New Leap of Faith

It's like God calling out to me. When I left the career I built in the last 10 years for my passion, I got many doors opened in the education industry.

I was invited to attend several parenting and education workshops. Of them, Mindchamps impressed me the most with their well researched and proven education system and techniques. They focus on developing the children's mindset. This, they coined it, the Champion Mindset.

Through their complimentary workshops, I learned to be a better parent myself. Through their complimentary workshops, I witnessed drastic improvements in children. These convinced me enough to join them to be their consultant.

Why? Because I hope to help more children and parents find the fun in learning. Educating children is a confusing task and many parents get stressed over it. Needless to say, the pressure is transferred to the children.

So, here I am. I am officially a Mindchamps consultant.

Contact me at cindyong@mindchamps.org or enrichwithcindy@gmail.com if you would like to receive education or parenting tips.

The Little Things

In life, we often take the little things for granted. Things such as safety and security. And that's because we live in Singapore, a relatively sheltered nation with strict laws and rules.

So, how often have we felt thankful to be able to walk out of the house, dressed to the nines, looking fashionable and even sexy for some ladies? How often have we felt thankful for being able to hop onto a night rider or taxi tipsy or even drunk without being taken advantage of?

The rape case in New Delhi has shone light on the issues of safety for women in India. Reading an article by author of Beautiful Life about her living in India, made me felt so thankful about living in Singapore.

I am thankful I do not have to cross my arms and look down on the floor when I walk around. I am thankful I do not have to wear clothes two sizes too big for me. I am thankful I can take public transport even late at night.

But I don't take it for granted and start wearing revealing clothes that could get me into trouble. I do keep a watchful eye as I travel at night. When I walk in places I feel uncomfortable about; where prying eyes roam, I do not keep an eye contact with men nor do I stroll. I can't say the same for some ladies, particularly the younger generation.

I have observed teens wearing revealing or body hugging outfits. Some of them are see-through blouses, which they might as well wear their bras. Some are plunging necklines revealing cleavages and offering a peek to their bras. Seriously, you can't blame men for being lured into temptation.

We have been lucky to be living in a safe country. However, with the influx of foreign talents, how can we be sure that the safety we have enjoyed will remain so?

Nobody can. And since we have been brought up sheltered, safety has been taken for granted. And ladies are not well prepared to protect themselves.

Some ladies carry just a small purse out. What makeshift weapons could there be in that small purse?

The rape case also brought to light the vulnerability of being a woman in general. There are cases of women being raped every now and then, even in Singapore.

Should we blame those men then for being unable to control their sexual desires? Or should we, women start taking care of ourselves?

I think it is therefore imminent for women to start carrying items in their handbags that could protect themselves. Women should also learn some defense techniques, especially since we are usually the weaker gender. This should be made compulsory. Defense mechanisms are not just useful locally, but overseas as well as we travel for holidays. Women should also stay vigilant and avoid walking alone in dark alleys or "unsafe" corners. Lastly, women should really look into their wardrobe and start covering up sufficiently to ensure they are not the cause of temptations.

Before ending off, I am reminded of a rape case I read years ago. The woman escaped safely. She succumbed to the rapist but before he penetrated her, she took his erection and broke it. After that, she ran away to make a police report.

So ladies out there, stop taking the safety we enjoy for granted. Start protecting ourselves and stay vigilant. These little things matter.

Looking forward to a brand new 2013

That is, if the world does not end as prophesized next week.

Anyway, I am looking forward to 2013. I have so much planned for the year! It will be a new beginning for me.

I made one important decision today and I have done it. Moving on, my life will be more enriching.

1. I can blog regularly again.
2. I can feed facebook with more photos and updates. I am such a social media victim!
3. My spiritual life will be enriched with more time and hopefully activities with Jesus.
4. I look forward to nurturing my marriage life as I have pockets of free time for Derrick.
5. My Isaac will be growing so well because I will be cooking a storm for him (and Derrick). And I will be bringing him back home to spend more time with him.
6. My new career begins... I will be the master of my own time and money. Who's to tell me my targets, what time I should start working or how long my lunch should be!
7. I look forward to teaching. Please do contact me if you are looking for tutors. Check out: www.enrichwithcindy.blogspot.com
8. I am going to pursue my passion in early childhood education.
9. My own home will be ready!
10. My mummy will be discharged and I will make efforts to go see her more often.
11. I will read more magazines and books - again! Oh... Time, how I miss you.
12. I get me-time. Yes! My gym and massage, manicure packages, will be fully utilised again.

2013 will be a get fit, get well, spiritually enriched and marriage fulfilling life. Big year ahead for me! I am anticipating.

2013, I am welcoming you with open arms.

Woots... Changes

There is no constant, except changes in life.

Oh yes. I am making changes again. A big one.

Let's hope I'll survive!

Meanwhile, I am enjoying motherhood to max. I can't believe how joyous being a parent can be.

Here's a photo to prove my point.

Very happy and blissful

Prepa... Prepa... Preparrazi

Went to this new joint along Boon Tat Street for lunch to celebrate our brother JO's bday.

I thought the name sounded interested because it sounded like paparazzi. Anyway, the choice was made though none of us has been or seen this place before because the prices sounded reasonable. Reviews were decent too.

Likes:
- I love the cosy outfit of the restaurant or bar. It was one of those places you will want to hang out for tea. Lovely, and simple.

- The restaurant manager was friendly and offered suggestions like combining their fries. We had both truffle and rosemary and Parmesan fries, thanks to his recommendation. Love the generous portion of the fries!

- The sambal pork cheek was awesome. It was tender and definitely not spicy hot. For people who like sambal would definitely criticise that it lacks originality and taste. The prawn penne was lovely. I love how the penne was so al dente.

- The owner, Jeremy was cordial. He came out and talked to us, and gathered feedback.

- Lastly, prices were really reasonable. Cost only $20ish per pax.

Dislikes:
- The miso cod was one of the well reviewed dishes on HGW. But it was somewhat disappointing to me. I tasted some of the best miso cods around. This one was a little bit too chewy. It could be possible they soaked the cod in salted water. So, the cod tasted like fish you eat at fish soup stalls. The miso taste was barely available. It was more like clear broth.

I told Jeremy about it. His explanation was they made lunch lighter so executives won't fall asleep after that.

Well, I was looking forward to that melt in your mouth texture for the cod. Hopefully Jeremy will take my feedback into consideration.

- Warm duck salad was forgettable. The duck confit salad at Saveur was more memorable.

- I don't remember any dessert except the plain looking cupcakes.

Well, I am going to go back again to try for dinner. Shall keep a closer

iPhone app

Woohoo!!! Now I may clear my cobwebs with this app! I wonder why I didn't think about downloading an app to blog earlier. It would have saved me time.

With a baby, an iPhone is perfect. When I didn't have time to use my laptop, a small mobile "computer" is the best. I can use it when we are napping. More like he naps. I can use it while he drinks milk.

I thought I would have time to blog but no way... He requires attention so intermittently that I always manage only two lines.

Anyway, here is a latest photo of Isaac. And a photo of baby and I. Our first couple shot since I delivered.

Oh! Such changes!

My mum fell sick and was hospitalised for 5 months.

I delivered on 31 March 2012 and named my boy, Isaac. I hope he will be blessed, like Abraham's Isaac. He arrived early and caught us by surprise.

And now, I am a stay at home mum, struggling to adapt. Ok. Not all that bad, considering he is asleep most of the time. That leaves me ample time to do a lot of things. Well, you will probably envy me. But, it does leave me feeling rather bored because I am too used to having a lot of things to do. And I yearn for my social life.

On the other hand, I am extremely attached to him. I am like this possessive mother who doesn't allow any other to lay hands on him. And I will make sure he doesn't leave my sight when someone else is handling him. The only exception is my hubby. Which reminds me.. He is great! Awesome, if you asked me.

He surpassed my expectation as a father and husband throughout the whole time. He is supportive and caring, tolerant and patient. Thank God for him, I could not have survived by confinement period.

Now, I have to learn to let go and let other people handle Isaac. Otherwise, I cannot regain some normal life. And I will end up just being with him 24/7. It drives me nuts. I do need a break now and then from being a stay at home mum.

I miss working. I miss dressing up and looking pretty. I miss adventures. Looking forward to them.

Thinking back, I simply cannot believe everything that happened to me just a few months back. There have been so many changes in my life. I am now a mother.

Anyway, since I do have time on hand, I decided to blog again. I shall be uploading some out dated photos, which I found. I haven't found time for them since my mother got hospitalised. This should be a good time for some "catch up".

Oh what changes.