Mother's Day gift and a kiss

I saw some students buying flowers from the bookshop in school last Tuesday. I was so excited and I found out that one stalk of flower cost RM5.00. It was certainly a perfect price for me because I had RM5.00 with me. Mami had given me RM5.00 to keep for emergency purposes only.

I have never used the RM5.00 for buying anything since I started school and I was too afraid to use it this time. So, I came back and asked Mami permission if I could use it to buy something important. I guess Mami trusted me and said yes.

The next day, I used my money to buy her a stalk of rose. I was super duper quaduple happy about it. I proudly gave it to her when I saw her after school. She was certainly very happy.

This was the flower I purchased from the bookshop

I asked her for more money. I wanted to buy one for my Ah Mah and another for Mah Mah. Mami gave me only RM5.00 to buy for Ah Mah. She said that I wouldn't be able to send the rose to Mah Mah because she stays in Ipoh. It would not be practical to insert a flower into an envelope for postage. Without responding to Mami, I took the RM5.00 and immediately ran to the bookshop to buy one flower for Ah Mah.

On our way home, I asked Mami if she could drive me to Ipoh now. I told her that I wanted to give Mah Mah a stalk of rose, give her a kiss, say goodbye and we can drive back to KL immediately. Mami laughted at my response and said that it would not be practical to do so.

When I arrived home, I gave the flower I purchased and gave to my Ah Mah. I wished her Happy Early Mother's Day. I was too shy to give her a kiss. Ah Mah was filled with joy. She said that she has never received a flower from her grandchild before.

On a separate note, I also made this in school for my mother.

 

Wishing all other mothers, Blessed Mother's Day.

I am cooking for Mother's Day

I am super duper excited. I came out with an idea that I should cook for Mami for Mother's Day. So, I picked up the phone and immediately called Dadi while he was still at work a few hours ago. I told him that he will be paired with me. I asked him what we should cook and I whispered some recipe to him. I didn't want Mami to hear my conversation. Poor Dadi, he sounded puzzled.

After putting down the phone, I asked for permission to use Mami's labtop. I googled "how to cook with halogen oven". I watched some videos on the YouTube and now I have some idea what I want to do.

I have told Mami that Dadi and I will be cooking dinner tomorrow for Mother's Day. I hope my Dadi remembers to buy all the ingredients for our menu tomorrow.

Oh... a few minutes ago, Mami received a text message saying that he is feeling very pressured. I think he doesn't know how to cook.

Wish me luck.

MHP Vouchers from school

I did it. I managed to receive RM50 MPH vouchers from school.

My school gives this reward to any student for borrowing from our school library and reading 5 English and 5 BM books from January till April. I was quite surprised to have received it. Initially I thought it was for the whole year, and now I realised that it's for the first 4 months. I was the only one in my class who received it. It made me really proud.

Badminton lessons

Mami feels that it is time for me to have some relaxing lessons to mentally destress myself. She recently enquired and found a badminton coach who teaches at Kampung Pandan Sports Complex. The lesson for a group of 4/5 students cost RM100 for 4 sessions, 2 hours each.

I hope to be able to start my lessons next month after my mid-term exams. I wonder if I can be the next "Dato Lee Chong Wei", especially when we have the same surname.....

Roller Blading again

Today was a holiday for my school. It was an occasional holiday declared by my school. It was also a perfect time to do revision for my exams, starting on 15th May. However, Mami was kind enough to bring my roller blading.

A few of us gathered and we had a new friend from another class who joined us. I had a great time, although I have blisters on my legs. It's really fun and a great way to de-stress myself.

I did not miss out in my revision. I did some Maths exercises in the morning before leaving for roller blading, and I did more in the evening.

I hope to be able to go for roller blading more often. I am beginning to be good at it.

Birthday Presents for my 7th Birthday

I am very blessed to have so many birthday presents. I thank God for them. Here are some presents received....

From Yeh Yeh and Mah Mah. The books are really good.
I started reading the book about Animals.
It's very easy to read.

This was from Aunty Julie.
She also gave a birthday treat by paying for my
roller blading entrance fee.

This is from Aunty Shireen. It's a 3D Crystal Puzzle.

This is from Aunty Jenny. A photo frame and it is
sitting in my room so that I can see it
before I sleep every night.
This is Mami's favourite photo of her
precious boys.

There were other presents. Ku Ku and Ah Kim bought me a Dino Lego, Ah Mah bought me a Transformer space ship, Ku Ku bought me an Uno Stacko and Chinese Chess, and Dadi bought me XBox Kinect.

I am very blessed.

Reflection

Mami asked me this question.... "Benjamin, are you happy that Dadi and Mami had chosen this Primary School for you?". I immediately said YES! Thinking back, Mami is relief that God had chosen this school for me.

I was registered to a famous Chinese School and was accepted to the school. But Dadi and Mami agreed that I would be too fearful going to the school. They did not want to kill the spirit of independence in completing my homework. They did not want me to have too many tuition lessons (Mami can't read a single word of Chinese characters).

Dadi and Mami then explored 2 private schools in Cheras. One had a better syllabus and curriculum. However, it was much farther compared to the another. Initially, Dadi was keen to send me to the school with better syllabus. Yeh Yeh, Mah Mah and my Ah Mah all played a part in giving their feedback. They felt that the school distance should be taken as a factor. It would be pitiful for a young child to spend so much time on the road to school.

Thank God Dadi and Mami had listened to their advices. Finally they agreed to the decision to sending me to the school nearer to our home.

Reflecting back on the decision made, I am glad I am in this school. I guess when one option looks very promising, it may not be the best for me. The second option doesn't look that convincing but God knows best. Also, Dadi and Mami both believe in honouring their parents. They believe that God will bless us when we honour the decision of our parents.

Do you know why Mami feels that this is the right place for me? Because I am certainly more cheerful and joyful in this school. I am also less stressed and amazingly, I have not been thinking of my exams. Yes, I have been doing my revision, but that's it! I do not have sleepless nights, although my exams are less than 2 weeks away.

God is certainly good.

Roller Blading

It was my birthday yesterday and coincidently, it was an off day for my school due to our sports day last Saturday. There was an impromptu meetup for Roller Blading. I was so happy to have some classmates coming for Roller Blading at Bangsar Shopping Centre.

I really enjoyed myself. Dadi and Mami invited my friends for a small lunch and arranged for some cupcakes to celebrate my birthday with my friends.

This birthday celebration with my friends was unexpected by anyone. Dadi and Mami decided only when they saw a few of my friends there. Though unprepared, but it was certainly my best celebration ever.

First time roller blading

1 candle represents Standard One. It doesn't represent my age.

  

Can't go for Kenny G's performance

Am so sad that I am unable to go for Kenny G's performance in Genting. Mami said that the hotels are fully booked. The only place available is Awana, and she is not keen to stay there. She doesn't like the idea of driving up and down from Genting to Awana.

The Movie - Avengers

Dadi and Mami brought Shaun and I to watch the movie, Avengers. We went to 1Shamelin Shopping Mall in Cheras to watch. Dadi and Mami were not keen to bring us to the cinema in town. Afraid of any possible heavy traffic or unavailability of movie tickets.

I do not know how to describe how the movie was. All I know is that I really love the movie. I love all the superhero characters. I love Iron Man, Hulk and Hawkeye. My comments after the show were:

1) I didn't know that Captain America was the first SuperHero, in coma for 70 years.
2) I didn't know that Hawkeye is so powerful. I told Mami that I thought he can just shoot arrows. But his arrows are very powerful.

Sports Day

Yesterday was my sports day. I was initially very excited. I told Mami that I am serious about my Sports Day and I hope that my house colour would win. I was also hoping in my heart that I would win a medal for the telematch.

However, I did not win any medals. I was really very sad, and I had some tears in my eyes. Mami kept consoling me, giving me biscuits and drinks to distract me. She told me that I did very well and promised me to buy something for me as a prize.

I am feeling fine now. I told Mami that I would take away my Sports Day memories from my brain and throw it away so that I do not feel sad.

I shall try even harder next year.

Kenny G in coming to town

Kenny G is performing at the Arena of Stars, Genting (http://www.groupon.my/deals/klang-valley-kuala-lumpur/Star-Planet/716044101?nlp=&CID=MY_CRM_1_0_0_115&a=715827975).

I was introduced to Kenny G by my Science Teacher in school. I learnt that he plays the saxaphone and he played a very new piece of the theme song from the movie Titanic.

Now that he is coming to perform in Malaysia, I really wish I can go and hear him play. However, Mami has to check with my teacher to confirm my mid-term exams. According to the school calendar, my exam should end on the day before Kenny G's performances.

Signs of Exam Stress

I came back from school and prepared some exam questions for Mami to do. I'm not sure why I did them. Perhaps it would help me in preparing for my exams.

Bahasa Malaysia exam paper

Mathematics exam paper

Science exam paper

English exam paper

As expected, Mami scored full marks in my exam paper.

Treasured Moments with Grandparents

My grandparents from Ipoh came last week to spend some time with us. They stayed for only 2 nights and I wished they could stay longer with us.

I really enjoyed them. Best of all, I was able to play lots of games with them. We played Scrabble, Chess, Chinese Chess and X-Box Kinect together.

I also received birthday presents from my grandparents and my aunty from Ipoh. Mah Mah bought me some books (very educational) and my favourite Cars 2 Holly Shiftwell. Ku Ku bought me Uno Stacko and Chinese Chess.

I am very blessed and fortunate to have loving grandparents and aunty. Which reminds me, I have not given a call to my Ku Ku to thank her for her lovely presents. Mami has been reminding me, but as usual......I'm just too excited playing. I shall make the phone call soon.

Will I Have Exam Fever?

I have experienced the stress of exams even when I was a preschooler. I am a boy who worries, and I take my exams seriously. Even at the age of 5, I had sleepless nights before the days of my examination. So much so, Mami was advised to bring me to see a psychologist if my condition was too severe.

What was I worried about? I have always wanted to be first in my class. I wanted to do well, and I wanted to win an award. At that time, my kindergarden would give awards for  the first 3 positions. I was certainly aiming for the first, if not at least one of them. Despite Mami putting so much effort in preparing me for my exams, I was worried that I would forget what was taught. I was worried that Mami had not taught me everything. I was worried that I would be careless. I was worried that I didn't know what to answer. Mami was truly grateful to God for granting my heart's desire of obtaining first place in my kindergarden when I was 5 and 6 years old.

I am now in Primary One. Mami is amazed that I have not shown any signs of stress since my exams is less than a month away. I know that Mami dare not mention the word exams at home, but I do know that my examination is round the corner.

Today, Mami finally asked me the golden question. She asked me if I knew my exams would be coming. I told her yes. She then asked me if I was worried and I replied yes. She asked what I was worried about and I mentioned that I was afraid that I did not know how to answer the questions.

Mami asked me a question. She asked if I trusted God. She told me that God will send a helper, the Holy Spirit to help me during my examinations. I needed to trust and believe. Mami reminded me of the song I used to learn "I will cast all my cares upon You. I lay all of my burdens down at Your feet ....."

Mami prayed for me and I slept well after the prayer.

Another birthday present

I'm so blessed to have received nice birthday presents.

I just received another from my Ah Ku and Ah Kim. My favourite...Lego.

Legos are really expensive. I just wish that the prices would be more afforable so that I can collect more of them. I wonder where I can get cheaper sets of Legos.

Sports Rehearsal

Our school had a Sports Rehearsal at a stadium this morning. I was really excited and most importantly, I prayed for good weather the night before. Mami said that it was important to have fine weather.

God was indeed an answering God. He gave us excellent weather. It was cloudy the entire morning, with a little breeze.

I was excited to go for my rehearsal, but at the same time, I was disappointed that I was not chosen to participate in the 50m run. I was only the relief runner. I participated in the group telematch. However, my house did not win the telematch.

Big yawn.... because I woke up at 5:45 a.m.

Feeling really bored

I certainly enjoyed myself today. Although I did not win any medals, but it was still fun to be with my friends, trying to participate in my house cheer. I love the song and I tried to sing along.

This is my first experience of a sports event in such a big place. It's a great experience.

Enjoyable Public Holiday

It was a Public Holiday yesterday, and I really enjoyed the day. It wasn't a super ordinary day, but just spending time and playing with my loved ones makes me happy.

Our family arrived at Ah Ku's house yesterday at 6:30 a.m. In remembrance of my Ah Kong, we visited his graveyard at Nirvana. We would normally go there about twice a year. Once during the Easter period and another time during Christmas.

We did some cleaning. There were my 3 cousins, Shaun and myself working hard to pull the long weeds and wiping the tombstone. Ah Ku and Dadi helped too. Mami and Ah Kim were busy supervising and instructing us, while Ah Mah would trim the flowers.  Just before we left, Ah Ku said a prayer for both families, thanking God for His grace and blessings upon us and for their earthly father (which is my earthly grandfather). It was a time to remember God's goodness in our lives.

After prayers, we left for breakfast together. By the time we arrived home, it was still very early.

Mami surprised me with a box of Cars2 Lego. I was super excited. I love building Legos. I took the morning to build Lego, but there was a condition that Shaun and I had to practice our music. So, Mami spent some time teaching Shaun TiTi music theory, while Dadi sat with me at the piano.

Back to my Legos. Come see what I built.

You can actually put a car into the SpyJet

It was lunch time after building my Lego. We ate lunch and did some homework. Mami was really proud of us for doing lots of homework without any fuss.....especially for Shaun TiTi.

We took a short nap in the afternoon and I spent some time playing XBox Kinect with my Dadi. Oh, before I forget, Dadi bought me the XBox Kinect for upcoming birthday. In my earlier post, I mentioned that it was the most expensive birthday present received.

I did a little more maths equations in the evening. When it comes to homework, Mami has this rule for me all the time. If I make more than 2 mistakes in a page, I would have to complete another page of homework. So, it really forces me to be very careful in my work. So, homework isn't all easy for me. Mami would sometimes give exceptions if the homework is very difficult, especially for BM and Moral.

We settled down to our bedroom pretty early. Went to our bedroom at 7:15 p.m.. We played some educational board game. Shaun and I had some fun and by 8 p.m., we had to do our devotion time together with Mami and Dadi. This time, Ah Mah joined us too. After taking turns to pray, we headed to bed at about 8:30 p.m.

It was a fun day. I hope that there would be more public holidays to come.

Can I Run?

Sports Day is round the corner and there was a selection of runners held last week for 50m event. I was really excited and before school started, I told Mami that I prayed that I would be selected. I know that Mami didn't quite want me to enter this event. She doesn't have the confidence in me running, especially when I have flat foot.

The selection of runners was based on the house colours. I am in Blue House. So, all Primary One students from Blue House ran together. To my amazement, I came in 3rd place and my name was written on a Green Card by the teacher. The 1st and 2nd place runner's names were written on a White Card.

I was all excited about it, but did not give the details to Mami. I just told her that I was certain that I would be running for Sports Day. Dadi and Mami were proud of me. Last weekend, Dadi brought me to The Gardens and bought me a new running shoe. On that day itself, Dadi brought me to practise running in the field and taught me how to tie shoe laces. Dadi was really proud of me to be able to finally tie my own shoe laces.

On Saturday evening, Mami and I were chatting, and all of a sudden, Mami asked me about how the selection of runners went. After explaining the details to Mami, she suddenly realised that I may have misunderstood the situation. She suspected that I may be the relief runner for Sports Day. She said that it doesn't make sense to have 3 runners per house. Typically, there would be 8 runners, 2 for each house. After hearing from me that my name was written in a Green Card, different from the 1st and 2nd places, she was pretty sure that I would not be running, unless if another student from Blue House was absent.

I was pretty disappointed with the news Mami shared with me. She tried to console me and told me that perhaps I would take part in the Telematch event.

Well, I hope to be able to participate in an event for Sports Day. Perhaps I would know this week. Sports Day is at the end of the month.

Can you share God's love to kidnappers?

My English teacher in school was telling us stories about her childhood days when she was able to go for many adventures, like climbing a tree, watching spider fights and many more interesting activities. She added that it was a different from today because for us, we have to be very watchful about safety and kidnappers. It is no longer safe for children to go out alone for these adventures. I shared this with Mami and she agreed.

Then I asked Mami why did God make kidnappers in the world. Mami replied saying that God made man, and some man became bad because they do not know God. They do not know about God's love for them. She added that this is the reason why we share God's love to people who are not Christians.

Then I told Mami that it would be too dangerous to share God's love to kidnappers. What if I share God's love to kidnappers and then the kidnappers will say "God? Who is God, Where is God?". The kidnappers will turn around and when there is no God to be seen, he would straight away capture and kidnap me.

Mami was speechless.

Happy Easter everyone!

Sharing Jesus' Love

There is one advantage of going to a Christian School.

Every week we are exposed to the Bible. Every week we learn about God and Jesus. Because every student is exposed to the Bible one way or another, it is not uncommon for us to talk about God and Jesus. In such an environment, I am not afraid to say anything about the Bible, or even tell my friends about Jesus.

Many times during my devotion time with Mami, I am being asked "What can you do to share about Jesus to your friends?". I would always tell Mami that I am afraid. I remember last year, she asked me to tell a kindergarden friend of mine that Jesus loves her. I hesitated and eventually, I did not say it because I was shy. I told Mami that I wasn't sure if she was a Christian or what she would say in return.

Well, I am beginning to be a little more open about this. I am still afraid, but I did move a small little step ahead. Today, I gave each of my classmates the little note that I wrote "Jesus loves you". I suggested to Mami that I wanted to do this.

I was very happy to have given all my notes to everyone. But the happiest moment was when another classmate of mine requested for another card. I didn't have any extra. I gave my last card to my class teacher. He begged me for another. I found out from him that his sister who was only 3 years old is suffering from Leukaemia. He said it was a deadly disease. I promised him that I would make an extra card for his sister. He reminded me to ensure that I made a note exactly the same for him. I gave him my word.

I was happy, not because my friend's sister was sick. I was happy because I thought that maybe my card would help someone in need. I told Mami as soon as she picked me up and requested for her to stop at Tesco before headed home. I needed to buy the cards to make new ones.

I told Mami the seriousness of the disease. I didn't give much description. I just said that a person can die with such a sickness. Mami reminded me that we should pray for her healing tonight and that God will touch her heart when she sees the card. I am not too sure if she is a Christian, but she is only 3 years old.

Mami said that she prays that I am able to share Jesus' love to my friends and be an instrument of God. I don't quite understand how I can be an instrument, but I hope I can play an instrument for God in the future. I wonder if that is the same.

Special note to my friends

Mami brought me to Tesco after school today, just to buy my toothpaste. So, I entered the stationery section and bought these cards in a pack. I had an idea of writing special notes for my school friends. So, as soon as I completed my homework, this is what I did with the cards. I intend to give them to all my classmates. Each and every card was special.

Cool Haircut

This is the coolest haircut I've ever owned. I looked different and cool. 

I've got mail! I've got mail!

I've got mail! Yey! It's not a physical mail, but an electronic mail. Yes, I have received my first electronic mail.

Mami opened a Gmail account for me sometime last week. She opened it because she wanted to create one with my name and she was worried that one day it would be taken by some other people. Now you know where I inherited my "kiasu-ness" from. She did the same for my Shaun TiTi.

I wrote an e-mail to my Yeh Yeh and Mah Mah last week. I did not want to tell them. I wanted to surprise them. I am not sure if they were surprised, but today, I received an e-mail from them. I was so happy and I immediately replied them using my Gmail account.

I am so proud to be able to login into my Gmail account on my own and compose a mail. I wrote to my Yeh Yeh and Mah Mah all by myself. I composed it and sent it on my own. It was easy. I just needed to look at all the labels on the links or button. You should try it. It is fun.

Oh... I also secretly login to my Gmail account in school today from the computer in my school library. I was surprised that I could access my Gmail account.

To Praise Or Not To Praise

Mami asked me this question on the way home from school : "Benjamin, should I be praising you or not praising you?"

As soon as I jumped into Mami's car after school today, I told her "Mami, something happened in school. My friend SM didn't have an eraser and he asked me for RM1.00 to buy an eraser. I am sorry I had to use your money and gave him RM1.00".

Mami reminded me that the money she gave me to keep in my bag was for emergency purposes and I was not to use it unless it was very important. I replied to her that I was just being kind and nice. He needed an eraser. I was just helping a friend.

Mami was speechless. So she asked me the question and I immediately replied "Of course you should praise me. I was being a nice person".

Mami admitted that I was nice but told me that she was concerned about other friends asking for money from me and she didn't want it to be a habit. She asked me another question "Benjamin, if another friend were to ask you for another RM1.00 tomorrow, would you give him/her?" I replied "Yes Mami. I need to be a nice person".

Mami did not praise me, neither did she scold me. She said that she would discuss this with Dadi to see what would be the most appropriate learning lessons for me.

On a separate note, my friend SM must have told his mother after school today because Mami received a message from his mother via FB. SM's mother apologised and said that SM would return the RM1 to me tomorrow in school. How nice of my friend to be honest with his mother.

Sometimes I get jeolous too

There are times that I get jeolous over my little brother. I feel jeolous when Mami praises Shaun for being a good boy, or for playing the piano well or for completing his homework. I don't get the same amount of praises from her. I certainly don't get praised for completing my homework. In fact, I deserved to be praised because I complete my homework independently and without being told everyday. Mami doesn't even check my written answers on my books. On the other hand, Mami would be calling for Shaun Shaun to come and complete his homework. She praises him everytime Shaun shows her his work, even after writing just one alphabet.

Yesterday was Shaun TiTi's mini concert at Yamaha. He started off a song a little wrongly, but of course he was still the best performer for the night. Mami praised Shaun Shaun for a job well done before bed. My expression changed and Mami realised it. She asked me why.

I told Mami about how jeolous I was. She didn't praise me for helping her and Shaun Shaun in the mini concert. I was the one who practiced with Shaun Shaun the entire week to prepare him. I was the one who prepared the sound and rhytm settings on the Electone yesterday before Shaun Shaun played his songs. I was the one who taught Shaun Shaun how to give a short introduction in the concert.

Mami immediately hugged and kissed me. She said sorry and she said that she was about to come over to me to thank me. She knew how good I was in helping her especially when Mami was in pain last week with her leg.

Mami then said, "Benjamin, Mami will always be very proud of you. Always remember that no matter what happens, whether you have made a mistake, whether you were a little naughtly, Mami will always be proud of you. You have set an excellent example for your little brother". I hugged Mami and told her that I knew. She has told me this many times. I guess I just needed some reassurance from her.

Konapun - Sushi

Mami read this in a friend's blog and found this really interesting. She is thinking of buying to try at home. It would be great. I want to be able to do it as well.

The Type of Girl I call "Pretty"

Mami likes to interrogate me to find out my opinion of the type of girl I would classify as "Pretty". Mami is beginning to worry about my choices of "pretty" girls. Why? I need to pen it down here so that I get to read this when I am older.

Below is Mami's qualification of a girl she prefers me to marry in the future:

1) Must be a Godly woman
2) Loves me very much
3) Preferrably Chinese. Why? Because Mami is a Chinese?????
4) Preferrably comes from a small family. Why? Because she feels that the smaller the family, the less conflicts there are within a family. Mami comes from a small family and Dadi too.
5) Preferrably stays in Cheras. Why? So that I would stay here Mami after I get married.

So back to the interrogation. Mami is beginning to realise that I find darker shaded girls pretty. Previously when I was in kindergarden, I like a girl who was mixed. Now, in my school, I told her who I find pretty and she is also mixed. So, I guess Mami's number 3 criteria above may be a challenge for her....or for me.

New found game - Scrabble

I have found a new game to play with Mami and Shaun Shaun TiTi. It's a traditional game of Scrabble. I really enjoy playing it and my little brother can play together too.....with Mami's help of course.

I guess I enjoy board games more than anything else. My favourite is still Chess, followed by Animal Chess and finally Scrabble. I like Boggles too... but it is not a board game, isn't it?

I may not be great in these games, but it's ok. I'll be better in it as I grow up.

Routines

Do you believe in having a fix routine? Well, my Mami sure does and she is a person who must have a schedule and routine at home. She is one person who would freak out if given a plane ticket at the last minute, even to a holiday destination of her dreams. She would not go, unless if she is prepared.

We have our routines at home, and Mami would ensure that we follow them. Once back from school, I'll take my bath, complete my homework, then only I am given my snacks and fruits. If there is little homework from school, it would be homework from Mami then. Mami would have her own revision books for me to complete. Once I've eaten, it's my music practices at home. Because Mami knows music, she would be with teaching me how to play the pieces. She spends quite a fair bit of time on music with me because I am normally given new songs to play every week, and it is certainly not easy for me to master the piece within a week.

After an hour of my music practices (for both piano and electone), it would be my Shaun TiTi's turn to practice. He is always the lucky one who practices about 5 minutes at most. I guess JMC 1 is too easy for him at this present moment.

Our play time starts right after all the practices. We get to play for about an hour and dinner would be ready for us. We normally eat before 6 p.m. My Shaun TiTi is normally very hungry even before 6 p.m. Sometimes we would eat at 5 p.m. while we are playing. I guess we are privileged to have someone feed us when we are playing. This is something which Mami wishes to stop. Shaun TiTi in particular would always want Mami to feed him.

Before 7:30 p.m., we would have to be ready to take our bath and settle in our bedroom. This is with the exception of Tuesdays and Thursdays when we have music classes to attend at night at 7:30 p.m. till 8:30 p.m.

What do we do in our bedroom? We would chat a little, read a book, drink our milk and pray before we sleep. Mami had recently included a devotion time for us. She uses a devotion book given to us for our last Christmas from Children Ministry. There are days when Mami or Dadi would teach me my memory verse. It would take me a few days sometimes to memorize it before Sunday comes.

Bedtime is before 9 p.m. everyday.

Although there is this strict routine that we follow, Mami would be lenient on special occasions like birthdays, visitors in the house or school holidays.

I wouldn't say that routine is not good. I am fine as long as I have enough time to play.

Early to Rise

Shaun TiTi and I have never had problems waking up in the morning. In fact, we love waking up, and we dislike sleeping.

During school days, Mami would normally wake me up. Once I am awake, Shaun TiTi who sleeps next to me, will automatically wake up as well. He doesn't need to wake up so early, but I guess he just wants to follow me.

I would normally take about half an hour to prepare for school. I'll brush my teeth, do my big business and then take a bath. Once I'm downstairs, I'll eat my cereal and vitamins before going to school. This is my daily school day routine.

We would also wake up early during the weekends. We normally would wake up about 6 - 6:30 a.m., at the latest 7 a.m. We feel that the earlier we wake up, the more time we have to play. Playing is still very much part of our lives.....our favourite past time.

Mami is grateful that there is no hassle in getting me ready for school everyday. Though I would certainly prefer not to go to school, but I know that every child needs to go to school.

Chess

I developed interested in Chess earlier, but I am still unable to play very well. I have not mastered the skill of playing Chess quite yet. I am certainly not in position to challenge my Yeh Yeh in a game of chess at this present moment.

Recently a mother in my school shared with Mami about a place for kids to learn chess. The lessons are conducted by Master Collin Madhavan and his wife. They conduct their lessons in Cheras every Sunday afternoons (except if there are tournaments on that day). You can visit the website http://www.kids4chess.com/. I believe there are other chess programmes at their premises. You pay as you go for each lessons. So, you are not tied up with the lesson. They also sell chess sets and books. So far, I've only gone for one lesson which was about 3 weeks ago.

I was pretty excited when I knew about the existence of Chinese Chess and Animal Chess. I called my Yeh Yeh and Mah Mah a month ago and requested them to buy Animal Chess for my upcoming birthday. I was hoping that it would be easier to find Animal Chess in Ipoh because Mami can't seem to find it here. It's not commonly sold anymore. She could only find Chinese Chess in bookstores.

I was grateful that Yeh Yeh and Mah Mah went hunting for my Animal Chess in Ipoh and they had to drive to town to buy my Animal Chess. I am so happy to be able to have my Animal Chess and I am determined to practise my Animal Chess before Yeh Yeh comes and visit me next month.

And before I forget, when Mah Mah gave me the Animal Chess, she said that she would buy another birthday present for me. This is too cheap for my birthday present.

Mah Mah.... if you are reading this, my present is not measured by how much it cost. This is already one of my best present of all... because I really enjoy playing with it. Thank you Yeh Yeh and Mah Mah for this birthday present.

I have updated this post with the pictures of my Animal Chess.

It's not a board, but made of plastic paper

The paper is folded and it comes in a small square box like this.

I've been playing this song all week.... "Night In Manhattan"

I've been playing this song all week... "Night In Manhattan".

Somehow I prefer to play songs with this similar rhythm. I have been learning some Classical songs over the past month, mainly Waltz and I really dislike them. It's just too slow and boring to me. It's just not my type.

School Holidays

So far, I have not gone out since the school holidays started. Since last Saturday, the only place I have gone to is church. I'm serious. I have also been eating at home all three meals a day.

Dadi has been busy working because he will be travelling for the next 3 weeks starting from this Sunday. His schedule has not been confirmed, but he is scheduled to go to London this Sunday. Next weekend he would be back and will be then flying off to Myanmar. After Myanmar, I am not sure where he would headed next. I guess this week is the time he needs to prepare for his travelling engagements.

A family friend from church is not well. So, Mami tries to help where possible. Last Sunday, Mami and Dadi sneaked out during my nap time to Canaan Land to look for materials for this friend. Mami does not want to go anywhere during this school holidays to be available when help is required.

As for Shaun Shaun and I, we have been playing on our own at home, practicing our music, doing some music theory work and school revision. We had to do revision at minimum twice a day. Once in the morning and once in the evening. Sometimes there was also revision once more before bedtime. In addition, I have not been well, down with a flu since Sunday. So, we have been taking about an hour plus of nap in the afternoon.

It is still fun to play at home. Dadi bought me an extremely "early" birthday present. My birthday is at the end of next month. This early birthday present is probably the most expensive present of my life. I have been playing with it recently and I really love it. I would reveal my birthday present later.... when my birthday comes. Thank you Dadi for this present. I love you Dadi.

Books in the New Testament

Mami taught me this New Testament song. It really helps me remember all the books in the New Testament.

Books in the Old Testament

Mami taught us the Old Testament Song during our Children Church. My Shaun TiTi is able to sing this song too. But he was just too shy to sing it infront of the camera.

Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novel

Dadi returned home from Thailand yesterday and bought me this book. It is a Geronimo Stilton Graphic Novel. It is hardcovered, with 56 pages of comics. It's really interesting and nice to read. Dadi said he could only buy one book because it was expensive. Cost him RM29 for this.

The front cover

Introduction of the main characters

This is the back cover of the book 

Memories of Music when I was a baby

Since I was a baby, music has been very significant to me. Even when I was in Mami's womb, I would always hear Mami singing a cute song while touching her belly with the following lyrics:

Benji, Benji, how are you today?
Are you happy, my dear Benji?
You know, Mami loves you.
And Dadi loves you too
My dear Benji, My dear Benji
Oh.. how we love you so.

When I was born, there was one Christian Lullaby (amongst the many other CDs) which our Church Hazel Cell Group gave. It's called "I Love You". It contains songs of love and blessings from a mother's heart. Mami loves the songs in the CD and she would constantly play this CD in my room while I was sleeping.

For those who have babies, trust me on this. This is a great CD which not only touches the heart of a child, but the words are also very meaningful to all mommies. The songs are like prayers from a mother's heart to her little ones.

I was quite a fussy baby. Whenever I refused to drink milk, Mami would have to play some songs on the piano. The moment she stopped playing, I would also stop drinking. I don't remember doing it all the time, but most of the time if I knew that Mami was at home. The amazing thing was that I would not demand for it when she was out working.

I enjoyed being carried to sleep. It was certainly not easy to put me to sleep. I had to be rocked, with a song. Mami had to sing songs continuously till I slept in her arms. I wouldn't even allow her to sit. She had to carry me till I slept. She carried me until I was 2 years old.

What were my favourite songs back then? Mami memorized at least a dozen of Barney songs. Sometimes, she would sing some Christian songs, but there was one Christian song which was my all-time favourite. Mami had to sing the song over and over and over and over again... probably about half a dozen times. It was the song "Through It All" or some would call it "You Are Forever In My Life". It was also Mami's favourite song at that time.  Because I heard it so many times, I could sing the entire song myself at the age of 3. Another song which I could sing at that age was "Won't You Lord, Take a Look At My Hands".

I loved drumming at the age of 3. My teacher from my Montessori Kindergarden back then commented to Mami that I had a good sense of rhythm. Dadi and Mami were keen to start me of with drumming lessons but unfortunately most music schools did not accept me then. That was when Dadi and Mami enrolled me to Yamaha Music School for music classes at the age of 4.

I love music. I guess music has been part of me since I was still in my Mami's womb. I hope to be able to excel in this passion of mine.

MS Paint

I was thought how to use Microsoft MS Paint in school. Our teacher requested us to try it at home. I drew a house by a river with a huge tree. I loved it very much.

Daily Blessings from Dadi

Shaun TiTi and I would receive daily blessings from Dadi every night. After our daily prayer before bed, our Dadi would touch our heads, me, being the first and say "You are my beloved son, in you I am well pleased" or "You are my beloved son, in you my favour rest". I am very happy every time I hear this spoken to me.

Educational Science Comics from South Korea

There was a mother in my school who recommended this educational science comics to Mami recently. She mentioned that this comic has created great interest amongst primary students.

It is a South Korean "Survival" and "Adventure" series sold in major bookstores. The original comic was printed in Mandarin. They already have them translated into Malay and English. This comic teaches readers about nature and science as the characters in the comic struggle to survive in various ecosystems e.g. in the jungle, in a cave, on an island or even in a land of insects. It gives us an idea how to survive in real life, if we ever get stranded in such places.

Last week, Mami had breakfast with two other mothers and they went to Popular Bookshop to look for the book. Mami bought 2 of them. She said that she would start reading it first before passing them to me. It cost RM10.50 each. If you have a popular card, you would be able to get a discount on the book.

This is the Table of Content for the comic titled: Surviving a Virus

In every comic book, they would introduce the Cast and their role

Every chapter comes with a story in comics form

Lots of facts are also provided at the end of the chapters

This kiasu Mami of mine wants me to learn about my body's defence system. I seriously think that it is more of Mami who is interested to read this, compared to me. These comics looks more suitable for students from Primary 3 or 4 onwards. Don't you think so?

Music Theory

I dislike writing music scores on the manuscript book. It is difficult and very time consuming. Last week, I had 3 full pages of music scores to write. When my music teacher checked my work on Tuesday, he requested me to erase most of it and re-write because my music notes were out of alignment. I had to ensure that the music notes at the treble clef (right hand notes), corresponds to the number of counts at the bass clef (left hand and peddle notes).

Here is a sample picture of my music score. It looks so untidy and ugly due to the erased marks.