Tyan's Photoblog
Lion Head
Posted by tyan (Singapore, Singapore) on 6 February 2008 in Lifestyle & Culture.
Today Caleb has half day of school and he is supposed to bring a Chinese New Year celebration decoration item for a Show-and-Tell session.I actually saw a lion that operates like a puppet,with much vibrant and colourful colours but thought he might have difficulty operating it in class.So i bought this one,with a lion head on a stand and it pops up and down.This kind of elaborately decorated lion is one of the features of Chinese New Year.
In Chinese mythology, Nian (年兽nián shòu) is a beast that comes in spring. The Chinese word for year is based on the arrival of this beast. It is believed that it lives under the sea. It came to attack people at the same time of the year. The Chinese tradition of decorating in red, burning firecrackers, and the lion dance with loud drums and gongs was to scare the beast away.(Taken from wikipedia)
The kindy's children can also wear their home clothes or traditional costume.Caleb's ex-nanny bought him a set before but he has never worn it. He wore it today for the first time,and to my surprise,without much protest and my,he looks so handsome,haha.
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Ok,i am gonna start griping below so dont read on if you dont wish to.
I am actually feeling rather lousy about today.While most people have off days or half days because it is the eve of Chinese New Year,i have to work in the afternoon,,until 4 plus. Maybe its the nature of my 'job'. My customers are parents who didnt think tutors or their poor kids need a break or a holiday. They think tutors exist to make sure their kids ace in the subject for a pathetic sum of money, considering the amount of hard work put in.
Maybe I am just moody,from our recent flu saga and not resting and eating well..My hub asked me why I was working so hard,I dont know,i didnt have the time to think why. But maybe its good to think about it. I think i have been trying too hard to be everything, to prove to some people,that i am a good wife,mother and everything else,contrary to their belief.
When i was working,my critics asked why i didnt take good care of my husband and kids,such that they turn fat,fall sick,blah.Then when i stopped work and stayed home,they questioned why i was making my not-so-rich hub bring home the bacon alone,when living costs here are sky rocketing at a phenomenal rate.Then ok,i started giving tuition,thinking that finally,i have my critics appeased,that finally they will keep their mouths shut.Then they poured another bucket of cold water-'Dont you know that giving tuition is unstable?No CPF,and they dont pay on time!
So i finally realised that whatever i do,or not do,for that matter,i am condemned already. So why do i even bother?I dont know.Stubborn? To them,i am expected to be the perfect mother,wife,and the one who can bring home the money. They havent achieved it themselves,but yes they expect me to do it. Come on,let's face it. 'Having the best of both worlds' doesnt work here. Not in Singapore. If you have to/choose to work a regular job,then you cant spend most of the time with your kids.If you decide to spend most of the time with your kids,then you cant work.
Why do i keep chasing my own tail?Maybe because of the insecurities i feel from a traumatic childhood?That i can never do enough to get acceptance and love?That i have to kill myself trying very hard only to fall short of expectations?
And that is why i found my consolation in my faith,that we are accepted and justified by Christ through no merit of my own,but by God's grace.
Meanwhile i will learn to count my blessings that I have a part time job with some income while i can still be with my children all the time. That i can plan my own time. What a perfect situation. Let my critics say what they want. I dont have to prove anything.They dont define me.
Nishana Minhaz from Calicut, India
i saw the middle pic n my first thot was 'Caleb looks so like u!' great pics.. he's a handsome guy alrite! :) n as for the critics, there is no way u can keep their mouths shut. they ll always have smthn or d other to say.. dont pay attention to them.. after all, its only ppl who u care bout dat matter. havin said dat, here's wishin u a happy chinese new yr! hope the flu bug has gone away..
6 Feb 2008 6:30am
Michael Skorulski from Cigel, Slovakia
He looks fabulous in traditional dress and the decoration is beautifully colorful. That's great information, Tyan.
6 Feb 2008 7:08am
e. from New York, NY, United States
Great shot! He looks adorable in those clothes. :) And don't pay attention to any criticism. They're voiced by people who are narrow-minded and inconsiderate. And probably very jealous of the wonderful person that you are.
6 Feb 2008 7:57am
ManuelaR from Hainburg, Germany
Love the middle shot! Do not worry about people talking, it seems to be human nature: my grandmother always said "if people talk that is because you are worth it, start worrying when they stop..." Hope this cheers you up ;)
6 Feb 2008 8:56am
Sue from Singapore
Hi Tyan, it's easier said than done but do try not to be affected by what people say. People can be rather blunt these days. Just cos I am nursing a household with Chicken Pox I was also literally snubbed yesterday when my neighbour pressed the "close" button in the lift so that me and my girl could not enter with them. And why was I feeling upset about that? Cos I just helped them find a good nanny with another of my neighbours. Not a word of thanks, ok fine....but wow people are very very tactless. Hang in there Pal. I have my share of critics too but cos we are going through so much now, most of them have shut up cos they don't know what to say! We'll get through this difficult period together ok :)
6 Feb 2008 10:59am
MaryB from Staffordshire, United Kingdom
*Let my critics say what they want. I dont have to prove anything.They dont define me.* Well said Tyan, I gave up trying to please the critic's years ago, their lives must be very empty if all they do is waste their time & energy being critical of others, I find these people very arrogant. They need to channel their negative thoughts in a more positive and constructive way.
I love the photo collage, Caleb looks so grown up, his outfit is georgous and really suits him.
6 Feb 2008 1:11pm
Tricia from Melbourne, Australia
Tyan, I can understand your frustrations. As a kid, I always felt that I have to live as according to my parents' wishes. After a while, I felt as though they were trying to achieve their own dreams which they failed through me. My leaders at church have imparted this important notion that no matter how hard we try, sometimes if we are not called to be something, we wont get anywhere. however, if we have that calling placed on our lives , no matter what we do, we'll eventually reach where we're called to be. So I just want to encourage you to breathe in and set aside some quiet time and reflect on what do you think you're called to do. Dont just do things for the sake of doing it, because there's no purpose in it. Remember, this just might be one of those times which God wants you to be whole and complete, not lacking in anything in any area.
PS : Yes Caleb looks pretty stunning in that outfit!
6 Feb 2008 4:46pm
Mandy from South Africa
Good for you Ty - always remember that - you can't please eveyone - you need to do what is best for you and your family...people will always find something wrong with whatyou are doing!!!
Now - what an awesome picture - LOVE your collage ...I still have sucha long way to go on collages!!! love the effects you used!!!
Happy new year for tomorrow my dear friend - may you and your family enjoy the festivities!!!!
6 Feb 2008 7:43pm
yunhann from Singapore
徐老师, 新年快乐! i must say.. caleb looks so so so so handsome!!!
8 Feb 2008 2:58am
Rabbit from Richmond, United States
Heck yeah - live for YOU, no one else. You're right you will always have someone judging you - so just do your thing and be Happy doing your thing. Thats the most important. Your health & happiness with your family. Have a wonderful Chinese New Year!
9 Feb 2008 12:51am
