Almost Three!

Just a quick share of Ashrie's latest painting. I entitled it "Droplets", an abstract work done using a page of her sketchbook, kid-friendly craft paints and wet wipes! Take a look.


And her latest photos, a month before she turns three!

Yay!

NEA's Cool Pen

Received this today in the office and I think it's pretty cool. First, it's free. Nothing can be better than a freebie. And with every click of the pen, you got this window (two windows actually but you can only read from one at a time) showing the National Environment Agency's reminders. Such info include fines for spitting, littering or even urinating in public.

Kudos to the NEA for their creative information campaign and thanks for the pen.

By the way, the ink is blue. Write soon! =)

Ashrie's Star Chart

Ashrie with her latest prize

A few weeks back, Jane started a "reward system" for Ashrie. She called it Ashrie's Star Chart. The mechanics is simple, she will give her a star to stick on the chart for a good deed that she does. A simple cleaning up after playing or maybe finishing her lunch would definitely earn one star. And after accumulating ten stars, she would receive a prize. To date, she has garnered for herself two playdoh sets and one bath toy. And she's currently on a new chart.

So far it has been effective because we are seeing a huge improvement on her. It's delightful to see her do things on her own and without us telling her.

But there is a danger in this reward system if there will be no balance from the parents. Parents must make sure that the kid is doing the job not because of the reward or the prize but because it is the right thing to do. And as all actions have consequences, make sure discipline is served for wrong deeds or misbehavior.

How about us? Have we thought of our Star Chart in heaven? Have we done any good deed lately? Let's do something good today, earn a star sticker, and one day receive that special prize!

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9 (NIV)

Four Trains

Final Destination: Expo MRT

When I came to Singapore almost seven years ago, it was like this: “I hope I can get a seat when I board the MRT.” Now it is something like this, “I hope to finally squeeze myself in the arriving fifth train.”

 I am used to my morning routine so it’s easy to tell this story now. Unlike several months ago when I am complaining about going to work everyday, having to commute and literally take four trains before I reach the site office.

You see, I hail from the Red Line area (Train 1).Usually, this is the most crowded train that I (without exaggeration) need to squeeze myself to have a small standing space inside the car, with people of all scents and sizes, bumping on you on each sides and from the back. And your face just an inch away (or less) from the train doors. Then I need to take the Circle Line (Train 2) from Bishan Interchange to Paya Lebar. From Paya Lebar Interchange, I would take a Green Line MRT (Train 3) which is not crowded anymore since it’s moving away from the city center. And finally at Tanah Merah Interchange, take my last train to Expo (Train 4). The final train is really not crowded, I can even have a comfy seat, but the waiting time is longer. Now, imagine me experiencing it five days a week! I’m not counting Saturdays in because trains aren’t crowded on weekend mornings.

Going back, I would take the MRT to Changi Airport and from Terminal 3, ride a bus which stops near our flat.

“Why not take the bus instead of the MRT in going to the office?” you might ask. Because unlike the MRT, bus intervals are longer and by the time it reached our place, it’s already full to the brim. “Why not rent near your office?” It’s because we just renewed our lease. “And, why not buy a car?” Why not a helicopter, it would be faster! :-)

To say the least, I have tried everything to make it less burdensome for me. But I think, to be able to adapt to a bad situation it just take time to accept the reality and a matter of getting used to. I guess I'm used to it.

Until next time, still got a train to catch!

The Sound of Ashrie

♫♪ Let's start from the very beginning...

♪♫ Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti Do! So Do!

Toy Capsules

Here's what you can do with old plastic capsules that you get from toy vending machines. Toy Capsules! You can easily create any figure you wish. MyGirls made this pig and clown toys using two capsules. The yellow one is painted inside because the capsule is originally a clear plastic. Then both are decorated with pieces of cut colored paper and glued on some googly eyes!

Mushroom House

Hey y'all! It's craft time once again here in Me&MyGirls and I'm thrilled to share what my wife and daughter did the other day.

Here's the list of the materials they used:

A cardboard cut into a circle
Craft paints and brushes
Newspaper
Plastic container
Glue

Procedure: Simply form the newspaper into a mushroom-head shape and paint it red. Paint the circle cardboard, and the plastic container as well. Let it dry. Assemble the house and paint finishing touches like the spots on the roof, door and windows, and a couple of tiny flowers.

Hope you like it as much as I do!