Smile!

My children LOVE sushi. It’s because 1. we’re in ASIA, 2. they attend an international + Japanese kindergarten and 3. they like the sweet/vinegar rice and seaweed. My youngest daughter is actually a HUGE fan of the sweet botan shrimp (eaten raw) and has been since she was a wee girl of 2.

So as a nice surprise, I make some happy sushi art to brighten their day.

Ingredients used above:

• Japanese rice
• Sushi vinegar
• Sushi seaweed
• Scrambled eggs
• Sausages

This one is pretty easy. Some of our research on google yields some crazy-looking sushi art. In due time, I’ll figure it out, but for now, we’ll stick to the basics.

Enjoy!

Something funny I came across at work and it’s a great depiction of all the interpretations people can take on the same thing.  Guess it goes to show that communication is probably the most important component of getting anything right. HA.

I decided to custom make pretty much the whole room of the children’s bedroom as soon as they were old enough to sleep on their own.  The process is pretty easy because there are many companies all over Hong Kong that will help design, build, deliver and assemble your furniture.

Things that you can do to have a space efficient custom built set is:

• Make practical use of space (ie: I made stairs instead of using a ladder to get to the top bunk and turned the stairs into cubbie holes to store stuff in)
• Make use under the bed (drawers in the front and then storage space with cubbie holes in the back for stuff you don’t need as often)
• Sliding closet with both drawer, shelves and hanging space (keep it flexible)
• Round the corners to keep it child friendly
• Extend the height of the safety edge around the bed (we made ours almost 2 feet)
• Put nice designs around the top bunk safety edge (we made round beans all the way around and even on the side where the stairs are so they children can hold on to these holds as they make their way up or down)

The price varies depending on the company you choose and the quality of the material.  Inevitably, most of the units are made in China and shipped down to be assembled like lego pieces.  Our unit cost around $18,000 HKD (not including mattresses), and includes design, mock-up, exact measuring from the builder, delivery,  and assembly.

The full unit

Built in stairs for easy access to the upper bunk with built-in drawers.

Notice the detailing at the very bottom.  It is an EXACT fit made to your specifications.

Built-in drawers use pretty high quality tracks and are extra deep for extra storage.

All space is utilized.  Notice the little hole in the middle?  Lift the board and there is a deep storage area there.

Flexible closet space that is quite deep and versatile.

http://damnyouautocorrect.com/8394/15-most-popular-autocorrects-from-april-2011

Enjoy!

Lisa

And, better news – I got my shipment just 15 minutes ago. Delivered piping hot from a delivery man with his own 2 bare hands into my own 2 bare hands!

To make matters even better, GAP is having a sale!  So I kind of went experimental and bought 2 shirts and 1 pair of gloves (for a rocking $35 HKD – which is a steal given that all the gloves I’ve seen on sale locally start at $100 HKD).  And plus, I find GAP’s improved their style over the years, so I have yet to try on my newly purchased clothing.  The only hiccup would be that you’re not sure on the size.  Chinese people tend to have smaller frames, keep in mind I am not your average Chinese person.  I grew up on a western diet and lifestyle and I can definitely say I am NOT the average skinny Chinese person.  So I had to measure some body parts to make sure the size fits (theoretically).

The site itself is easy to browse, light on graphics and provides plenty of details on the clothing (both graphically and written) for you make your purchase.  And the check out procedure is actually one of the easiest ones I’ve ever used.  It’s simple, asks for the basic information (because I really don’t want to be part of any CRM program where I am going to get spammed) and has a very short work-flow so you’re checked out quickly.

The best part of course is receiving the product.  Took about 5 days from ordering (delivery fee of $31.30 HKD) and straight to your door!  FAB FAB FAB.

You should check it out and now I am waiting on Banana Republic.  I know they ship internationally, but that’s still too expensive for my taste.  China is definitely the way to go for expanding in retail.  It’s all eyes on China now and boy am I glad that HK is part of that domain!

There is this craze going on right now because of the heightened flu risk and cases in this country.  Wait, it actually started as a swine flu risk in Japan a few weeks ago and now it’s almost viral around this part of the world.  I wonder why March is considered flu season, maybe I should google it.

Regardless, I have not yet vaccinated my kids.  To be truthful, I’ve heard if 2 sides of this vaccination story.  The arguments are as follows:

1.  Why vaccinate?  The children should be able to build an immunity and it’s just the flu.

2.  You should vaccinate.  This is the swine flu we’re talking about – it’s not just any flu.

In the end, I’ve opted for giving them the flu shot.  There are actually 2 types of vaccinations available on the market in HK.  One is the “shot”- which of course is a painful jab to some part of their little bodies and contains the dead or killed virus.  There is also a nasal spray, which contains the live (but weakened) virus, but is only available for children 2+ years in age.  I’ve called various doctors for the nasal version and ALL of them are sold out and will not be getting new batches this year.  So poor my children, because I was so late in confirming the vaccination, they are now subjected to being jabbed.  HEH, oh well *shrug*, you can’t say I didn’t try.

The other bonus is that the government offers an $80 HKD subsidy on children from 6 months to 6 years, or who are still in kindergarten.  Sweet.  And it’s easy as logging into a site, here, to download the form and then bring to a registered medical practitioner (ie: private doctor).  I guess the difficult part is getting your 5 year old to sit still and observe while the doctor or nurse sticks a 1-inch needle into their thigh.  For me, the kids go back to school next week and they’ve gotten the shot last year, so what’s more prevention?  I tell myself that my western thinking must adapt.  HK is after all, dirtier, more crowded, and prone to both bird and pig like viruses.  Plus, the entire family is constantly washing their hands.  It’s almost the first thing we all do once we get home or have a meal.  But it’s all cool, they are good habits to practice and it’s better to safe than sorry right?

The lessons cost $550 for 5 lessons of 30 minutes each lesson.  You have to pay $50 for an ID card for your child, but the fees include rental of skates and other equipment they use to teach your child how to become that pro-skater and 2 guest passes into the arena or rink area.  The minimum age is 3 to start any lessons and it is a group fee with 6 kids in the group.  As a beginner and simply sourcing from other parents who have done-that-been-there, you should consider purchasing for your child:

• gloves (or mittens) – to protect those hands from the cold ice and potential danger to their digits
• knee pads (because they will fall and the knee is the part that absorbs the impact of the fall)
• helmet (for those younger children)

Vanessa in her gear.  Notice she is sitting because it was difficult for her to walk independently on the thin blades.  I think it’s something that they have to get used to, but like all eager children, falling will come second nature.

At first, I was curious about how they get the kids out there on to the ice because I don’t think throwing them on the ice will help.  There simply isn’t enough friction and they don’t understand the mechanics – yet.  But HAHAHA, the teachers so nicely bring the children their own escorted vehicles and then push them ALL the way to the far end of the rink where a section is roped off for learning.

The lessons are actually pretty good.  The teacher is an English speaker who is pretty experienced in handling a group of 6 beginner children.  6!  Who keep falling!  So he’s running around picking them up, instructing them what to do and encouraging them.  I was pretty impressed!  The kids learn to balance themselves and then with the aid of their chairs, they stomp to a large cone to deposit a ring on top and then stomp back.  There were of course, many knee bangings and slippages, but that’s part of the learning and fun right?  Glad I invested in those knee pads!

And of course, 30 minutes simply flies by and the final test is that the children venture out into unknown territory to join the full-fledged skaters and they do their victory lap.  Overall, a very successful and fun lesson for Vanessa.  She is much looking forward to her next lesson.  I think the basics are good, because at least next time maybe I will send their father to skate with them!  Victoria will start her lessons once she hits 3 – she is sooo looking forward to them.

I have rediscovered and rekindled my love of this sport.  I haven’t played badminton (since recently) for about 2 years prior to this (and only once) and then probably since the birth of my first daughter.  See, that’s how long it’s been – and she will be 5 in April next year!  As a record, I’ve played 3 times in 1 month!  That’s a new record for me!

Regardless, you don’t know how much you miss or love it until you have a taste of it again.  And while now I play a full game and become red-faced and sweaty and short of breath, it’s still exhilarating and fabulous and great and exciting and painful, but the soreness goes away in about 3 days (faster now that I play more frequently) and I feel good that I’m finally get my much deserved exercise.

So, if you love badminton – either watching or playing, join us.  We always play on the island and it’s a fun group of mainly expats who don’t mind who they play with and a majority of the folks who play aren’t the serious, have-to-kill-every-shot, competitive types.  I also have a special vested interest in this group because it’s the club that Tray and I founded in 2005 and with the help of steadfast and dedicated organizers, they have kept it alive and well even up to this date!

Like the prior week with the K1 interview, you can go any time.  We ended up going at 10:30 AM while our original schedule was 12:30 PM.  The following Saturday was by far emptier than it’s predecessor.  I’m not sure how they determine who interviews on what day, but they were still interviewing for N1 and K1 as well.

Questions at the interview (all in Mandarin):

• What is your name?
• Do you like school?
• What is your Chinese Teacher’s name?
• Number recognition (21, 31, 29)
• Letter recognition (A, a, R, T, S)
• Chinese word recognition (cow’s milk, fruits, vegetables, meat)

That’s as far as we got because Vanessa actually can’t understand or speak Mandarin.  Of course, that was the curve ball in this activity and it was a genuine test of her ability to adapt into the school.  She definitely strongest in English with Cantonese following a tight second and then Mandarin lags quite far behind.  She learns Mandarin an hour a day, but that goes to show it’s not nearly enough to be fluent and no one speaks to her at home in Mandarin.

Even then, I thought the number recognition was a bit tough and surprisingly enough, she was able to recognize 75% of the Chinese characters.  This is where Kornhill International will catch up in K3, is 2 hours of intensive Chinese writing and reading to prep the kids for entrance into the local HK stream (my hope).

The teacher comments were that all full day classes for K3 are full, so we have to pick either AM or PM.  She also feels that in order for Vanessa to adapt and pick up to speed, we’ll need to provide her with tutor lessons in Mandarin because the classes are driven completely in Mandarin.  Needless to say, I think both my husband and I felt that the adaptation would be too significant and stressful for Vanessa, so very likely we will not pursue this venture any further.  Plus, she’s happy at the current school, developing beautifully, has established a group of friends and familiar faces and is familiar with the environment.  Plus, it’s just one-year until entry into Primary school (my KEY MISSION for 2011!!!!!).

So while this review probably does not reflect the true full interview given to a K3 potential entry, I suppose it gives you a glimpse of what they are expecting.  If your family doesn’t speak Mandarin at home or you don’t apply your child before K1, I think it will be a challenge for both the parents and child (and maybe teachers).  Why push something that wasn’t meant to be?

I have now decided to pursue a private Mandarin tutor for my children.  She goes to the grandparents’ place after the girls get off school and spends about an hour chatting, playing, singing, reading – all in Mandarin.  I’m starting once a week, but feel that it might not be sufficient, so we’ll see how it goes.  One thing at a time right?  And now Vanessa wants to skate!  So I’ve registered her to start in Jan 2011 and see how she likes it.

Below is a picture of Vanessa’s latest art work.  Notice the words at the top “Vanessa Boss”.  Hmmm…. I wonder who taught her that?!

Don’t ask why I am interviewing at another school.   I like options!  Plus, my sister has been raving about KCS because her daughter is currently studying K1 there that I had to see for myself what the hype was about.

Application Process:

Application process starts probably early September of every year.

Download the application form from their website:  Kiangsu Chekiang Kindergarten (KCS) – unfortunately, there is no English version of this website for the local stream.  So I do a mouseover the hyperlinks to find the appropriate tabs.

You get a response by a returned self-posted mail in end October – November regarding early December Interview dates.  For K1, it happened to be LAST Saturday (December 4, 2010) and K3 will happen next week (December 11, 2010).

Interview Day:

Go early because it’s a first come first serve basis on the interviewing.  Although they recommend the time to show up, they pretty much put you in line with respect to the time you show up!  For K1 wait, it took about a good 45 minutes of waiting because they have 1 classroom with 6 teachers interviewing in Cantonese & Mandarin.  If you want the interview in English, go upstairs and wait a whopping 1.5 hours because of supply & demand.  We ended up taking our chances in Chinese and while I understand Cantonese, I needed my husband there in case it was Mandarin or difficult Cantonese.

The waiting area is the main foyer where they have laid out toys, cars, houses and play mats for the kids.  We arrived at 11:30 AM to find the place swamped with people.  Children everywhere!  It was definitely far more crowded than I expected, so I can’t be sure how many people were applying.  Just LOTS!

There is no dress code for the interview.  I wore skinny jeans and boots and my husband dressed his usual.  While there were some parents in their finery, I honestly don’t think it matters.   Yes, first impressions do count and it doesn’t hurt to be prepared, but of course don’t dress your child in pajamas (likewise yourself).

During Victoria’s interview, they asked (in Cantonese):

Questions to the child:

• What is your name?
• Identify colors (red, blue, yellow, green, orange and pink)
• Who is the person beside you? (points to mommy)
• Who is the person beside you here? (points to daddy)
• How old are you?
• Do you have any brothers or sisters?
• How old is your sister?
• What is your sister’s name?
• From the table, can you bring me something green?  (Table full of toys)
• What is this?  (points to banana)
• What color is the banana?
• What school are you studying at now?
• Identify parts of the face (eyes, ears, mouth, and nose)
• Do you like school?
• Can you build a puzzle with these pieces?

Questions to the parents:

• Will you require bus service?
• Are you OK with the fact that the bus might sometimes be late?  (because of traffic conditions)
• Is your child OK with mosquitoes?  As they go out to play and sometimes, there are mosquitoes in the playground.  (This question to Nicholas’ mom during his K1 interview that same day).

Victoria was able to answer all but 2 questions.  She said her sister was 3 and half (but I have to give her a high five for the great attempt) and she couldn’t answer what school she was currently at.   In general though, both my husband and I were in awe at how quick and at ease she was at answering the questions.  Of course, nothing works like a good bribe before the session (a pack of Oreo cookies to be opened after she answers the teacher!).

The reason why the interviewer also asked about the bus was because she said that last year there were many parents who were complaining about the buses being late.  And they took up many of the teacher’s time away from teaching to handling parental complaints about something that was out of their control.  To me, it’s not at the top of my priority list for my child development – so no brainer right?

Anyway – Vanessa’s K3 interview is next week.  I am not sure what they will ask, nor do I know how to prepare so I’m just going to go in blind and serve Vanessa up on a platter as she is.  The point is, this is her capabilities at her most natural and if there’s no fit, don’t force it.

G’luck with your interviews and all the best.  Keep you posted on next milestones.

Below is a picture of Natalie’s current K1 class at KCS (Courtesy of Tracy).

Review of Kornhill International Kindergarten – the school my kids are currently at now.