A shelter in place – week 9

Wow, it’s still hard to believe this is 9 weeks in to SIP. Dai Bee said this is SIP is wearing him off too. He’s doing online classes, but he prefers to be in a class environment and be around people. This is someone who’s an introvert.

This week –

1. This is what people mean when they talk about passion. Music is his passion. He practices music whenever he gets a chance. During breaks, before classes, after classes, he’s either on piano or violin. There’s always music around the house which is always a big plus, especially during this time.
2. Weekend project, Mr. Piggy is working with the boys on another jumping box (see #5).
3. Another day we’re enjoying lunch outside.
4. I love the boys help out during their lunch breaks.
5. Ah Lo using his exercise equipment Dai Bee and Mr. Piggy built. He’s been on it every day.

This week –

1. Mr. Piggy gave up piano! SMH. I’m still taking my lessons and now learning a new piece. Every week there’s something new and it’s getting harder. I’m hanging on to it and still practicing diligently.
2. This week Dai Bee gave his first Algebra test to his students. He said it’s more of a test for him to see how well he did as a teacher. Hope his students don’t disappoint him.

A shelter in place – week 6

It’s hard to believe this is our 6th week staying home, working or distant learning. Either way, we’re still adjusting, but always wondering when will this be over?

This week, we’re doing the same as last, except I was too busy at work snooping in attempt to capture the moments. Dai Bee was on spring break this week so he was able to help out with some light cooking.

1. Ah Lo helping out some yard work during the weekends.
2. Out of the blue one day when the boys were cleaning the garage, they found their old fencing gears and decided to poke at each other.
3. – 5. Dai Bee making lunches.

A shelter in place – week 2

Week 2 came and went, so was the novice of the shelter in place. We’re still getting the hang of it. Dai Bee has a full day of school online this week, while Ah Lo’s schedule is more fluid. Some days, he would still spend hours on assignments and some days he would be done half an hour or so. Luckily I have all these suggestions he can do…

This week –

1. This is the new norm now – online learning. If not Khan Academy, he would watch videos and hopefully learn a thing or two.
2. This week I suggested to have the boys zoom with their cousins. Everyone seems to be excited and looks forward to the time. It’s a fun way to connect with each other. Dai Bee normally asks his cousins how their day went and share any exciting news.
3. Reading is part of the day.
4. Besides academics, Ah Lo can choose something he enjoys as an elective class. He likes sketching.
5. Daily exercising for the boys.
6. This week, we celebrated Ah Lo’s birthday virtually. Baked him a cake, and it was the first time we ate the entire cake.
7. Dai Bee, during his school break, is practicing piano.
8. Mr. Piggy has been cleaning up, and finally decided to throw away some of his homework (yes, the ones he kept for over 40 years!). He found some old worksheets cross word puzzle, word searches) and that kept Ah Lo busy for half hour or so.
9. This is an ongoing project Mr. Piggy and the boys are working on. Mr. Piggy spent an afternoon dissecting and old computer. The boys are assembling it and will have use for it, sometime next week.

A shelter in place – Week 1

We survived the first week of shelter in place! This is all new to us, and many families as well. I had a schedule for Ah Lo for this week.

The schedule didn’t work as planned the 1st week since it took him an hour to do his classwork the first day. The rest of the week, it took him longer (2-3 hours). However, he does check the board to see what he needs to do for the day. We will see what happens next week.

This week –

1. Since all the outdoor activities are suspended and school is closed, it’s important the boys stay active and healthy. I make them exercise in the garage at least half hour every day. It’s great they are push each other do more every day.

2. Music is a form of relaxation. Whenever Dai Bee gets a chance (during school breaks), he will practice/play piano/violin.

3. Boys are doing conditioning and strengthening exercises.

4. Now we’re at home, we made sure Ah Lo practices piano diligently.

5. This is a first time we’re having online lessons from his piano teacher. I love the fact that we don’t have to drive back and forth and wait around every week for lessons. This is a plus.

6. The boys help prepare meals at least once a day.

7. Reading is a must!

8. As an elective, the boys are doing brush calligraphy for fun. Hope to make this is a weekly ritual.

A moment – “making banners”

A Friday ritual.

A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember – {this moment}

A team bonding event…

Ah Lo’s basketball came over for a team bonding event – designing posters for different teams for our upcoming tournament. This is the first time hanging out with families outside of the court. I liked that the group brainstormed about the design and divided the work (whatever his strength was). Each was able to contribute a little of something. A small group couldn’t make it because of the long break which made it easy to manage.

We all chipped in for pizza. For dessert, I made a chocolate cake with mocha frosting for the team. Ah Lo’s birthday is coming up, so his teammates all sang and celebrated his birthday for him. It was a fun evening for the kids and the parents.

A busy guy…

Dai Bee’s HW is beginning to catch on to him. Now that basketball season is over, he joins the volleyball team (something new for him). With work, school activities/sports and music, I’m happy to see he’s still managing it quite well. On top of everything else, he’s studying for AP Chinese exam happening in May. He’s been practicing with us (verbal section) and attends tutorials in school. He’s one busy guy!

A free day at the museum…

Yesterday was the first Tuesday of the month, which means we get to free general admission at Legion of Honor! After having lunch with the in-laws, we were heading home. Dai Bee headed to basketball practice, so we decided to detour to Legion of Honor because 1) Mr. Piggy wanted to go (hasn’t been in a long while), 2) house was too cold, 3) free admission and 4) to get Ah Lo off electronics. We roamed around for two hours. I’m not a huge museum fan, but for some reason, I took my time and really enjoyed it. Glad Ah Lo came with us, even unwillingly…Ha!

A moment – “clamming”

A Friday ritual.

A single photo – no words – capturing a moment from the week.

A simple, special, extraordinary moment.

A moment I want to pause, savor and remember – {this moment}

A first try…

Today our Christmas countdown activity is trying out new food. We were at a restaurant and we found this – chicken feet. Dai Bee loves it, and my picky Ah Lo ate one. At least he tried it.