Relaxing is something I have lots of trouble with. I always want to relax but very often, I don't think I reach that state.
On a whim, I booked myself in for a facial this afternoon. I haven't had my faced professionally cleaned in nearly two years and I really needed it! It was one hour of lying down, listening to some new-age type music and having somebody repeatedly clean, exfoliate and massage my face. It was peaceful in there and I might even have forgotten that I am a frazzled mother in real life.
Strangely, I felt as if my body was rejecting all the relaxation. I'd be lying there, thinking of how peaceful I was feeling when I would suddenly notice that all my fingers and toes were tense and some pointing at strange angles. It was weird. I'd relax them only to find that after awhile, my knees were locked tight. This went on the entire time. I tried to quiet my mind as well but that was even harder. The more I tried, the more it seemed to have things to think about. Maybe its a combination of a lack of practice at relaxing and enjoying calmness as well as the brain thinking that its finally got some bandwith to do some thinking that doesn't involve firefighting situations with Aaron and Adrian.
One of the things that crossed my mind was that after I had quit my job and before I became a mother, I had lots of time to myself. However, back then, I felt that I must not relax because that would be lazy and I would be wasting all the time that I had. Silly me! I should have been practicing back then. Look whats happened now, I rarely get any time to myself and when I do, I don't know how to use it to relax.
In the end, whether I was relaxed or not, I did have a great (waking) one hour of not moving, not speaking and not needing to listen. I should do this again some time....need the practice.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Sunday, March 13, 2011
We've Got Another Talker
Over the past few weeks, Adrian as been using an increasing number of words. Most of them are still hard to decipher but once we've figured out what he's saying, we've noticed that he uses the same mispronounced word for that object. The strangest one by far is 'bachi' which he uses for 'tomato'.
The past week has been particularly interesting because I've had a lot more one on one time with him and it seems to have spurred him on even more. It is very gratifying to see some direct results from my time at home. We have a toy tortoise whose head comes out after pressing down some colored shapes. As we pressed through the colors, Adrian stopped at blue, said 'Boo' and then walked over to a little abacus we have near by and pointed out the blue beads and said 'Boo' again. That was a proud moment for me!
Aaron has always been a good big brother and very often tries to get Adrian to play with him. All the while, Aaron will be talking non-stop and I guess Adrian is picking up on that too. So, while it might have previously been tiring having an all-day-long talker like Aaron around, it might not be such a bad thing now that Adrian looks like he's going to be a little chatterbox too. They can just talk to each other all day long and I'll listen in. LOL!
Yes, I already expect to someday be embarrassed by something that one or both of them will say in public. Today, I did feel a little awkward but it was cute enough for me not to feel full on embarrassment. We were in a crowded market and I wanted to look around so I asked Richard to carry Adrian even though I knew that there would be a lot of protest about it. He's going through a Mama-only phase. Anyway, when Richard took him from me, Adrian was crying and screaming a little and then all of a sudden, I hear "Help Me! Mama! Help Me!" Where did he get that from? And how could I not go help him?
The past week has been particularly interesting because I've had a lot more one on one time with him and it seems to have spurred him on even more. It is very gratifying to see some direct results from my time at home. We have a toy tortoise whose head comes out after pressing down some colored shapes. As we pressed through the colors, Adrian stopped at blue, said 'Boo' and then walked over to a little abacus we have near by and pointed out the blue beads and said 'Boo' again. That was a proud moment for me!
Aaron has always been a good big brother and very often tries to get Adrian to play with him. All the while, Aaron will be talking non-stop and I guess Adrian is picking up on that too. So, while it might have previously been tiring having an all-day-long talker like Aaron around, it might not be such a bad thing now that Adrian looks like he's going to be a little chatterbox too. They can just talk to each other all day long and I'll listen in. LOL!
Yes, I already expect to someday be embarrassed by something that one or both of them will say in public. Today, I did feel a little awkward but it was cute enough for me not to feel full on embarrassment. We were in a crowded market and I wanted to look around so I asked Richard to carry Adrian even though I knew that there would be a lot of protest about it. He's going through a Mama-only phase. Anyway, when Richard took him from me, Adrian was crying and screaming a little and then all of a sudden, I hear "Help Me! Mama! Help Me!" Where did he get that from? And how could I not go help him?
Saturday, March 12, 2011
I Am Thankful
This year is certainly shaping up to be one of natural disasters. I did spend a couple of hours watching the news last night because the images of the quake and subsequent tsunami were incredibly mesmerizing. Mother nature's raw power initially evoke thoughts of anger and fury, as if she's 'paying us back' for what we've done to the earth. But thats not true. The threat, potential and realization of these disasters have been around through the ages. Unfortunately, our modern lives have evolved in ways that maybe amplify the damage in terms of human lives and loss of livelihoods.
During the Queensland floods, we didn't get to watch any news coverage because of the power outage. When we finally could, I was glued to the TV. When the Christchurch earthquake hit, I watched a little of the news and read bits of it in the newspaper. It just seemed to sad to read about the destruction and emotional turmoil that all these people were thrown into. And now with this latest quake in Japan, I was particularly interested in the footage of the tsunami because its the first time I've seen what they mean by a 'wall of water'. (Somehow, I didn't see any of it during the Indonesian quake in 2004).
Stories of survivors are always uplifting but they're always accompanied by stories of the many more that have died or lost loved ones. I've managed to get in touch with some of my friends in Japan but there is still one more I haven't heard from. Thankfully, they all life in Tokyo. I find myself not wanting to watch all the details of what is happening on the ground level in Japan now. A quick glance of the headlines this morning to know that they now have the threat of a radiation leak and a death toll of potentially over 1000 is depressing enough.
Instead, I am reminded today of how thankful I need to be of all that I have. The family that I have, the house that we live in, the money that we have to pay for food and education, the relative stability of the country we live in and overall, the general contentment and lack of serious worries in my life.
During the Queensland floods, we didn't get to watch any news coverage because of the power outage. When we finally could, I was glued to the TV. When the Christchurch earthquake hit, I watched a little of the news and read bits of it in the newspaper. It just seemed to sad to read about the destruction and emotional turmoil that all these people were thrown into. And now with this latest quake in Japan, I was particularly interested in the footage of the tsunami because its the first time I've seen what they mean by a 'wall of water'. (Somehow, I didn't see any of it during the Indonesian quake in 2004).
Stories of survivors are always uplifting but they're always accompanied by stories of the many more that have died or lost loved ones. I've managed to get in touch with some of my friends in Japan but there is still one more I haven't heard from. Thankfully, they all life in Tokyo. I find myself not wanting to watch all the details of what is happening on the ground level in Japan now. A quick glance of the headlines this morning to know that they now have the threat of a radiation leak and a death toll of potentially over 1000 is depressing enough.
Instead, I am reminded today of how thankful I need to be of all that I have. The family that I have, the house that we live in, the money that we have to pay for food and education, the relative stability of the country we live in and overall, the general contentment and lack of serious worries in my life.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
What Is Going On In That Little Head?!
We've had a new development today. The problem is that I can't decide if its an extension of belly button exploration or he's imitating Aaron who often tries to hook things to the side of his shorts to act as a scabbard.
Look at the satisfaction on his face when he finally got it right.
He was having so much fun with that toy xylophone until he discovered this other use for the sticks. *sigh* At least I'll know to look whenever there isn't any 'music' happening.
Look at the satisfaction on his face when he finally got it right.
He was having so much fun with that toy xylophone until he discovered this other use for the sticks. *sigh* At least I'll know to look whenever there isn't any 'music' happening.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Body Types Renamed
Just last week, a friend and I were having a discussion about ourselves being apples and pears. As of now, the underwear giant, Triumph, is trying to re-label women according to famous artists. So, technically, if I was previously a pear, I'm now Botticelli. Unfortunately, the famous Botticelli celebrity is Beyonce and well.....I don't exactly look like that. I might be more of a Da Vinci these days but then, I'm no Jennifer Aniston either.
The move to re-label came after a survey found that women weren't happy with their curves being described in terms of fruits. The fruits were self deprecating but the artists are meant to lift one's self esteem. Strangely, it was easier to label myself when it was less positive. Its not that I liked calling myself a pear or banana or whatever but it was easier to say than "Hey, I've got a body like Beyonce/Jenifer Aniston!"
Anyway, here are the new definitions:
RAPHAEL
Used to be: Inverted triangle
Shape: Bigger up top with broad shoulders and/or buxom bust and a comparatively smaller waist and hips
Celebrity: Libby Tricket
RUBENS
Used to be: Apple
Shape: Well-proportioned and carry weight around the midsection
Celebrity: Susannah Constantine (Trinny and Susannah)
DA VINCI
Used to be: Banana or straight
Shape: Features classic lines, pretty much straight up and down, giving an elegant form
Celebrity: Jennifer Aniston
BOTTICELLI
Used to be: Pear
Shape: Bottom heavy, bigger around the hips and bottom than the bust region
Celebrity: Beyonce
REMBRANDT
Used to be: Hourglass
Shape: A smaller waist with a fuller bust and bottom.
Celebrity: Scarlett Johansson
Matisse
Shape: Narrow shoulders and hips, you may have a wider midriff and carry some weight in your upper legs
Celebrity: Kate Winslet
Here's the newsclip. Watch to the end for some new artists...
The move to re-label came after a survey found that women weren't happy with their curves being described in terms of fruits. The fruits were self deprecating but the artists are meant to lift one's self esteem. Strangely, it was easier to label myself when it was less positive. Its not that I liked calling myself a pear or banana or whatever but it was easier to say than "Hey, I've got a body like Beyonce/Jenifer Aniston!"
Anyway, here are the new definitions:
RAPHAEL
Used to be: Inverted triangle
Shape: Bigger up top with broad shoulders and/or buxom bust and a comparatively smaller waist and hips
Celebrity: Libby Tricket
RUBENS
Used to be: Apple
Shape: Well-proportioned and carry weight around the midsection
Celebrity: Susannah Constantine (Trinny and Susannah)
DA VINCI
Used to be: Banana or straight
Shape: Features classic lines, pretty much straight up and down, giving an elegant form
Celebrity: Jennifer Aniston
BOTTICELLI
Used to be: Pear
Shape: Bottom heavy, bigger around the hips and bottom than the bust region
Celebrity: Beyonce
REMBRANDT
Used to be: Hourglass
Shape: A smaller waist with a fuller bust and bottom.
Celebrity: Scarlett Johansson
Matisse
Shape: Narrow shoulders and hips, you may have a wider midriff and carry some weight in your upper legs
Celebrity: Kate Winslet
Here's the newsclip. Watch to the end for some new artists...
Monday, March 7, 2011
The Wisdom of Children
We all know that children often say what they are thinking and its sometimes funny, sometimes insightful and usually unpredictable. I got this list from the back of the parish newsletter - how did they expect me to pay full attention with such funny reading material?!
A teacher presented the class with a list of the beginnings of well-known proverbs and asked the children to complete each of them.
Better to be safe than...Punch a fifth grader.
Where there is smoke, there's...pollution.
Two's company, three's...the Musketeers.
Happy the bride who...gets all the presents.
The pen is mightier than the...pigs.
If you lie down with the dogs, you'll...stink in the morning.
As you shall make your bed, so shall you...mess it up.
It is always darkest before...daylight saving time.
Don't bite the hand that...looks dirty.
A miss is as good as a...mr.
You can't teach an old dog new...maths.
A penny saved is...not much.
Children should be seen and not...spanked or grounded.
When the blind lead the blind...get out of the way.
A teacher presented the class with a list of the beginnings of well-known proverbs and asked the children to complete each of them.
Better to be safe than...Punch a fifth grader.
Where there is smoke, there's...pollution.
Two's company, three's...the Musketeers.
Happy the bride who...gets all the presents.
The pen is mightier than the...pigs.
If you lie down with the dogs, you'll...stink in the morning.
As you shall make your bed, so shall you...mess it up.
It is always darkest before...daylight saving time.
Don't bite the hand that...looks dirty.
A miss is as good as a...mr.
You can't teach an old dog new...maths.
A penny saved is...not much.
Children should be seen and not...spanked or grounded.
When the blind lead the blind...get out of the way.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Fast life or Slow life?
Do you all remember back to the time when I lived in Palembang? I was a really diligent blogger - everyday except for Saturdays. (I probably had a lot more readers then too.) I also used to complain quite a bit about how routine our lives were over there with nothing much to do and nowhere to go. Life moved at a very slow and steady pace.
Its quite the opposite here in Brisbane, especially over the past six weeks. Ordinarily, there are already lots of outings that we plan and don't plan. Its easy to jump in the car and go out somewhere if things were a little slow at home.
Since the end of January, I've had an old friend staying here with us. We've known each other for close to 25 years so she's more like family than a friend. Before she got here, I asked her how long she was staying and her answer was always "Until you kick me out." My response to that was that the noise in this house would drive her away automatically. In any case, she lasted six fun weeks and I think got a good look at what day-to-day motherhood is about.
I had a good time with her around. An extra person in the house to talk to during the day makes a lot of difference. Unfortunately, I wasn't exactly the ideal host to show her a good night out on the town or anything like that. In fact, she only saw Brisbane by night on two occasions during her stay! Instead, we spent a lot of time cooking, sewing and driving Aaron back and forth from school.
It sounds like a very mundane time but it wasn't - not for me anyway. There was only a rough outline of routine to each day. In my mind, its sort of a fusion of her single lifestyle where things can be done on a whim and my life where the aim is usually to stick to the same routine each and every day. All that fun and laughter has just made the past six weeks disappear. Even with her gone, I know that the next few weeks are going to fly by - with or without a solid routine.
So, this is our first Sunday at home in a long time. I've been thinking of how much I hated the routine in Palembang but how tiring it can sometimes get when you don't have a routine to lean on. Life was slow in Palembang but here in Brisbane, time is moving at warp speed. I know that one place isn't better than the other place but I can't help comparing. And I like wondering which one would be the more ideal lifestyle. Slow and steady so you can enjoy each and every second. Or fast moving and unpredictable with the excitement and momentum that makes weeks disappear in seconds?
I don't think there is really a balance to be achieved either because its a little like fast forwarding, then jerking to a pause and then fast forwarding again. I'm also starting to think that I can't slow it down even if I wanted to because there is just so much to do each day. All I can do is make it a little more organized so that its not all crazy, fire fighting madness every day. So, I'm going to do some cooking for the week now.
Its quite the opposite here in Brisbane, especially over the past six weeks. Ordinarily, there are already lots of outings that we plan and don't plan. Its easy to jump in the car and go out somewhere if things were a little slow at home.
Since the end of January, I've had an old friend staying here with us. We've known each other for close to 25 years so she's more like family than a friend. Before she got here, I asked her how long she was staying and her answer was always "Until you kick me out." My response to that was that the noise in this house would drive her away automatically. In any case, she lasted six fun weeks and I think got a good look at what day-to-day motherhood is about.
I had a good time with her around. An extra person in the house to talk to during the day makes a lot of difference. Unfortunately, I wasn't exactly the ideal host to show her a good night out on the town or anything like that. In fact, she only saw Brisbane by night on two occasions during her stay! Instead, we spent a lot of time cooking, sewing and driving Aaron back and forth from school.
It sounds like a very mundane time but it wasn't - not for me anyway. There was only a rough outline of routine to each day. In my mind, its sort of a fusion of her single lifestyle where things can be done on a whim and my life where the aim is usually to stick to the same routine each and every day. All that fun and laughter has just made the past six weeks disappear. Even with her gone, I know that the next few weeks are going to fly by - with or without a solid routine.
So, this is our first Sunday at home in a long time. I've been thinking of how much I hated the routine in Palembang but how tiring it can sometimes get when you don't have a routine to lean on. Life was slow in Palembang but here in Brisbane, time is moving at warp speed. I know that one place isn't better than the other place but I can't help comparing. And I like wondering which one would be the more ideal lifestyle. Slow and steady so you can enjoy each and every second. Or fast moving and unpredictable with the excitement and momentum that makes weeks disappear in seconds?
I don't think there is really a balance to be achieved either because its a little like fast forwarding, then jerking to a pause and then fast forwarding again. I'm also starting to think that I can't slow it down even if I wanted to because there is just so much to do each day. All I can do is make it a little more organized so that its not all crazy, fire fighting madness every day. So, I'm going to do some cooking for the week now.
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