A half day tour

It's a dreary day.The kind that makes you want to stay inside and sleep all day.It took a lot of effort to get out of bed this morning.But it was the time that I need to get my daughter ready for ballet class.After the one hour waiting at the ballet school,we decided to bring the kids for a half day tour to Downtown.So here we are!The Gastown!!!

Although it's raining we still continue walk around.Gastown is one of the tourist traps where you can find the world's first steam clock which was built in 1977.According to the history,they called Gastown after "Gassy" Jack Deighton is the first man to open a salloon for the sawmill workers that worked here.

It's a nice little attraction but I would recommend Gastown more for its cobblestone streets and gift shops.The Gastown's shops close down around 6pm and the neighbourhood feels vacant immediately so we didn't manage to get into the gift shop.If you only have one day in Vancouver,Gastown is worth an hour.But in my opinion there are better places to explore downtown if you have such little time.There are much more vibrant downtown neighbourhoods such as English Bay, Denman Street, Robson Street, and Yaletown, for evening strolls. However,I have always felt that one of the best ways to learn about the culture of an area is to visit the local Downtown with the kids on the weekend.

15 Things about me

TAG 15 Things about me from bluecrystaldude

Ok let's get started with this.It has been quite some times I didn't do a tag.And the is taken my whole day to complete because I don't even know myself.LOL!!!I don't know I did the right thing but at least I had done it.Sorry bluecrystaldude I don't who to tag so I guess I just leave it alone.

1. I am Marcia.The only one in the world.
   
2. First the most important thing about me is I can remember how I thought and care my family when I was a kid.
3. I am Malaysian chinese but it's more like Malay,Thai,Filipino.(It's too complicated to explain to other.) Somehow those genes came through strong from my grandfather.I was born with a tan.
4. I was baptized Catholic when I married to my husband.
5. Although I already married to Sabahan but my status is still a West Malaysian.
6. In all things, I'm a slow worker.Even on houseschore,it always took me the entire week to finish.
7. I'm not a great writer but a great editor.I thing I only can write anything shorter and very difficult for me to write longer.
8. I am not a good cook but I am a good eater.
9. I can't sleep through a lot of light and background noise.I like to sleep in a room with a lot of blankets and make sure my feet is not sticking out form the blanket.
   
10. The first group singing competition I ever compete was in college.I felt like a superstar at that time.
    
11. I like to sing while I'm bathing.My favorite is "Wind beneath my wings"
12. My favorite fruit is Strawberry.
    
13. I'm the best singer in my family, but still not a good singer.
14. When I was in 20s I was a party girl.
15. I hate Star Trek. I know it's a quality show but it's too too boring.I don't understand why my hubby still enjoy watching it.

Am I living in a foreign country

This morning I sent my kids to school a bit early.So while I was waiting and queuing outside the classroom,I noticed that 99% of my little one classmates are Chinese.Suddenly I left my mind thinking and mingled together in confusion-am I in China or Canada?Apparently,most of the parents I know came from China.I felt a little left out because I was the only Malaysian who don't speak perfect Mandarin.Sometimes I really don't know what to say and wonder if they can understand my accent.

I believe in ten or twenty years ago in Canada English is the official language and French as its second language.Most foreign students have to speak English because there were very few Chinese students at the time.Both my sister in law were of a few dozen Chinese girls in the school.As what they told me,their classroom has only 1% chinese students.They feel isolated when they first came to Canada.Well,isolation is a state of mind at that time but not now where it is so not the case because the second language widely spoken in Canada is Mandarin.With the increasing number of Chinese immigrants arrive in Canada,students of Chinese descent especially in my kids area,are no longer feeling that isolation.

Despite we don't feel isolated in this country but it's just that I felt kind of weird.My little one doesn't know how to speak Mandarin and she told me her friends at school speak Mandarin where it is hard for her to join their team.This is what I am concern about.Perhaps I should teach her to speak perfect Mandarin rather than English?.I am not writing about discriminating against others or just because they are different.I am just trying to tell the truth.If one day you got a chance to live in canada you will notice that.However,or what ever it is,if we want to succeed in a society,I guess,no matter where we are we have to know how to fit in to make friends and be happy with my environment right?I hope she can cope with her classmates soon.

A terrible exposure at home

A lot of kids nowsaday learn musical instrument these days though most of them learned to play the recorder in elementary school.The first instrument I had was a recorder.I still remember how to use a recorder!I can’t say I really remember how to play anymore.Hehe!but if I manage to get a quick overview of the notes again I’m sure I’d be able to pick it up quickly.

When I learned the recorder it was a compulsory music lesson in primary school.As far as I can remember,we were given it right from the very beginning and I don't think anyone struggled to get the hang of it quickly so most of the time we will get a special reward-up!that's mean a whipped on our hand.It's a very strict lesson at school.

I think playing a recorder is just something fun to do when you’re little but sadly I found it kind of pressure and started to hate it when the music teacher abuse us and expect us to be perfect.

The recorder is something that’s definitely interesting to learn and can also sound surprisingly good depending on how it is used.Yes!this is also an entertainment that need a ear plugs at home.Where now both my kids started to play with it after school that send me nuts everyday.

My Little Balllerina

I've always loved ballet when I was young and doing it as my dream.My mom did brought me to meet the teacher and register the class for me.But I don't why the teacher doesn't want to accept me as her student.I remember vividly that she told my mom that I body is not ideal for ballet.I was very upset at that time.I think I don't look as pretty as the other girls.Be honest,I am an ugly duckling when I was little.Anyhow,that's a history and I know my dream will never comes true but I do hope my kids can help me to make it come true.Hopefully!!

My little girl love ballet and always pretend to be a ballerina at home.I never expect that one day she could be in the ballet class.This was just the first day real dance studio in Goh Ballet Academy where this is world class ballet academy in Vancouver.We have to drive her there every Saturday morning and it takes about half and hour drive.It's a hassle to send her there because of the rush hour in the morning but it's worth it.Before her dance class start,I went to their store and was expecting to buy her pink leotard, pink tights and pink ballet shoes.But instead they told me that the blue leotard is the one they have in stock.I always thought all ballet academy schools should wear the same thing but I was wrong.I mean,I thought the main thing for ballet class was pink leotard.I'm so confused.My little girl was very excited to wear it on even though it wasn't her favourite colour.Some girls were crying and insisted their mom to be in the studio with them and one little girl don't even want to wear the outfit and keep on crying and beg their parents to bring her home.I am very proud of her and am glad that she likes to go there again.I wouldn't expect much more from her.As long as she did her best and if one day she refuse to learn ballet I am ready to accept that.

What a waste

The weather will be getting cooler and can't stand the cold now.So that's mean I have to make a little in my wardrobe.A week ago,I was browsing TheShoppingchannel.com to search for clearance stuff you know that's something I have to look forward to.I found a Faux fur coat on sale for Cad20 bucks(original is cad179).I was very excited so I added it in my shopping cart.Before I check out and make my payment,I was like trying to look for other stuff so that I can save up my shipping cost.When I want to checkout,the screen turn the item into this words(Sold Out).

Argggggggg!that's really make me frustrated and sad at the same time.You know,this wasn't the first time happened to me.The fur coat is the last one and with the size XS.Not only the coat are very cheap but it's looks comfortable. I love this coat!!!Anyway,what can I do huh!Just let it be.And the lesson is you snooze you lose!

Remember first day of school

Summer's is over so my daughters started back to school on the 2ND of Sept 2008.I was very busy before the school open.I was busy searching for their school supplies-buy new shoes and clothing for them.This year Ashley will be in Grade 4 and Belinda will be in Kindergarten.I am happy that both the kids go to school this year because I can have my me time at home.LOL!!!

First day of school is always a big deal to some kids.I believe many kids get nervous or scare about heading back to school like me.Both my kids were very excited to go to school because their teachers never give them pressure on studies.The school in canada provide a happy, safe, supportive and challenging learning environment.I don't really like to go back to school when I was young.When I was in primary school,I always asked myself these questions.Will the teacher be nice this year?Where's my seat?Will the other teachers like me?Will the friends like me?All kinds of silly questions!You know in the old days most the teachers are very fierce and strict to their students.I am sure anyone who is in my age should know what I am trying to say here.

In my day the Government supplied all Primary schools with pencils,notebooks(where we called exercise books),uniform,white shoes and free milks.My Mom never bought any supplies for me since we moved to Sabah.My parent were very blessed because free supplies for students will never happen in the state where I was born.However,I am glad that I am didn't cry but of course very nervous.I think it`s normal that children cry for mother when they are alone.Do You Remember Your Very First Day At School?