A Train Kid

Making a Clay Steam Train

2008-02-22T19:00:00.009+08:00

Pop bought me a packet of Sculpey and some sculpting tools but wasn't free to teach me how to use them. So it was a joint project to make a clay train with Mom. But what do Mom n I know about clay sculpture? Fortunately, there r plenty of instruction videos on Youtube showing how things are made include using Sculpey, a polymer clay.

Here are the stuff we started with:

1 pkt Sculpey Ultralight
Sculpting tools (small plastic knife n toothpicks will do)
1 old bottle (or old rolling pin)
Recycle toilet roll tube
2 ice-cream sticks
Oven (hair dryer also can)

I used a toilet roll tube to reinforce the body of the engine and also to save on Sculpey. The driver's cab frame was done with half a golf ball box with windows cut into it. After kneading the Sculpey, I rolled it with the glass bottle to about 1/4 inch thick and wrapped it round the frame (use ice-cream stick on both sides when rolling to get consistent thickness). One thing I noticed about Sculpey is that the cut off pieces and even the tiny bits become as good as new when I knead them together again unlike ordinary clay.

After putting together the steam engine, cab, funnel, boiler, whistles, light, wheels, cow catchers and coupling, it was time to bake. But alas, silly old Mom got the instructions wrong and baked at 275°C instead of 275°F. So, here's what it looks like:

I'm still thinking whether I should paint it or leave it as it is, like a toasted dough steam train.

Lo Sanging!

2008-02-19T23:39:00.010+08:00

To all my buddies who came for Swimming and Chinese New Year Yee Sang Get-together, hope u all had a great time 'Lo Sanging' - that's what I call mixing up the kids vegetarian Yee Sang!!

Watch how we do it...

More photos....

I Love Lego!

2008-01-20T00:18:00.000+08:00

Thanks to CT Workshop, I know a lot of new parts now and learned to use them for my trains and other engineering stuff.

PJ Hilton Christmas Train Photos

2008-01-07T06:12:00.000+08:00

The annual trains display has ended. Since it started 3 years ago, my parents have been taking me to PJ Hilton frequently throughout the display period which is usually from early November till after Christmas. Oddly, this year we went only twice - once during construction and once when the display was up.

This year's theme is a mixture of everything from snow to desert, western countryside to kampung scenes, subways and even pirates of the carribbean. My opinion? Rojak lah but the architectural students of Taylor's College did a commendable job building the landscapes right after their final exams. Previous years were done by a railroad professional but this year, for reasons not known to us, Hilton has decided to open the tender to build the annual trains layout to local colleges. Brave effort for first timers. I'm sure they'll improve by leaps n bound if they get the contract again next year.

Click on slideshow to see larger photos.

Make a Gingerbread House

2007-12-24T14:43:00.000+08:00

Erin, my neighbour popped over and we made fake Gingerbread houses out of cardboard.

Mom traced the templates and cut out the cottage walls and roof. Get the templates from here

For the Gingerbread house construction frosting, you will need:

3 egg whites

1 pound icing sugar

1/2 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp cream of tartar

Mix all the ingredients and beat for 7-10mins at high speed until you get stiff peaks.

Mom didn't have brown cardboard, so we mix some coffee into 1/3 of the frosting to plaster the walls brown.

'Glue' all the walls together by squeezing the icing along the joints. See this page for instructions Step-by-step how to build gingerbread house walls.

TIP: Let the icing harden and the walls are firm before adding the roof.

Decorate with cereals, cookies, candy canes, smarties, etc. rule of thumb is anything edible.

Here's my finished gingerbread house
:

Visit to Good Samaritan Children's Home, Klang

2007-12-23T03:03:00.000+08:00

Mom gathered my pre-loved toys and we took a trip to Klang to visit the Good Samaritan Children's Home. We were met by Mrs Ong who runs the orphanage together with her husband Pas. Ong. There are a total of 28 kids from age 1 to 17.

9 or them are under 6 years which my toys are suitable for. I saw a group primary age kids rehearsing a tambourine dance. The older teenagers work part time in a legal office for RM60 a month during the school holidays. Mrs Ong says some of them are orphans, some have parents or single mothers who don't care about them or the fathers have run off and the moms can't support them, some are brought in by the police, some are abandoned children. She needs between RM15-20K a month to support the kids and is solely dependant on public donations. Some months she has to call up friends to help and sometimes dig into her own savings.

I spent some time playing with the younger kids and even visited their bedrooms. 9 boys sleep in an average sized bedroom in double decker beds and on the floor while the girls' room are smaller housing 7 of them. In another even smaller room is Mrs Ong with the toddlers. Mom says I'm soooo lucky to have a small room of my own and I don't even use it. (still crashing into my parents' room)

I also saw many baskets of laundry upstairs. All along the wooden stairs rails were decorated with bits of red and green crepe paper giving the place a Christmassy feel. Mrs Ong said it was done by the kids. I distributed the Mandarins oranges we brought to all the kids.

All the kids were very well mannered and one of them, an Indian boy about 7 yrs old even asked me to come again when it was time to leave. He came to sit next to me on the swing.

Christmas Carollers at Aunty Doreen's

2007-12-20T23:12:00.000+08:00

After dinner at Aunty Doreen's, the students Christmas Carollers came. They sang all my favorites - Away in a Manger, Frosty the Snowman, When a Child is Born and others. I sang Away in a Manger and O Christmas Tree to them. The carollers asked me to join them. no no no, when I'm older, maybe...

How to Build a Self-Designed Lego Train

2007-12-20T18:12:00.000+08:00

I used parts of my Lego Holiday Train to build a lookalike of the Lionel Tinsel Town Express. Here's step-by-step how to build the bogey wheels:

Aunty Liza and Uncle Francis's Wedding Party

2007-12-17T00:18:00.000+08:00

It was a Wedding Party with a difference! Held at Sunway Hotel's poolside, the theme was 'Riot of Colors' and most of the guests were dressed as such with the exception of Aunties Rebecca, Helen, Kathleen and Jennifer who were the 'Women in Black'. I had to change in the car as we came straight from attending the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra's Christmas Concert downtown KL where we had to dress 'appropriately'. We were early so I took a dip before the bride and groom marched in.

Aunty Liza's friends from Hong Kong and China besides US and Canada (Aunties Rebecca/Flisa) also attended the party and they will be off to Langkawi the following day to continue the celebrations.

Click above slideshow to view larger photos.

Christmas Train Rides in KL and PJ

2007-12-16T00:27:00.000+08:00

Here's the dressed up Christmas 'Train' at Ikano Power Center - RM5 for a very short ride, just around the lobby area between Starbucks and Cold Storage.

Sunway's Christmas Train was better. At least it's on tracks. I got to drive it and it was cool to ring the bell! Mastercard holders get free rides or shoppers with RM100 spending or more.

Swim BBQ

2007-12-05T06:33:00.000+08:00

To welcome my old playgroup friend Celine and Aunty Soo who came back from Sydney, Australia for the holidays, Mom organized a potluck BBQ. We played basketball, swam, learnt to use the skipping rope and fed mosquitoes, yuks. Pop n Aunty Sue Ann helped with the grilling, Mom played monkey with us at the pool while everyone else chatted and ate. Aunty Wai Han brought yummy satay and Aunty Sui's barbeque squid was BEST with her Thai seafood sauce, as voted by Aunty Juliana and Mom. Aunty Liz's rainbow trout was lovingly grilled to perfection and somehow 2 of them found their way to our kitchen that nite, hehehe.

Celine's got Aussie slang already after spending 1 year there. They will be leaving for Penang tomorrow and hopefully we'll get together again before they go back to Australia after Chinese New Year.

Click here to view or download photos.

2007 Hilton Trains

2007-11-30T23:12:00.000+08:00

This year, I managed to witness the set-up. The layout and landscaping wasn't done by the same railroading professional as before. A competition was held amongst local colleges and the Taylor's College architecture students won the honor to put up the display at PJ Hilton. Instead of an overall Christmassy theme like the 2 years before which was more European, this time it's a mixture. From snowy mountains to a desert scene, from Pirates of the Carribean theme to local kampong scenes.

Was hoping that the Polar Express would be there as well but not to be :( I would've gladly loaned mine but it's HO scale while the Hilton trains are all G-scale models. Overall the layout appeared a bit messy and disjointed though but let's see how it looks after completion.

The trains will be on display at PJ Hilton lobby from 1st Dec 2007 till 7th Jan 2008. Here are some 'under construction' shots taken on 26th and 30th Nov:

Click to see bigger size photos.

Last year's layout - 2006 Hilton Trains

Birthday at Play n Learn, 1-Utama

2007-11-26T05:27:00.000+08:00

This is the 2nd time I've had a birthday party at Play n Learn. Many of my King's Kids classmates and parents came including Aunty Sze Wei, my teacher.

That's me, Grand Aunty Doreen, Mom, Pop and Mama.

Or u can view or download full size photos at:
Linus's 5th Birthday Photos
Click 'Slideshow' to playback.

Vacation Bible Camp

2007-11-24T21:12:00.000+08:00

Over 100 kids participated in the 3day Camp at SS2 Gospel and FRIM (Forest Reserve Institute Malaysia). They were split into 4 groups according to their ages - Simba(4-6), Tenpo ...what else?? Lots of games, craft, story telling in between teaching the kids about God. Exhausting but good fun.

A first time close-up for Pop n Mom observing me mingling with my King's Kids friends. Mom said "What happened to my baby...?"

Birthday at King's Kids

2007-11-20T15:12:00.000+08:00

This is the last day of school so I'm having cake cutting earlier than my actual birthday on 26th. Although Mom n Pop couldn't attend, I had a wonderful time with my friends n teachers.

Jelly Cake from Madam Lee at Taman Desa 03-79804012.

King's Kids Concert Day!

2007-11-19T08:48:00.000+08:00

Pop, Mom, Mama n Aunty Doreen came to my school's Concert. I was the Narrator and sang and dance with my friends. Pop was surprised I could sing in Chinese and Mom said she didn't knew I had 'rhythm'.

I'm crazy over Lego CT Workshop!

2007-11-16T21:12:00.000+08:00

Too young, too little, fingers not strong enough ...... I was told by CT Workshop at Centerpoint when I was 3+ till now.

Finally, after the opening of CT Workshop in Bangsar Village, they let me join as there is a new program called the Apprentice Engineers' Workshop for kids Ages 4-6. The apprentice workshop uses Duplo while the Engineers' Workshop uses Lego Technics. Computer Literacy is part of the program as we need to follow the step by step instructions to collect the parts before fixing.

My Buggy turned 'Harvester'

Check it out at CT Workshop Bangsar Village

I got my Wizard's Pass on 2nd Nov. which is for unlimited visits during the school holidays so this will definitely be my favorite holiday hang out!

Dear Santa, my Wish for Christmas is....

2007-11-02T22:18:00.000+08:00

Lego Factory Hobby Train!

Mom downloaded Lego Digital Designer for me and now I can get step by step designs for 30 trains and coaches.

Without Lego Factory I can't build the exact models but here's what I did with some parts from my Lego Holiday Train:

Sabah Steam Train - The Vulcan

2007-08-12T18:12:00.000+08:00

This is the last and only steam train in Malaysia that is still in operation. The Vulcan, built in 1954 is a 2-6-2 British Vulcan steam locomotive. It is also one of the only functional wood-burners left in the world.

Mom planned this trip to Sabah hoping that I could get a ride on the Vulcan but it is currently under renovation. Fortunately we were given permission to visit the Tanjong Aru Station where the renovation works are being carried out and it was definitely the highlight of the Sabah trip.

Here's Jayden, Tyler and I exploring the train yard:

You can read more about the Vulcan at the North Borneo Railway site

Sutera Harbour Resort and visit to the islands.

WARNING - RECALL For Thomas Trains made in China!!

2007-06-15T14:54:00.000+08:00

THERE IS A RECALL FOR WOODEN THOMAS TOYS!!!!!
Announced today, RC2 wooden thomas toys, primarily red ones
Consumers Product Safety Commission press release,
read more....

Apparently, these wooden Thomas and Friends trains were painted with toxic lead paint and sold between January 2005 through June 2007.

So, buddies please check if yours is from China!!!

Children's Lazy Eye Check by Orthoptist in Kuala Lumpur

2007-06-15T11:13:00.001+08:00

Sometime back (12.4.07), Mom took me for an eye check after a friend made a passing remark that I may have 'lazy eye' syndrome. This is probably the only place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia you can get to consult an Orthoptist, an expert in checking vision and eye alignment, and treats eye turns (squints) and other binocular vision anomalies - K. C. Chu Orthoptic

read more | digg story

How to Play like Her? And Him?

2007-05-16T18:10:00.000+08:00

WoW! Mom showed me these video of fantastic kids playing the keyboard. Will I play like them one day??

Teddy Stallard Movie

2007-05-11T05:55:00.000+08:00

Mom said this is a good movie to watch:

Teddy Stallard Movie

Please comment.

My Hamster Babies!

2007-05-08T06:12:00.000+08:00

My hamsters Federick and Fiona had 4 babies early this morning! 3 of them brown and 1 was blackish. Haven't thought what names to give them. Any suggestions?

BTW, had to postpone my Book Sale cos down with fever. Hope to see some customers next week... :)

My 1st Book SALE!

2007-05-07T07:31:00.001+08:00

Hi Buddies

Come and visit my store on Tuesday 8th, 7pm (after swimming class) where I will be selling my 'Pre-loved' books. Most are suitable for ages 0-3 years. Prices between 50sen and rm4.

Here are some in this photo:

Looking forward to doing business with you!

Linus

PS: Oh ya, forgot to mention that you should only bring 50sen coins or rm1 notes cos Mom hasn't taught me how to count BIGGER money yet.

King's Kids SPCA Field Trip

2007-04-25T21:12:00.000+08:00

My pre-school organized a field trip to visit the Ampang SPCA. I brought a collar and some pet snacks.

No photos of the trip cos Mom didn't come along. Here are some of my new friends at K3, waiting for transport.

Qing Qing's Birthday

2007-04-22T07:12:00.000+08:00

My golfing buddy, Qing Qing celebrated her 6th birthday party at Kidzsport 1-Utama. Here's the card Mom made for her:

Click to play this video:

Qing Qing's cake:

Pop's Birthday

2007-04-18T22:12:00.000+08:00

2 cakes this year for Pop - one complimentary from Rennaisance and Aunty Doreen made mocha tart.

Mom simply taro Oxtail Stew with our new pressure cooker (Ichiban). It turned out alright and we had a yummy home dinner.

Lunch with Pop at Mediterranean Marche, Rennaisance Hotel, Kuala Lumpur.

Aunty Doreen

2007-04-14T10:12:00.000+08:00

Dinner at Aunty Doreen's with cousins Melissa and Melanie from Ipoh.

Cycling with Mom

2007-04-08T10:12:00.000+08:00

Pop got a new bike for Mom so that she can go cycling with me at our apartment park and the nearby Kelana Jaya Lake Park. It's big enough for Mom's big bum :)

Sushi Train in Klang!

2007-04-02T04:12:00.000+08:00

OMG a Sushi Train in lazy Klang, Malaysia! Thanks Aunty Sue Ann for your recommendation and great directions.

The is a replica of the Diesel V52 901, among the most famous narrow gauge locomotives. It runs on G-scale tracks and pulled 11 flat-beds of sushi.

I was not told of this before Pop carried me into what has become my favorite restaurant in Malaysia!

You gotta go - the food is as good as the place. More photos....

No. 3 Jalan Istana, 43100 Klang, Selangor
Tel: 03-33736633

It's at AIA Building
Garden Business
Centre along the
main road leading
to the Klang palace.

Ala carte sushi.

Cold Soba for me.

My mealtime pastime.

Tempura Udon Swim Lessons

2007-03-21T09:01:00.004+08:00

Beginning 6th March, Erin, Jayden n I will have swimming lessons from Uncle Din every Tuesday at 5pm. After that we bathe and makan makan potluck at my home, then play and mess up my room.

Here are some pictures:

Mom said I used to swim very well when I was a baby but was put off by a 'swim lesson' by a professional when I was about 18 months old. Then Mom just let me muck around the pool till now.

Here a short video clip of Linus & Jayden lead around the pool by Uncle Din:

Picnic At Lake Gardens, KL

2007-03-17T12:12:00.000+08:00

It's school holidays this week and Mom invited my buddies for cycling and picnic at Lake Gardens. We laid out a mat and some old newspapers in the shade for the picnic food. Kids played at the park playground while our mommies chatted and munched.

Here are some pictures:
The Bike Gang
Picnic under the Yum Yum trees.
Time Out Gang - Not stopping before crossing the road. Not very happy...
Popiah ala pasta.

Aunty Pauline, John & Rachel. Baby Emmanuel.

Emily & Erin

Rachel & Linus

Avillion with Angela

2007-02-24T21:12:00.000+08:00

Right after Chinese New Year, we went for a short holiday to Avillion Hotel, Port Dickson with my cousin Angela and Wallace from Hong Kong. This is the 2nd time I've been there. The wooden water chalets are built on stilts in the sea.

We stayed at the Avery Water Suite, so I could just fish from the balcony of the living room. No luck :(

Pop and me.

Mom and I building sandcastles at the beach.

The Shichida Method for Parents of Kids Age 0-6

2007-02-15T22:12:00.001+08:00

This is my new Sensei Yi Chee. She's the 4th sensei to teach my class since I started Shichida Method in April 2003 when I was only 3 months+. Mom said she had me on her lap then and did most of the games and activities while I just looked on. Or sometimes crawled around :)

The Shichida Method is a Right Brain Early Education system founded by Prof. Makoto Shichida. It is based on concepts similar to Glen Doman's that a child is a born genius. There are games and activities parents can do at home to stimulate the natural Right Brain abilities such as speed reading, speed maths, ESP, photo memory, perfect pitch, etc.

read more | digg story

Yee Sang and Farewell Party

2007-02-14T20:12:00.000+08:00

My 2nd last day at K2. Mom and Pop came in too for the small party.

Click to play videos:
Remembering friends' names...

Aunty Jennifer show how to mix the 'Yee Sang' which is a mix of shredded veges and fruits including pomelo. This kids version doesn't include raw fish.

Aunty Jennifer and Aunty Fiona - you are both the most wonderful teachers a new kid on the block could ever ask for. Thank you and I will miss you.

Butter Cake & Farewell K2!

2007-02-14T04:55:00.000+08:00

Looks like I'm going to K3 sooner than expected. Aunty Su Wen told Mom that my teachers are happy with my progress so I will join other kids my age in K3 immediately after Chinese New Year. Tomorrow will be my last day in K2 so Mom said I should bake a cake to share with my friends.

Creaming the butter icing is
hard work.

Topping my favourite 'Orange Butter Cake' with a steam engine and 'Bye K2' in the puff of smoke from the funnel.

In case you are interested, here's my simplified recipe:

Orange Butter Cake

8oz butter
6.5oz self raising flour
6oz fine sugar
4 medium eggs
1 orange (juice & grated peel)

How?
1. Cream butter and sugar till white and fluffy.
2. Add eggs one at a time.
3. Stir in sieved flour, orange juice and peel.
4. Bake at 200°C for 40mins.

(Makes 8" x 8" square cake, like in the photo)

Tell me if u tried and if it turns out well. Enjoy!!

Maybank Malaysian Open - golf at Saujana

2007-02-11T22:08:00.000+08:00

Mom n Pop took me to watch the pros in action at the Maybank Malaysian Open at Saujana Golf Club. Mom and uncle Colin followed Airil hole by hole yesterday but today we just hung around the clubhouse area. Besides the leading pros, we watched Mom's friends - Shaaban, Siva and Airil action too. We watched Siva roll in a 20 footer for birdie at the 18th hole to make the cut at -2.

Siva getting ready to tee off at the 1st hole of the Palm Course.

Airil putting for birdie at the Par 5 4th.

One of the pros who missed cut threw me a Srixon golf ball which Mom said is a very good one. I didn't like the wet grass early in the morning but hospitality at the clubhouse was great.

Salad Song

2007-02-11T21:12:00.000+08:00

Got to sing the Salad Song next Yamaha JMC class. Mom made a poster of the song with lyrics and pictures and pinned it next to my bed. She also made mint & lettuce salad a few days ago with some mint harvested from our balcony 'spice garden'.

For dinner tonite, I helped Mom decorate the egg and prawn salad with toasted almonds. Mmm...Yummylicious!

Click to download the lyrics or click to play the .mp3 file of the Salad Song.

Kuala Selangor - Bukit Melawati Silverleaf Monkeys

2007-01-29T10:32:00.002+08:00

It's Family Day out to discover Malaysia's countryside with Pop, Mom, Mama, Aunty Doreen, Kakak Esa and Kakak Mika.

This time, Pop took us to Bukit Melawati in Kuala Selangor, a quiet town at the mouth of the Selangor river. It took us about and hour by Subang way to get there. Instantly, I notice the Road Train waiting for passengers at the entrance to the park. Many local tourists come here on weekends to see the picturesque lighthouse, monyet kelabu (Silverleaf Monkeys) and the famous fireflies.

While waiting for the train driver, we bought cut fruits at the nearby stall and munched keropok on board. Pop said we had to finish up our snacks or the monkeys will want them.

The Road Train took us up a winding road and in a short while we were at the top of Bukit Melawati hill near the Lighthouse.

There were Silverleaf Monkeys all around - on trees, sidewalks, signboards, etc. They are dark haired and have a silver shining on their fur. Their babies have bright orange fur which turns dark to look like the adults after two months. They are a delightful bunch and did not fear us at all. In fact, they will come and sit right next to you or follow you everywhere if you happen to be carrying some food.

Near the Lighthouse, there was an Indian man selling ice-cream who seems to be able to communicate with the Silver Leaf Monkeys. He fed them some cut up long beans and they waited for their turns without fuss. He would reprimand the occassional greedy monkeys and they will back off as though they understood every word he said. Amazing!

Next on our itinerary was SEAFOOD of course. We had lunch at Restoran Jeti at the fishing village which overlooked the river. Pop ordered salt egg crabs, steam fish, o-chien, fried lala beehoon, vege, fried squid, etc

Here's the 'Sea Ouchy' that I tried.

My tummy didn't feel so good. Mom agreed that there was quite a bit of noise in there.

After buying some keropok, fishballs and dried seafood, we left. On the way, Pop stopped by a fish market. Mom and Aunty Doreen bought fresh fish which Pop said made his car stinko.

Pop took a different route back which took slightly longer than an hour. We passed Batang Berjuntai and also the Selangor Fruits Valley, the Selangor Tropical Nursery and the Herba Farm. No time and tired this trip but Pop said we'll definitely visit those places another weekend.

I fell asleep in the car.

My Classmates at King's Kids

2007-01-29T10:31:00.000+08:00

Here's a picture of by buddies at King's Kids K2 class of 2007! I haven't got to know all their names yet. I usually hang out with John J, Zachary and Adam.

A day in my Pre-School Life

2007-01-29T09:21:00.000+08:00

I'm getting used to the 'going to school routine' now. Every morning, Mom wakes me at 7.45am, draw the curtains and open the windows so that the bright sunlight streams into my room. We snuggle and roll about in bed and talk for a while, usually about the weather, my dreams or what's the program for the day. Sometimes Pop will jump into my bed and tickle me so much.

At 8am, off to the bathroom and Mom helps me brush my teeth - she does the molars and I take care of the front teeth. I rinse and puff my cheeks like Federick, my hamster. Then it's potty time. Sometimes I will ask for privacy if I need to poo, otherwise Mom just checks my pee pee color. 'Hey, it's yellowish!' she'll say followed by ' Aha, not drinking enough water.'

Mom will turn on the huge shower rose and adjust the temperature until it's just right. Then in I go for a hot shower. Great feeling and great way to clear stuffy noses.

After that, Mom dries and wraps me tight in a towel. Most of the time I get changed in my room unless the air-con is still very cold inside. Mom will rub me till I'm warm before she unwraps and powders me. Sometimes she'll cuddle me like a baby (still?) and sings a few old bathtime favorites like 'Home on the Range' but modified to 'Home by the Tracks'', 'Hush Little Baby' or 'I love you forever'.

By about 8.20am, I'm at the breakfast table in the kitchen. My regular breakfast is milk + fruit + cereal and a sandwich - sometimes cheese+jam, kaya, fried egg.

Whilst eating, Mom will flash some Shichida pictures and dots cards and also Linking Memory cards. Sometimes she'll read a short story. When she's busy or not around, I usually read a few books on my own or bring my trains and tracks to the breakfast table.

By this time, Pop would have finished bathing and joined us. He'll have his vitamins and breakfast. Then I put on my socks and velcro shoes - Mom still complains that I don't do it myself, but I DO, in school, he he he. Musn't forget my backpack which Kakak has packed my drink, snacks, change of clothes and towel.

At 9.40am, Pop and I will leave for King's Kids. We enjoy listening to the radio advertisements along the way, like 'Luigi, what are you doing talking about me on the radio?' and sing catchy jingles like 'Stand by your pan...' or '1300 88 2525'.

Other than the first few days, Pop just needs to drop me off at the back entrance and one of my Teachers will take me in.

First, I'll take out my water bottle before stuffing my Thomas and Friends backpack into my pigeon hole. Then take off shoes and put them aside on the rack.

I'm in K2 and I have 2 class Teachers, Aunty Jennifer and Aunty Fiona (like my hamster's name). My Bahasa Malaysia Teacher is Aunty Lara but I'm not sure of my Mandarin Teacher's name. They are all very nice. I like Aunty Jennifer even though sometimes she reprimands me and sends me to stand in the corner. Of course, that only happens when I have been up to some mischief.

So, I've just learn words like 'berhenti', 'bersedia untuk berhenti' and 'jalan'. For Mandarin, I can recall some words like 'siow' for small and 'ya' for duck. Used together, 'siow ya', it's duckling.

As for English, Aunty Jennifer told my Mom she was surprised that I could read. Sometimes, I would be asked to read short stories to other kids. Aunty Jennifer said that I could fit into K3 but she would like me to hang around for a few months first as I've never been to school before and had to learn things like 'circle time', 'sitting cross legged', 'keeping quiet when teacher is talking', etc.

We also go to the playground behind the school 3-4 times a week. We line up in twos and walk there while singing.

At 11am, we have a short break for biscuit and drink. We have to close our eyes, put our hands together before we eat.

Everyday school ends at 12.45pm except on Thursdays at 12.15pm. Most days, Pop will pick me unless he's busy. Mom will come instead by cab.

By 1.15pm we'll be having lunch at home prepared by Kakak.

My weekly routine for now looks like this:

Monday
King's Kids - Kumon - Yamaha

Tuesday
King's Kids - free!

Wednesday
King's Kids - Aunty Wohdy

Thursday
King's Kids - Shichida

Friday
King's Kids - free! (till Art class is rescheduled)

Saturday
Kumon - Family Day - Swimming

Sunday
Family Day

Since I turned 4, I've hardly taken afternoon naps. I used to sleep very late, about midnight like Mom and Pop but these days, I'd like to be ready for bed by 8.30pm. In my room, Mom will either play board games or do worksheets with me for a while then it's lights off except my bed reading light. We usually sleep on the lower bunk. Mom sticks poems and reminder notes under the upper bunk so we can't miss them when we lie down. Mom will usually ask me to choose 2-3 books, depending on how sleepy she is, to read to me in bed.

Usually, I'm off to dreamland by 9.30-10pm.

That's my day!

My Chinese Name

2007-01-11T10:01:00.000+08:00

I'll be attending my first Mandarin class at King's Kids today and the teacher had requested that I provided a Chinese name.

Thanks to Aunty Shee Hoi, I now have a translated Chinese name - 赖宁思

I think it's pronounced as 'Lai Nerng Tze'. Will let u know later how the class went.

My 2nd and 3rd Day of School

2007-01-10T16:01:00.000+08:00

Yesterday I was upset when getting ready to wear shoes to go home. I cried in King's Kids and shouted at Aunty Jennifer. Mom says I should apologise cos I was wrong to block the doorway when wearing shoes. She said good trains don't block the main tracks, they go to a siding. I understand that now.

Erin and Jayden came over for lunch and to play. Later Mom took me to Jayden's to play with his Lego Train. It was fantastic. The engine went around the tracks so smoothly when it pulled one or two coaches but a bit hicuppy when it had to pull more or when it came to the split tracks.

Aunty Sue Ann took us to visit the Bukit Jalil park to feed turtles and fish. The playground was very nice. It was a good workout and Mom said I could have 100 Plus after that. Yeah!

After a bubble bath with Jayden, we went dinner with the whole jing gang. I heard Aunty Sue Ann telling Mom that she managed to book Air Asia tickets for holidays to Langkawi and Sabah sometime in June. We went home about 8.45pm but I didn't get to sleep till about 10pm. I could see that Mom was a bit worried that I don't have enough sleep.

Anyway, school was good today. As usual, Mom would wake me at 8am, whisk me off to brush teeth, potty time and hot shower, change, breakfast then off to King's Kids with Pop at 8.30am. So far so good. Mom came by cab on time and had a discussion with Aunty Jennifer. I was asked by Aunty Jeannie to read to other kids at the next table. She then read 'Tootle' to me, which I enjoyed very much. It was one of the books Mom donated to the school's library.

I think Aunty Jennifer suggested to Mom that I will be transferred to a 'bigger kids' class soon since I could read and count already. She also asked Mom lots of questions about what I learnt at home. Pop came later and we went home for lunch.

Tomorrow, there will be Mandarin class and I was asked for my name in Chinese characters. Oh dear, Mom says I have no Chinese name and she quickly contacted Aunty Shee Hoi to translate a name for me. I wonder what she'll come up with.

Erin and I had to bring 'small' umbrellas for Aunty Wohdy's class this evening. As usual Aunty Pat took us and Kakak too. Mom said she's still feeling a bit queasy and preferred to stay at home.

My 1st Day at Pre-School!

2007-01-08T17:22:00.000+08:00

Today Mom & Pop sent me to King's Kids. How did I feel?

We arrived early at about 8.45am. I think I was 3rd to arrive and Aunty Lara and Aunty Fiona welcomed me. At least they squatted down to smile and shake hands with me, not like the other 'BB' school where the teacher dragged me in crying on the first day.

I was taken to a table where 2 other kids were playing with playdough. I was comfortable and starting making some trains and coaches. I knew Mom was sitting nearby. She took a picture of me too. She left after a while but told me so first. I felt good.

Mom told me later that she hung around at the coffee shop and the playground park while waiting for me. She peeped at me occasionally but I didn't notice. There are 17 in my class (10 girls and 7 boys) but we were split into groups of 4 or 5. Aunty Fiona played counting sticks with my group. I enjoyed storytime by Aunty Jennifer.

School's over early today at 12pm (usually 12.45pm) and I was the first to leave as Mom & Pop came a bit early. After Pop took some shots of BHP stations, we went home for lunch.

After bathtime, Kakak took me for Kumon class. Then we made cup cakes. In the evening, Mom took me to Yamaha for music class. We waited quite long for a cab and Mom had to pay extra. She said both trips cost a total of RM20 that day. Pop couldn't pick us as he was golfing with Uncle Chan, Uncle Lamb and Uncle Tony.

Teacher Maggie said we were all rusty after the long break. I could play Cuckoo's Nest but right hand only. I can play Kangaroo Family too with my left hand cos my fingers are pretty long and can stretch to reach the keys, 'ti' and 'so'. I nearly didn't get stickers cos Teacher Maggie reprimanded me a few times for disturbing Jayden and not paying attention.

Mom paid fees early to get more stickers. Yann Ling cried and Mom questioned me about it. I think Jayden and I kind of played quite rough and accidentally hit her.

Dengue Fever!

2007-01-03T21:45:00.000+08:00

Oh dear, it's confirmed that Mom's got Dengue Fever. She went to Selangor Medical Center in Shah Alam this morning expecting to do an endoscopy but the Gastroentero... something specialist recommended a 2nd dengue test and true enough it was positive. Her platelet count was 61K which the doc said was very low but since she was feeling better today she need not be admitted. But she needs to go back for more tests tomorrow.

Went riding on my new bike with Erin. When Mom came back, she made Mulligatawny Soup, which is a peppery Eurasian soup that my Dad's family enjoys during New Year.

Grand Aunty Jack called me before going back to Australia.

It was Chinese duck song at Aunty Wohdy's and then Erin and Aunty Pat came over. Next week to bring umbrellas???

Mom's driving me bananas giving me instructions in Malay to fix the Bygga motorbike.

Grand Aunty Jac from Australia

2007-01-03T06:12:00.000+08:00

Pop's Aunty Jacklyn - that makes her my Grand Aunty Jac, came for a visit. It's the first time I've met her. She lives with Uncle Mike in Harvey Bay, Australia.

She's cool. She gave me crackers and lots of junk food. We went for nyonya food with Grand Aunty Doreen as well. They came over for fruits and to see Mom (still queasy) but I had fallen asleep by then.

Mom said that when she and Pop (not married then) visited them when they were staying in SS3 PJ long ago in the 80s, she made sure they stayed in different bedrooms!

Here's the Preston Train she gave me. It's solid diecast! Couldn't find much info on the net though except that it's probably from Lancashire.

Grand Aunty Jac is so nice. I like her and hope to visit her soon.

What a week!

2006-12-31T22:32:00.000+08:00

Will write later as Mom's very sick.

Hilton Trains

2006-12-25T22:12:00.000+08:00

Each year at Christmas time, without fail, we will visit the Train Exhibition at Hilton, PJ. The trains are up for about a month from 1st December.

Santa Came!!!

2006-12-25T11:26:00.000+08:00

After Lyn & Billy's wedding dinner at Shangri-la, we came home just after midnight and guess what.....

Santa really came! I had written to him earlier to thank him for the LIONEL Polar Express but I also told him that the bell and whistle was not working. He wrote to me and said he will teach my Pop to fix it and you know what, he sent me something else ....... the LIONEL Christmas Tinsel Town Express!

Wow! This is the biggest train I've got so far. It's G gauge tracks with lights. horn, bell, whistle and electronic Christmas songs. This is perfect for under the Christmas tree.

Play this short video to hear the sounds:

Santa gave me extra Polar Express HO Fastracks and extra coach too - the 'Hot Chocolate' with a round 'TIcket' to the North Pole.

So Poppy and I moved the Polar Express tracks from under the tree and expanded them to the living room. Next we have to think about the landscape.

Jayden's Party

2006-12-25T01:26:00.000+08:00

It was a cosy homely BBQ at Jayden's and there was Gifts Exchange for the kids. This is Jayden, Ryan and me. Tyler was asleep by then.

A sneak preview of Jayden's Christmas present....

All I want for Christmas is ...... grrrr.....

It's the LEGO City: Cargo Train Deluxe Set! Awesome!

There was a early cake for Uncle Jackie's birthday too.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

2006-12-22T00:36:00.001+08:00

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a very Happy and Joyful New Year. May all your dreams come true!

Christmas Eve on Sunday, 24th December 2006 at 8.45pm - Don't forget to watch The Polar Express on HBO Channel 40, Astro!!!

Is Santa for real?

2006-12-21T23:23:00.000+08:00

Hi

I had a small argument with my friend Bowei in Shichida class today. Kakak was with me as Mom had to go buy stuff to rescue her crashed computer.

Sensei was doing Christmas Image Training and the subject of Santa Claus came up. Bowei said that Santa is not real but I told him that 'Mr C' definitely IS cos he gave me an early Christmas present this year - the Polar Express Train!

He went on to say that his brother Bomen, who is 8yrs old says that Santa is dead. That's how we got into an argument about whether Santa is REAL.

He is, isn't he? What do you think?

Happy Feet, Yamaha, Zoo

2006-12-19T23:44:00.000+08:00

Sat 16th Dec 2007

All day at 1-Utama. Enjoyed Happy Feet.

Mon 18th Dec 2007

Yamaha JMC end of 1st term Concert. I helped make almond cookies for the party.Teacher Maggie looked a bit panicky when I drew No.1 to perform. Played 2 solos - Happy Days and Tug of War. Mom said I did well, PHEW! Best part of the evening was Party time!

Our little performance:

Tues 19th Dec 2007

Mom organized a trip to Zoo Negara - 24 Moms and kids turned up. Wondered why the penguins at the zoo couldn't speak like Mumble? Click here to see some pictures.

Happy Birthday Mikhael

2006-12-11T00:40:00.000+08:00

It was a weekend of grand parties! This one's at the Bukit Kiara Polo Club.

Mikhael's my 2nd (generation?) cousin and we were born exactly 2 weeks apart.

Mom's camera battery died before Mikhael could cut the cake :( . Anyway here are some snapshots:

A little trot before munchies

Trick candles that had the kids blow over and over again. Yuks, all that saliva.

Mikhael, the Power Ranger!

Mr Incredible pouring 'water' on Cameron

Wiljo's Party

2006-12-10T10:17:00.001+08:00

Today, I attended Wiljo's birthday party at Bukit Jalil Golf Club poolside. I wasn't scared of the clown and I made it to the statue dance finals...but the clown tricked me....he pointed to a girl in the audience and asked me if she was my sister. I shook my head, and that was my downfall.

That's me on stage - the shortest one.

Wiljo's Cake!

The Birthday Boy! (center)

There was Malaysian David Copperfield magician show too. Mom says this is the most elaborate kids' party we've been to so far.

Harry Potter at my Birthday Party

2006-12-10T09:41:00.002+08:00

I would like to write something about Harry Potter today. I think his scar is cool and quidditch too. There's a demo game here - http://harrypotter.warnerbros.com/games/quidditch/seeker.html .

Mom bought me the complete set of Harry Potter DVDs for my birthday last month. I had a Hogwarts Express train cake. It was yummy!

My 4th Birthday at Play & Learn, 1-Utama

Chugga Chugga Choo Choo!

2006-12-09T01:20:00.000+08:00

Hello World!

I'm Linus Dengah. My friends call me the train kid. My mom says I've been smitten with trains eversince I was 6 months old. So she started this blog to to trace my steps into adulthood and see if I really make it to be what I really want to be - A Steam Train Driver!

Mom says in 20 years or so when I'm ready to work, there might not be any trains that would need a driver :(

But then Mom, there're always amusement park joy rides. Huh@??