Sunday, May 10, 2009

A Mother's Day tribute

I usually hate all mushy, gushy stuff. Lovey dovey, Hallmark-style poems make me cringe, maybe because of the artificial-ness (is there such a word?) of it all. Lilian says I'm a cynic.

But today, I'm going to be somewhat sentimental and say that since I started my blog almost nine months ago, one of the best things that has emerged from it is my encounter with so many terrific mums. I've been pleasantly surprised, to say the least. So since it's Mother's Day, it's only fitting that I acknowledge all these women who have come to be such a big part of my life and my parenting adventure, on a daily basis.

First, the witty, intelligent blogging mums - Lilian (mwah! special virtual kiss for you, you're the one who opened up this avenue for me), Adeline, Cindy, Eunice, Ann, Mei, Hsien. Thanks also for introducing me to Sarah and Ailei who are utterly delightful.

Next, the mums whom I've never met face-to-face but who have given me a glimpse of their uniquely wonderful personalities through their comments - QX, Chris, LL, Veronica, Jo, Elan, Daphne, S, TJMummy, YY, Penny, DG, Veena, Justpassingby. I really hope I didn't miss out anyone - if I did, please let me know!

Finally, all the mums who quietly read my blog but are perhaps too shy to comment.

I truly am very grateful for all the support and encouraging words. You don't know how much your continued readership spurs me to keep writing, especially during those times when I'm feeling lazy or uninspired. So in appreciation on this special day, I wrote a little tribute for all you mums, not quite Hallmark style but from the heart nonetheless!

There are different types of mums
Type A and Type B
But one thing we all share
Is the fear of PSLE

Plant cycles I don't get
Compo makes me fret
Chinese I'd rather forget
Math gives me cold sweat

Our concerns are many
Answers are sometimes few
There should be a mother's manual
Telling us what to do

"What school should I choose?"
"How do I improve her score?"
"Should I send him for tuition?"
"I can't take it any more!!"

You read on my blog
"Please don't love money!"
"Marathon not sprint!"
"You shouldn't be a key!"

Truth is, I'm just another mum
We all learn along the way
Thanks for journeying with me
PS Happy Mothers' Day!

22 comments:

Lilian said...

Mwaaaaak, big virtual kiss right back at you!

Is the word artificiality?

Thanks for the poem, love it, love your wit, love your blog! You're definitely an inspiration to all of us. Happy Mother's Day!

Anonymous said...

Mon, Happy Mother's Day.

I agree, it gets too commercialized so decided that I should not do anything special this day and let those people suck my money, hehe. Aiyoh, get appreciated once a year, how to tahan? I cannot wait that long la!

I like reading your blog, and love your sense of humour. Keep it coming! And yes, "I'm just another mum".

sarah

breve1970 said...

Happy Mother's Day to you, Monica! We had better write a tribute to you too.

Monica, thank you so much for being such an inspiration to me and to other mums as well (I thank Adeline too for opening this route of allowing me to get to know you and the other lovely ladies.)

Thank you for sharing all your experiences with us, unselfishly! You don't know how much I have learnt from yours, Adeline's and Lilian's blogs. Oops... am getting teary-eyed now. THANKS! THANKS! THANKS!

Have a wonderful and blessed Mother's Day today!

monlim said...

Artificiality! *slaps forehead* of course. Happy Mother's Day to all of you and Sarah, we have to meet often to celebrate among ourselves. You're right, cannot just be appreciated once a year!!

Ann, you're going to make me cry too - you are one of the sweetest ladies I've ever met and you're a GREAT mum. I'm so glad to have met you!

Anonymous said...

A very Happy Mother's Day to you too, Mon!! And to all the other mothers who have shared in your blog, I have learnt so much from all the contributions here.

It took me quite a lot of courage before my 1st pm to Lilian for some advice. I was really delighted to receive her replied and found that she is such a geniuly modest mum, who is always so willing to share. Then, she introduced me to your blog and I found more wonderful mothers like her.

This is a wonderful blog, with wonderful inspirational sharing from wonderful mothers!! *Purely, truly from my heart, no 'artificial-ness' added ;-P*

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Chris

Alcovelet said...

Wah! How can I miss this post the whole morning? I mwah you anyway, Mon, just cos you're so sweet.

Thanks for the tribute to all of us in the same boat. Isn't it crazy being a mummy???

To all mothers, Happy Mother's Day!!!

bACk in GERMANY said...

Happy Mothers' Day to you too, Mon!

Thank you for the companionship along this parenting journey that's filled with laughter, tears, anxieties, reflections and learning. Thank you for being a sister at heart! You are a great mom!

Thank you ladies for the precious friendship! A Happy Mothers' Day to you all too!!! XOXO!

tjmummy said...

WoW! What a lovely poem. Thanks and happy mothers' day to you too!

I have still been faithfully reading your blog since I subscribed to your posts already.

Didn't comment on the recent ones cos my kids are much younger than yours and the other readers' I think... And I haven't got to the stage of worrying about tests yet.

Although reading your blog gives me mental preparation for that time, especially since I expect I'll have returned to Spore by then. :-)

Have a great week ahead!

Anonymous said...

11 more mins to go so I still have time to wish you a Happy Mother's Day :) Please continue writing as I love your blog!

Penny

Anonymous said...

Late, but Happy Mother's Day. I first stumbled onto your blog when I was searching for the GEP reading list for P5, and have visited your blog on and off. Thank you for your posts. They have been helpful, especially when my son is just a year behind your L-A. Thank you once again :)

Anonymous said...

Funnily I forgot it was Mother’s Day today
Because a circular from kid’s school say
Next week we are celebrating this event
Through a dance that she is to present
Looking at the clock ticking away
Glad to know midnight is only on the way
Hope this message gets out on time
To wish ONE and ALL a Happy Mother’s Day like mine.
Whether today or next week
I am certain it is Swee-k (sweet ok) …..LOL

Thanks Monica & Lilian for your blog
That keeps mummy like me from being blur blob
Parenting is a journey we all have to walk
Only elated to know people who walk the talk
Continue the inspiration to us spread
As we read them like daily bread… LOL

Oops! Message was delayed to send
By a curious boy with questions no end
Nevertheless it’s better late than never
Thank you the wise who makes mummy like me clever… LOL

Pardon my poor and uneven rhyme
Which is nowhere near Mon I can mime
Out of playfulness I am trying this
Hope no one I have managed to piss. :P

qx

Hsien said...

Thanks, Monica! Hope you had a great mother's day. Glad you joined us in blogland!

monlim said...

QX: You are a real hoot! I'm still wiping the tears from my eyes from laughing :D You should start your own blog lah...

Thanks a million all you mummies for your wonderful gestures of friendship!

elan said...

Thanks Mon and Happy Belated Mothers' Day to all.
Your blog makes me feel like I am part of a community of mums held to ransom by the PSLE and it is nice to feel that I am not alone.
Its amazing how you have so much time to do so many things and still blog. You're an inspiration. Your blog is one of the first things I check after I turn on my computer at work. Heheh... that's why I missed th Mother's Day message (excuses lah).

Elan

Anonymous said...

Mon: Glad it makes you laugh. :)Time no enough...if blog...I will be zombified...not just a nite owl..but a "bite" owl.. LOL

qx

Lilian said...

QX: I see you're not only an expert in Math but also in writing poems, hmmm, sounds like someone we know huh? Thanks for the poem anyway, I don't know how you girls do it.

Anonymous said...

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms reading this blog. Thanks Monica, for giving all of us a space to laugh, share and learn from one another.

I spent yesterday and today solving Math problems, using models, of course. I aspire to be a Model-Mom like Monica. :-)

To all moms who have kids doing their SA1 exams this week, hang in there!

LL

Anonymous said...

Tks Lilian but I am no expert in anything, remember I use alot of intuition? :) I am just in the learning mode, trying to un-learn and re-learn most of the time from all of you to keep up with my kid. Like what Monica shared about getting back to school, I believe I am somewhat in that mode plus instead of using mahjong, I am leveraging on tough Math problems to keep me from becoming senile too soon... LOL

qx

daphne said...

Mon, happy belated Mother's Day to you & all the ladies reading your blog too.

Can't get enough of your blog & Lilian's (clicked way too many times daily) & the comments left by all other ladies out here just make my day, everyday. THANK YOU!

Jo said...

Happy & Blessed Mothers' Day & thanks to Monica and all the moms reading and sharing on this blog. Hope all of you enjoyed your special day...even amidst the exams.

Jo

Veena said...

Belated Wishes for Mother's day to all the mothers in this Blog and to Monica.
Thanks for all the inspiration and real advices you give.
I am reading your blog regularly like everyday newspaper.
I am yet to find time to start making my own blog, but will never run out of time to read your blog.
take care and have a happy mother's day everyday!!

Veena

Ailei said...

better late than ever. really appreciate your generosity and sharing! you're definitely one witty, intelligent blogging mum!

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