First day at Autism West

Yesterday brought back a lot of old memories of my first day in Austism Partnership. A school that caters to children suffereing with autism or aspergers and to give them a chance to develop their skills to function in society. Well that was two years ago and when I was still in Singapore.

Yesterday was my first day at Autism West, an autism school for high functioning children here in Western Australia. Thank God for giving me this opportunity to learn more about them, to learn how to help them. It was indeed heartwarming to meet all the children. It is a small group and there were only about five children. Nonetheless, I did have an enjoyable time playing and getting to know each of them. I thank God that they were all accepting towards me. I mean they are about ten years old, still kids, but they were friendly, welcoming and played with me. In Singapore, there were six children, but there were at least three therapists (that's because they needed constant monitoring as they were all very low functioning). Here in autism west, we can speak to them like any other kids which really is a blessing. Here it's one therapist to five children.

The teacher did a great job engaging them and to allow them to participate in the activities that he has planned. I have to agree that they were fun and he really knows how to catch their attention. What I like about the whole session was that there were a lot of laughter, encouragement and just being comfortable in your own skin. That's what most important isn't it?

Yup, so this is the start of my new journey with a new Autism school. Some people do know that I have an interest for children suffering from Autism and there will always be something tugging in my heart pulling me towards this group of very special people.

Only God knows why and understands why. Only He knows what's best for them.

For the first time ever, I can tell people that I can cook a little

Someone asked me this question before, "Jia Yee, Kannst du kochen?" Jia Yee can you cook? It was in one of my German tutorial. And my answer was "Nur Maggi Nudel!" Only maggi noodles. Which also means no, I can't cook. Nein, ich kann nicht kochen.

Today marks a very special day for me. For the first time, I've cooked a meal for my family without the aid of my sensei (Grandmama). Okay fine, not just me, but me and my sis. Today was the first time we prepared dinner for our family all by ourselves. You see, monkey and I have both been taking turns to be grandmama's apprentice during the summer vacation. One week will be me and the next week will be monkey's turn. We learnt alongside with grandmama, basically just following instructions and cooking what we are told to cook. But today, grandmama decided to let us try all on our own. And it was a success :) Yup, the food tasted great (I'm seriously not lying!). We cooked vegetables, crab balls and spicy chicken. Ja, ich habe Grüngemüse, Krebs Bälle und Hächen gekocht. Oma ist eine sehr gut Lehererin. My mama is a very good teacher. Vielen dank!

Okay, have to be humble. Honestly speaking, there's still a lot to learn and master before I can fully say that I can cook. You just need to practice and practice till you're familiar. Ich muss noch Übung. It's like learning a new song on the piano. But I believe that today was the first step for me. Three cheers for monkey and me :)

Anyway, as tomorrow's Valentines' Day, monkey and I have decided to do something special for our family too. We baked brownies with toppings of hundreds and thousands. Went to buy the ingredients with monkey at coles in the afternoon and we baked it after preparing dinner. It was served with vanilla ice-ceam as a dessert after dinner. Well, it was meant to be for tomorrow but I guess being one day early is not that bad. The browines were good, but they crumble too easily. And they were a bit too sweet (even though I accidentally spilled water in it). Papa did give us some suggestions on how to improve it by turning them into cupcakes instead. Well, that's another experiment to try next time. But all in all, it was good.

Besides, tomorrow monkey and I (and maybe papa) are going on a dinner date to celebrate V day. Mummy and mama usually would not like to go out and would rather have a simple meal at home. Yup it is exiting for me:) We are thinking of trying a new place that we've never been to before. Asian cuisine again :)

I was just thinking, since I'm still single, why not make the most out of it and use it as an opportunity to spend time with family. I mean if I ever get a boyfriend (or husband) in future, my V days are going to be spent with him of course. Should take every opportunity now to to be with family and to date them out for dinners. Maybe net time when I'm attached I'll do 2 valentines, 14th with him and 15th with family. haha. Good idea yea?

Anyway, have a fantastic V day tomorrow everyone :) Alles Liebe zum Valentinstag!