete answers to the following :

a. Tell us the child’s gender and age (month and year of birth too please)

b. Tell us WHY you’d like your child to try and learn how to play tennis

c. Whether you’ve shared my blog via facebook, emails or your blog (please do share your blog URL in the comment too)
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

[Coach Wynne cheering the kids to move along while controlling the movement of the balls with their rackets]

IMPORTANT INFO :

1. Make sure you enter a valid email address (your email address will not be displayed)

2. Multiple entries are allowed, but only ONE ENTRY PER ONE EMAIL ADDRESS

3. Your child is between 3yo - 10yo

4. Your child MUST be available to come for the scheduled tennis session if you’re one of the lucky ten selected!

Here are the details :
Day : Saturday, 4 July 09
Time : 4pm - 6pm
Venue : Kallang Tennis Centre (near Kallang Leisure Park)

5. Tennis rackets will be provided by the coaches from VVIP International

6. If you’re one of the lucky ten winners, I’d be in touch to get your contact number. Someone from VVIP International will then contact you to reconfirm your child’s attendance

7. Contest ends next Sunday, 28 June 2009!

TEN lucky winners will be selected randomly and I’ll announce the names on Tuesday, 30 June!!

[Anya and Vai with their coaches : Charles, Wynne and Ivana. The kids ADORE them, btw!]

…

Gee. THIS. IS. SO. EXCITING!  (am always super happy whenever I can share great stuff with blog readers!)

Really. This is such an excellent way of :

- introducing your kid to tennis
- seeing if your kid will indeed like the sport (and for you to decide whether you’d let your kid continue on later)
- spending time together on a weekend as a family on the court - in a healthy way!
- simply letting your kid have FUN!

[We'll sure be there that Saturday afternoon!]

…

Now, please please go ahead, check your calendar, block that time slot (4-6pm on Saturday, 4 July) and enter the contest!!

Hurry!!

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How much does it cost to ‘buy’ the qualities of a good dad - being there, understanding your kids, honoring your wife, believing in your kids, letting the kids go through pain?

Last time I checked, it was free.

How many degrees does it take to learn this formula?

The answer is easy.

You don’t have to go to school at all.

Why?

Being a good dad is about being relational. It’s not what you can buy your kids, it’s not slick strategies or secret lessons.

It’s taking time to be there, to care, to get involved. That’s what a good dad is - relational.

He’s there. He cares.

Don’t worry about being a great dad. Just practice being a good one and your kids will be richly blessed.

[adopted from Dr Kevin Leman's book : What a difference a Daddy makes]

…

And to all Daddies, AND to Daddy Wilson who always strives to give his best :

Happy Father’s Day!

We all love you.

And we thank God for you.

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