make it go away..

it’s one of those days. Plus I had to work on our budget, depressing as always. More trimming to do!

BLECH. early to bed tonight!

This morning..

ahh blissful, rainy weather (not great for laundry but great!). Couldnt go for a walk today either. K did a poo in the toilet! he asked to go to the loo this morning, sat there yabbering away with his barney book, talking to his brother, then me, and then he had this look on his face. he looked a bit concerned and said mummy I do poo! I reassured him, said thats good! do poo in toilet! (why is it that your english goes to pot when you speak to a toddler?!). So he did it and then we all cheered, daddy, brothers! so he was beaming. We cleaned him up, he washed his hands. Teacher A told me today when I dropped them off that last friday he actually did a wee in the toilet so YAY! No more pullups in the daytime I think, I have to keep taking him on the hour/1.5hours so he will go. He does seem to prefer the big toilet as opposed to the potty but its good to have the potty as an emergency. but this is a GREAT start to potty training Finally, some breakthrough!!! Have to keep going. I admit Im lazy, esp if we do go out but after a while, got to bite the bullet!

Ok, enough of the parental excitement LOL

So I had a chance to skim the papers this morning. Quite the exciting morning with a grisly find at an upscale condo, hostage situations, among the other things.

What headlines that grabbed me today?

Najib: Don’t demand (Barison only allocates seats after consultations, says DPM).

Barisan allocates or Umno decides?I kinda think that its only fair that the number of seats are spread equally within the COALITION. Isn’t a coalition supposed to mean that a bunch of folks working together? Hmm. 

Umno: adopts ‘4M’ approach for election.

Ahh. the slogans are out now!

Merapatkan barisan (close ra-nks);

· Meramaikan ahli dan pengundi (get more members and voters);

· Mesra rakyat (be people-friendly); and

· Menyelesaikan masalah rakyat (solve the people’s problems).

 Right. Close ranks, ie don’t publicly disagree with anything. Vote with your conscience means nadda to these guys I guess. People friendly and solve the people’s problems. Hmm. I find it interesting that Mr. DPM is doing all the announcing, coining these phrases etc. Mana Pak Lah? 

Umno and Malay agenda.

Im going to reproduce the article here cos it’s so short. 

SHAH ALAM: Will Umno remain relevant and continue to flourish without a Malay agenda for the party to propagate? 

This was the question posed by Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Abdul Ghani Othman in his address at the Kota Raja Umno Division delegates meeting here yesterday. 

He said the Malay community still depended on Umno to fight for its rights as well as to propagate Malay agenda-based policies. 

One of the areas that needed to be strengthened was the promulgation of Bahasa Malaysia as the medium of instruction in institutions of higher education, added Abdul Ghani. 

 hmmmm…. Race-based politics. How long for? What I don’t understand. Umno must fight for Malay rights. Err, arent their rights already pretty entrenched? It’s not like they are a strugging minority right? They always talk about the Malay struggle, the ‘us vs. them’ rhetoric. Not sure if that will help the country any. I don’t deny that help will be needed, for those among the low income/poor, regardless of race/religion/background. 

No appeal against boy’s explusion.

the Strangling Student’s explusion is not going to be appealed by the dad. But nowhere does it say (or the dad isn’t quoted as saying such) he was apologetic for what he did. He STRANGLED someone hello?!?!!  He’s more worried about his SPM later in the year, hopes he can continue schooling etc. First up, the kid was messing about, he got reprimanded and he tried to STRANGLE someone. The dad said that he was disappointed and angry that the school teacher decided to make a police report reg: his son. The school allegedly had made the promise not to make a police report for fear of tarnishing the school’s rep. HELLO!?!?!?!?! Makes you wonder how many cover ups there are huh? For the dad, he says his son is deeply traumatised by the incident. Well, what about the poor teacher who got strangled? There’s no regret, no remorse, nadda! UGH

Zam: Ignore ‘goblok bloggers’.

Apparently goblok means stupid in Indonesian. (why are we using Indonesian phrases now?). Zam said this:

“ MALACCA: The public should be wise in identifying the websites of goblok (Indonesian slang for “stupid”) bloggers, who are willing to be tools of others to destroy the nation, said Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin. 

“These writers do not have an Asian mentality but lean towards a Western thinking because they were educated overseas. 

“Thus they assume that the Western style of democratic freedom is better. The goblok writers only have their own interests at heart and should be ignored,” he said after launching the Jalur Gemilang Convoy 2007 at Bandar Hilir here yesterday. ”

Right. Cos all things Western are bad. Not all of us were educated overseas, Im sure bloggers are from all walks of life. sigh. Again, with dissing the blogger community. 

Put technology to good use, youths told.

Conversely, they tell folks to do this. Right. Use technology but dont be like those nasty westerners. Folks sure can get confused easily huh?

Now despite these headlines, the stories are more “feel good”, allocating money for retraining students, development of the northern region, blah blah blah.. can you tell it’s a pre election/election year?  more “good” stuff coming our way. Waiting for the Budget 07, now that would be interesting. So the PM opened mouth on sunday but today, tiada hor? the crimes stuff is getting shuffled further back into the newspaper. You wouldn’t think he was running the country, would you? Oh wait.. let me think again..

Well, well, it’s proving to be interesting!  More later!

Headlines of interest today..

Our newspaper got wet this morning, so resorting to the online version.so I’ve prob missed a few good headlines LOL

“Watch your blogs, warns PM“

Always with the “bloggers are the anti-peaceful society crowd”. Now the PM speaks huh? have a nice holiday, matey?

“Abdullah: Amend Child Act plug loophole, AG Urged“

Now refreshed from his holiday, Abdullah gets tough. Yeah. Tough! Cos they let the guy (all of a sudden) who killed his tuition teacher’s daughter go free. Right. 

“Boy who attacked teacher expelled, but can appeal“

 Oh yes, this guy apparently tried to STRANGLE his teacher when she reprimanded him and some friends who were messing about in the toilet in school (why the hell would anyone want to hang around in a Malaysian school toilet EWWW) and they taunted her, he tried to turn around to go back to the toilet and she grabbed his wrist, he turned around, went ballistic and tried to strangle her etc. I mean, he tried to strangle her,  sure he’s expelled  but he can APPEAL?! I mean hello! what kind of slap on the wrist is that? No respect for authority anymore  

“Blogger Ooi to join the DAP and contest polls“

Yes, Mr. Jeff Ooi, well known blogger/commentator is joining one of our opposition parties. This should be interesting! 

“Go Back to English Schools“

Someone blurbed about how we should go back to english medium schools, makes us more globally competitive blah blah. Well, what’s to bet, someone’s going to say eh, brudder, puhlese lah.. Bahasa Malaysia is the way! And you’re not being “sensitive enough” and he will get shouted down or something. nemind he could actually MAKE SOME SENSE. 

“Bloggers warned of the price to pay“

Always, bloggers, bloggers, bloggers. Miscreants, unemployed women and “not socially responsible” bunch that we apparently are. Right. Sure. ALL of us the same is it? Maybe they’d like to try actually getting part of the internet culture, bro or would that be too much of a sensible solution for da fellas?

“Give Jala the Boot, says Senators Club“

Jala is our Malaysia airlines tai kor, the only reason that the SC decided to call for his resignation was.. wait.. get this. Their flight was delayed for ages and they were disappointed with the service/reasons etc. Oh duh! welcome senators, to the rest of our world. NOw they bother about quality control is it? 

“FTs movers for PM’s Mission 2057“

Yes, the PM’s really getting his groove on now! The federal terrorities are to be the “testbeds” for the world class cities that the PM believes Malaysia will have by 2057. No mention of the other stuff huh? Leaky buildings, red tape, bureaucratic crap, corruption, nothing has soul anymore in our buildings etc. Mind you, depends on what HISTORY they think they want to preserve.. isn’t it. 

“Face up to challengers, entrepreneurs told“

Entrepreneurs told they have to face challengers in the global market, not just locally. Uh huh.. How do we equip them to do that I wonder.. 

“Government seeks to mould well rounded individuals“

 Now this made me laugh. Well rounded individuals. Acc to the Cousin, he is “considering” the recommendations by the Malaysians Examinations Syndicate to have a less exam orientated education system, a major revamp is considered from preschool to primary level. What is he looking at? Moral Values, Entrepreneurial skills and languages. Right. Moral values. Preach moral values but do not lead by example. Can tell by our civic consciousness (or lack thereof) hor.. So the Cousin has spoken and thus it will apparently will happen. Until the next thing pops into his head and he’ll prob change his mind. who knows. Man, the Ministers of Education.What can I say without getting arrested for no reason LOL 

SHAMELESS PLUG ahead :) Donations for a charity swim please!

My crazy, ahem, my brave brother is going to attempt to swim across the English Channel to raise funds for charity. This charity raises funds by getting people to swim 22 miles in a 12 week period.

Aspire is the charity. More on the channel swim here.

So obviously the first step is to gather up donations, the donations go STRAIGHT to the charity and not to the swimmer.

Give generously or give what you can, but just GIVE

pass it on folks! Or should I say Pay it Forward? hehe

Donations for J’s charity swim here!

This made my jaw drop today.

And it’s not politicians this time! HAHAHA

Daphne reviewed this book where the author says that a career is the ONLY way to go for a woman, staying at home for kids is a waste of time and for society pressures (society pressures you for EVERYTHING these days, us poor women- and men-).

Maybe some of you agree, who knows, it just get my goat. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. What am I talking about? the usual “stay at home mum” vs. “full time working mum”.
Yes, I’m an advocate for a stay at home PARENT (whether it’s mum or dad) and for them to have avenues also of income to do both. Stay at home doesn’t necessarily mean STUCK at home either. But you knowlah, malaysian thinking. I’ve had the full run of “what? you stay at home for the kids ah? Waste your expensive education wor!” “why, you housewife ah? You must be very free!” “Housewife ah? How you find things to do all day?” to folks actually turning away not to have a conversation with you cos they think b/c you’re a stay at home parent, you’ll have nothing to say about the country’s events, news, etc. Cos you know, being a SAHP makes you braindead.  Yes, I do believe that having a parent at home makes a BIG difference for the kids and their growing up and also their relationship with you.I can’t fathom those who leave their kids in another state (I’m talking fairly well to do folks) and only see them at w.ends or certain holidays all the time. Then they complain that they don’t know how to talk to their kid or how to handle them. Well, duh!

On the other spectrum,  I fully respect the right for those who want to maintain their careers, I mean it’s not easy being a stay at home parent, and it’s not for everyone.  Many may prefer being a working mum. That’s cool too. As daphne said, it should be about CHOICE. You should get the f ull support for whatever choice you make. It’s also about the quality of the time you do spend with your kids too. Acc to Ms. Bennetts (how can she have the same surname of my dear Lizzy from Pride and Prejudice), having a working mum teaches kids to be resourceful and independent. Well, err.. can’t stay at home parents do the same? Oh I forgot to mention that her reason(mostly) that women should keep working is just IN CASE hubby buggers off after he shags someone or another or he has the indecency to die on you, cos SAHMs have no income, no way of working etc (doesnt she make us sound so skill-less and unresourceful?).

She doesnt cover those who try and reach a happy medium, run their own biz, have flexitime or those who take precautions against any such happenings. Or even touch on the fact that hubbies may even (oh gasp!) take their own initiative to ensure the family are protected. There are always going to be sad cases where the women are left high and dry by the men in their lives. If you think ahead, perhaps it may not happen. There’s insurance, there’s prenuptials, there’s wills and divorce settlements, there’s owning your own biz, doing freelance. There are ways and resources should you chose to look for it.

this is what I do, Im trying to earn a side income so I have the flexibility to be there for my kids. There are going to be good days and bad days, that’s just part of life. I’m sure I’ll have the same if I was pursuing a career too. D’s doing the same, building up ways that he also has the flexitime to be there for his kids. Why can’t there be the same options in this country for parents (of either persuasion) to have flexitime etc for staying at home with their kids if they wish to? If a man wants to be at home for his kids, his wife prefers working or she has the larger salary, then why can’t he be at home without being ridiculed? and why are there men who insist their wife has to make sure she gets all dolled up for when they are home and dinner fresh (no matter what time they come home btw) on the table, despite the fact she’s being cooking, cleaning, looking after the kids all day?

I’m very lucky that I have a hubby who agrees with me being at home for the kids and although it can be a financial struggle, he believes in the long term it’s better for their development.  He pitches in with the kids and housework (I’m fortunate that I have a helper who comes in twice a week to do the heavy cleaning/ironing etc too! I’m not so super mum who can do it ALL, hehe) when he is around.Even if we were both working, why can’ t we both do the same?

I really wish our country could really move ahead (on SO MANY RESPECTS lol) on this flexitime, work from home option for families? (whether for kids or aged/ill parents/spouses). Why can’t we? If our quality of work is as required, we meet deadines, what’s the problem? Maybe cos we are brought up in the spoon fed, nanny state world now? I don’t know.

Ok lah, I quit ranting now. Read the review and see what YOU think!

What’s in a headline these days..

“Help make Malaysia an education hub”

( Well, fix your education system first, then wonder about making it an education hub. Duh.)

“PR for Rexy and family”

(Rexy is our national badminton doubles coach, he’s from Indonesia. Its a big deal cos he got approval so fast and those who have been here decades, married to locals, raised their kids etc, can’t get PR status. Does make u wonder no?).

“Umno not an elitist party, says Najib”

(hmmmm…)

“Blueprint to produce more marketable grads”

(gee, I wonder what’s wrong with our education system now that our graduates can’t even be employed. Sigh)

These are headlines that caught my eye today. But right now, after last nights crazy night with the kids, that’s all I can say HAHA.  I’m so sleepy so I haven’t had the energy to dig up the links in the Star for you. Sorry, ah!

ok, I’ll blog more when I have the energy. Have a good w.end!

Something to make you smile

this makes me proud!

J2 colouring a Flash sketch that D drew for him. It is meant for Uncle Loston. j2 wants to post it to him, which is fine

it’s also on my other blog. I think I have too many HAHA

This is a cheerful post!

Now we talking impressive debate skills here

You can’t help comparing our bunch of “actors” in Parliament to the overseas career politicians. Not saying there isn’t corruption and bureaucracy and pettiness in these places, lah. But look how they carry themselves, especially with tough questions. And not “stupid, stupid, stupid” comment in sight.

US Presidential Democratic Party Candidates Debate carried by CNN and Youtube (not sure this is the right title). Can you see ANY of our bunch talking half as well about any issue? and no one fell asleep! hehe

And they use the internet as their means of reaching out to more voters, not alienate them. They have blogs, use youtube etc. What do we do?  Well, you know the answer to that. I’m a blogger, and by chance, I just happened to be an “unemployed” woman. Apparently b/c being a full time mum/freelance writer isn’t being gainfully employed.

Most countries have a strong two party system. Australia and Britain have what they call “shadow” cabinents, where the exisiting opposition party has their own cabinent mirroring that of the ruling party. Now that would be something to see over here huh? We need a strong two party system, not based on racial grounds, just REAL ideology and having a strong opposition and the chance of losing a General Election may be what this country needs to shake off these nasty developments.

What do you think?

Art of Negotiation By 5 year olds.

Ps blog entry reg: the sudden fussy eating phase of her almost-3 Tee has elements that really struck a chord.

We’ve started doing a mixed portion of white and brown rice. the others have eaten it, j2 refuses. he’s not liking to eat spinach, which he used to LOVE. He’s not eating enough veg now. They do go through phases, I know this but it gets so tiresome, esp when they used to love it. and you’ve tried all different recipes to try and tempt em. He’s going to have to get used to the rice, sorry. I know, I know, I’m an evil mummy (esp acc to a relative of D’s) but tough, he has to learn what is put in front of him. I’ve done my best to accomodate their faves, esp what’s healthy and nutritious plus I make it as tasty as I can. The mummies geng and I are swopping recipes and tricks to see how to settle our munchkins’s erractic eating habit.

But the way they try and negotiate around mealtimes is quite funny (if not occasionally annoying, esp in my monster mummy mode).An example?

j1 (he is the master negotiator): Mummy, I’m doing really well, aren’t I? If I eat THIS much of the rice/veg/meat/fish, then I don’t have to finish it all.

Mum: No, I gave you just enough for your first helping. Finish what’s on your plate, please.

j1: But, mummy, you said that I need to eat more veg, so if I just eat the veg, then it should be ok, right?

Mummy: No, eat it altogether please.

J1: But you said eating lots of veg is good, so if I just eat the veg, then I’ll grow strong. Isn’t that, right, Mum?

my boy is either going to be a lawyer, a politician (oh please NEVER). I think many mums can relate to it. Negotiation by 5year olds. Whatever next..

EDIT: J2 absolutely refused to eat anything tonight. So I got so fed up, I took his favourite bedtime toy away. Bear was removed for one hour. I made j2 promise that he would eat whatever Mummy or Daddy say he should eat including food at school (you see, I also have to think like a lawyer to get all the “possible” arguments they can come up with), otherwise Bear will be removed. Ditto went for J1. But J2 is VERY attached to his Bear (who apparently gets to do all the cool stuff, and has a birthday almost every other day, and he comes from Canada. You gotta love kids imaginations though!). So I’m hoping this is going to work. I’ve been trying NOT to yell at him and just counting to 10, switching off the TV (I know, Ive got back into that bad habit of TV at mealtimes!), reducing portions, ignoring his whining sigh. Today, we are trying to ignore k’s (deafening!) screams and shows of temper if he doesn’t get his way. It seems to have improved today, although toilet training suffered a setback cos he managed to do most of a wee in the toilet yday but today was a no go. Clean up is never fun, I think I’ve got to quit having the pullups except for bedtime, cos he no longer naps in the daytime (much to my chagrin) but he does sleep faster at night. If he’s very tired, he will sleep but will try and do all the “quiet time” rituals that I do (or used to do) with the Js.

Let’s see how it all goes. Must chant to myself “It’s all a phase, it’s all a phase, it’s all a phase”..

So where is our PM then?

http://malaysia-today.net/blog2006/corridors.php?itemid=6689

He’s quietly disappeared, right? Pergi honeymoon ke? I wish I knew. the conspiracy theorists have their view. To me, it just reeks of something brewing, cos if go on holiday, nemind mah, but why have to sneak off? Lagi the poor guys who died in the Nuri helicopter crash, not a word from him on that, these guys were in our nation’s service. They still wont ground them, how many crashes already? Put a beacon if crash, geez!

Every day something new, more things. A friend told me that the discrimmination here subtle and rare, not sure I can believe that, I guess its in the schools etc that is the problem. Now all girls have to wear baju kurung every friday in govt schools? Thats what I’ve noticed and other parents have said. Thats unexpected. Not that if u want to wear baju kurung, ok lah.. but ALL? I dont even remember that.

I don’t know what to think anymore. Sigh.