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11 April 2019

Change The World..Teach Music! 🎼


There are many things in life that I am crazy about and MUSIC is one of them! 😎

I Love Music! I love to sing and I took part in many singing contests in the past. (Hmm, I really missed those glamorous days, performing on stage!lol..😁😍) I also enjoy live bands, writing songs and playing musical instruments too.

 

When someone talks about Music, songwriting, favorite bands or musical instruments, etc.. I swear the conversation can go on for days. Lolz! Music gets me through good and bad days, it's like a heartbeat that flows inside me. I never get bored with music and I need Music everyday! 🎧🎶


I appreciate good Music and a great song is like a therapy, not only it helps me to 
relax, it also calms my mind...and happy songs make me feel positive about life! Music is an inspiration. Many lyrics in the songs are so touching and meaningful that express different emotions.

Indeed, music inspired people and connects the world! Over the years, I made many cool friends who are music fanatics like me and we often exchange ideas and techniques to improve our skills in playing different musical instruments.

Just a little background about myself...I played the Trombone and Tenor Saxophone during high school. Look, I still have my Band Major Badge and Sash here with me..Pretty cool and vintage, right? Looking at these cool badges bring back many fond memories of my school band.


My passion and the love for Music bloom, ever since ......

I've always wanted to learn the guitar but as a teen back then, money was tight.. I couldn't afford a guitar but I didn't want to ask money from my Mum, so I started to work at 7-Eleven (My first job) during school vacations and finally got my first guitar at the cash converter shop! The sound quality and the condition of the guitar wasn't that great but I was still happy to own my very first acoustic guitar.🎸

Every day, I spent about 1-2hrs playing the guitar till my fingers were sore and I've watched countless guitar tutorial videos on Youtube and that really helped... After a few months of practicing, I finally could play many popular pop songs on my guitar.

So I figured that self-learning is still possible if you don't want to spend much on music lessons, but if you can afford the money and really want be a professional musician in your career, it will be good to get a certified and experienced music teacher to guide you along.

From Youtube, I learned to play the drums as well but since drums are loud, I have to practice drumming at the jamming studio as I don't want the neighbors to complain about the noise when I practice drumming afew hours every day, so I bought a Yamaha digital drum kit to practice at home, with the headphones. 

Playing music makes you feel energetic, it makes you look cool and feel young too! There are so many health benefits when you play a musical instrument. It stimulates the brain, boosts your memory, self-confidence, build creative minds and the list goes on...


In recent years, I've also learned to play the Ukulele. I love it because it sound so lively and joyful! I see many kids having fun learning the Ukulele in school. It's lightweight and easy to carry around, unlike guitars and drums that are quite bulky..hence, traveling and transportation can be quite a hassle sometimes...

I take my Uke to birthday parties,
bbq, gatherings and jam with my music buddies! 
There are so many great songs you can play on the ukulele and the guitar. I really think Ukulele is a cool instrument, suitable for the young and old. 

As a busy Mum with daily routines, family commitments, work assignments and online orders, I haven't been playing music actively but I still 'bond' with my favorite instruments whenever I'm free or in the mood...











A few months ago, the RC committee in-charge asked me to form an Interest group for Ukulele that allows the residents to learn and play together on weekends. It was a perfect timing as they are people in my neighborhood who are so keen and ready to learn the Ukulele.

I have started teaching Basic Ukulele afew weeks ago, the class is on every Sunday and I hope to bring Music into the neighborhood! So if you love Ukulele, you are welcome to join us and learn together. Email me if you are interested. 

My personal advice to anyone who wants to learn a musical instrument... Put your heart and efforts to learn, no one is too old or too slow to learn an instrument, don't let anything stop you from learning! Age is only a number, so long as you have the passion for music and still able to move your limbs freely. You can learn almost anything! 😉

Don't give up just because you keep playing the wrong notes, no one is born a musician and practice makes perfect! Keep in mind that Music is supposed to be fun and entertaining, it should never feel like a race or make you feel stressed!

Don't rush and push yourself too hard!..Follow your comfort pace. Don't feel discouraged if you can't play a song yet, everyone has different learning speed and ability. Babies first learn to crawl before they start to walk. Patience.


I'm really happy and feel honored to teach anyone who wants to learn the Uke. Though I'm not a professional musician who sings or plays music for a living, but I'm willing to share my music knowledge for free! 

To me, life isn't always about money!
I know there are many people out there who love music and wants to learn an instrument so badly, but they couldn't afford expensive music schools/courses.. so providing free
Music lessons will encourage them to keep on learning. 

The biggest joy about teaching music is when the students could finally play a decent song smoothly on the Ukulele! Oh wow! That to me, is the most rewarding achievement! 

I always encourage people to pursue their interests. Don't worry about what others think. Learning an instrument is truly awesome! Just go ahead, play the instruments that you love and have fun! 

Music is beautiful and soulful...it has no boundaries and it benefits everyone! So grab the Uke and start jamming'..Rock on! 🤘🤘😎


Blogger Mommywarrior77

 

28 March 2019

What's In Your Bag, Mommy? 👜💗


Have you ever wonder why do Mummies carry a big bag when they are out with the little ones? 

Children are messy, they are very active, maybe a little clumsy too, they are curious about everything and always eager to explore... Sometimes, they get all dirty while eating, playing, running around and they may even get hurt during outdoor activities...

So if you have a child below 5 years old, I do think it is still necessary to bring the Mummy Bag along but don't worry, the good news is...the bag gets lighter as the kids grow older. (Thank goodness!)


My hubby often teased me for being a 'Doraemon', (Say whaat?!..🙄) I'm sure everyone knows the Robot Cat, Doraemon who has everything in his magic pocket. Well yeah, I guess my bag has almost everything too. Anyways, I don't mind such nickname since Doraemon is pretty adorable, witty and intelligent too. How appropriate, dear! 😁



My son is 8 this year and my daughter is 3.5yo now, she doesn't need the stroller anymore so I use a regular tote bag or a sling bag to put all the important stuff whenever I take them out. Well, you'll never know when you need those things and I feel more secure when I have these precious items in my bag all the time.


My friends always feel safe when Mama 'Doraemon' is around. Haha! Nah...I don't really care if people laughed at me for carrying all this stuff because I'd rather be teased at, than rushing to the nearest convenience store just to grab some wet wipes, medicated cream or plasters that you desperately need them immediately...and what if there is no pharmacy or a mini-mart anywhere near you!😱 Oh no... I may start to panic so I would avoid such anxiety and unnecessary drama. 


I believe the mothers would definitely feel more safe and secure when we have these handy items in our Mummy Bag anytime we need them and I prefer to call it "A Bag Of Love." 






...So these are what I have in my bag :


☑️ Wet Wipes + Tissues 
Practice good hygiene is so important. No parents would want the kids to get sick because it's a nightmare taking care of an unwell and cranky child. These are compulsory items in my bag, they are very handy when you can't find a washroom nearby or during picnics and outdoor activities. 


☑️ Sanitizer
Germs are everywhere. It's always good to keep your hands clean. This is one of the top items that I MUST have everywhere I go. Sometimes, I even bring two bottles just in case I lost it!


☑️ Repellent Patch + Citronella Oil
Mosquito bites are nasty! I bring these along because we do a lot of outdoors activities quite often. I always bring extra so I can share it with my friends or give it to anyone who needs it. Buzz off, Mozzies!


☑️ Water Bottles
I always remind the kids to drink more water. Our body needs H2O to stay healthy and hydrated.


☑️ Light Jacket / Sweater / Extra Clothings / Caps 
I pack a set of extra clothing and jackets only when we are out the whole day but if it's only a few hours outing or shopping trips,etc.. I just bring their caps along.


☑️ Disposable Raincoat 
I never like to carry an umbrella...I prefer disposable raincoats and they are very useful on rainy days. 


☑️ Recycle Bag
Sometimes, we drop by to the library to borrow some books and I may need to get some groceries on the way home so I always bring 1 or 2 recycle shopping bags. They are light, waterproof and eco-friendly too.👍


☑️ Medicated Oil / Antiseptic Cream / Vicks / Plasters
I bring these along just in case...I hope we don't need to use them.


☑️ Kids Cologne
Who doesn't like to smell fresh and pleasant all day...


☑️ Portable Rechargeable Fan
It's really hot out there! I need the fans because my kids perspire easily and sometimes they get moody when the weather is too hot. We have Summer throughout the year, in Singapore!


☑️ Snacks
My daughter loves snacking. The snacks help to distract and comfort her when she whines! They are my lifesaver!Lol..But too much snacking is bad, so get only healthy snacks! 


☑️ Pocket Toys
These mini puzzles keep them entertained during long bus rides. I rarely bring electronics devices when we are out because I don't want the kids to be addicted and expose too much screen time. Actually, these toys are pretty cool and fun too. I really love them! 



As you can see, almost all the items in the Mummy Bag are for our little ones. The children are always the priorities, therefore, the Mummy Bag becomes a part of our regular accessories... So please don't fuss or laugh at the Mummies for packing all these stuff because we do it all for LOVE...just making sure the kids are well and safe always!


Hey Mummies, did I miss out any precious items? Let me know what other things you have, in your bag of love...😉

Till then...Happy Mothering! 💗


Blogger Mommywarrior77