Childhood memories...

As we are now 'stuck' in France and not able to visit my family in Melbourne, I can't help but reminiscence on my childhood memories... My parents are also 'stranded' in Brunei as they cannot leave the country until the viral cases subside. 

I really miss my three brothers. 

There were days where we would actually not do anything but just watch cartoons or TV shows all night. They even put up with my childish faves things to do like watch Akazukin ChaCha, play hello kitty video games and watch 'Ever After'. We would like sleep on the matresses which are laid down on the cold tiles in the living room (That always bring me back to the sleepovers at my grandparents' house in Belait with my cool cousins).

Afternoons of climbing trees... cycling around the neighbourhood.. playing sparklers or fireworks during Hari Raya. Fishing days in Darwin and taking turns driving the boats. Road trips in convoy... snacking in the car.. going through KFC drive thrus at like 2am cos we felt like popcorn chicken and cheesy wedges.

I saw them grow up right before my eyes... from annoying little brats or at most times cute little boys to grown up men. The pride I feel when I see them succeed... whether in sports, in their careers or in their love lives. I am glad my parents always encouraged me to be the 'third' parent... I used to hate babysitting them when I was much younger... and now I really miss those days... 

 

I hope Ayden and Adamian will love and care for each other as much I do for my own siblings.. that would be my greatest wish in life.

Confinement update in France

As of yesterday, we no longer have to fill out any forms when leaving the house. Of course we still have to wear masks and distance ourselves from others. Telework where possible. No gatherings allowed except on Christmas day, and max 10 adults for that. There is a curfew between 8pm and 6am now, no one allowed out of the residence except for essential reasons. Restaurants and bars still closed till January 20. At least we can now travel between regions. Before the announcement, no one was allowed to travel beyond 20 kms from the residence and for more than 3 hours. 135 euro fine if anyone breaks the law (first time offence). The next government announcement will be made mid January.

I just started my annual leave last Monday, it will be for 3 weeks. The plan was to go to Melbourne at this time to visit my family. Sadly, this will not happen. My parents are still stranded in Brunei and anyway no international flights are allowed to enter Australian airspace for now. I read somewhere there was a deal with only New Zealand though for tourism purposes. Oh well, just gotta hang in there and enjoy the winter. Hoping 2021 will bring more health, prosperity, joy and happiness. 

Goodbye 2020 and good riddance.

Lockdown Part II

So France, again, is now under confinement (started on 30 October for 4 weeks). The difference this time is that kids at least can go to school. This is good news, not only because it will allow many parents to work from home in peace but also because the kids' education will not be disrupted like it was before.

We just gotta endure it a bit longer.. until the cases are under control.

 

Funny things the kids have said...

Again, for my own record, and for me to remember the funny and cute things the kids have said...

Ayden & Adamian: 'Goo Goo Gaga'

Adamian: 'Mama gentille! Toujours la vie'

Ayden: We need to close the umbrella or lightning will strike it (when it started to rain)

Ayden to Adamian: We can't print too many or we'll run out of paper. (printing colouring pages - zombie plants)

Adamian in the toilet with the door closed. Ayden ran and opened the door: 'Don't lock the door or you'll be stuck in there forever'

Mama to Ayden during the xmas spectacle last year: But you don't have a plain red shirt for the spectacle. Ayden then proceeded to put his red shirt front to back so the halloween design goes to the back and no one will notice. Problem solved.

One time Adamian started to get all upset in the morning, I did not understand. What he meant to say was, I'd like to buy a new house LOL.

Adamian, every night, before bed: 'Bisous Calin'

Ayden & Adamian: 'Vitamin T!'

Ayden: But how does the guy not get wet from the water? When a Russian technician came to the house to change the toilet. Told him we needed to switch off the mains.

Mama to kids at the playground: 'That's why you should both eat well so the vitamins will help you grow big and strong and to actually reach it'- Ayden: Adamian does take vitamins, but only from tomatoes. LOL

Adamian 'Me aussi tahu' (I also know).

Kids would wake up early on the weekends, shower and not wake us up.

Ayden is very observant - one second delay with the new lamp in the bathroom. The dry onions in his noodles.

Ayden noticed Antoine's new shirt (I didn't). And it was on whatsapp video call. He noticed it the moment Antoine went on the phone.

Adamian said he was on a 'mini cheval' when they went pony riding with the grandparents.

Adamian says 'Pashumers ' for transformers and 'akrea' for 'apres'.

Stopped by Tournus otw home

Roadtrip to Dijon

Hot summer evening

Telecabin @ crozet

Slow and steady we will get there. Finally a new toilet..!

Once upon a time in Macon & Cluny