36th week of Pregnancy #2

1jan-7jan 2014

Wed
Woke up around 7a. TK cried TK and Hubby went to buy vegetables for dinner while Marmy made Bee Hoon and Guo Tiao with old cucumber soup.

Thur
First day of Pri school for neighbour Aunt A's child E gor gor.

Fri
Went for gynae appt at 12plus after sending TK to Childcare. Fetched TK to attend a Dharma Talk after Childcare at 5plus. Brought some bread and make a bowl of porridge to eat on the way. Had supper when reached home 10plus.

Sat
TK didn't celebrate Grandmum's birthdae in advance. Granddad and Grandmum attending a baby shower celebration at cou px place. Had vegetarian Bee Hoon for brunch and brought cake for tea. Made Bee Tai Mak for late lunch and lotus root soup. Grandma not feeling well. TK finally zz 315p after 'serious warning' just before the car alarm stopped.

Sun
TK attended Di Zi Gui first class this year.

Tue
Grannies attending Senior citizens activities in the afternoon. Grandpa came with some fruits and fetching TK later 5plus. Had glutinous rice for breakfast. Made pumpkin, lotus root and Tau Kwa to add to white rice and vegetarian mutton curry for lunch.

35th week of Pregnancy #2

25dec-31dec 2013

Wed
TK played the Glider and asked to stand on it instead. Ask to have a race with him on his Pooh car. TK napped at 2plus and woke up after 1h to watch the cartoon 'Ponyo'. TK loves it! TK helped to wipe floor area after Dardy and TK cleared all the toys and mat.

Thur
Woke up at 635a. TK wet bed. Grandma visited after dinner with raisin bread and TK played on his new Glider to convince her it's very simple.

Fri
TK woke up sleepy, and still abit cough and runny nose. Hubby fetched TK at 5p. Going to TCM at 7p before dinner.

Sat
TK wet bed at 535a, woke up at 8a, played a while before taking a cup of Milo and helped to wash sweet potatoes after returning from brunch and Hubby made lotus sweet potato soup with ginger for tea. Finally asleep 245p after story-telling and much struggling. Went to Lil' Grandaunt's place for gathering with pizza after dinner.

Sun
Went KMS for prayers & vegetarian 7-course lunch (final one this year and before EDD) with Grandmum. TK napped more than 2h, went to Aunt R's house for gathering. TK jogged hurriedly feeling excited after alighting bus holding Marmy's hand.

Mon
Peed TK at 345a, and again at 715a. TK already wet bed slightly. Had 2 slices of bread with vegetarian oat Ham.

Tue
Our anniversary. Sent TK to Childcare and have 2 options: A) stay at the nearby coffeeshop to read while waiting to fetch TK after lunch or B) go recee new places of makan nearby. TK grannies not coming over to see fireworks after dinner. Came and left home at 9plus instead, despite TK's persuasion.

Tombsweeping Day or Qing Ming 清明

Today is Tombsweeping Day, many people may not realise that the true meaning and essence of paying respects to our ancestors is to remind ourselves to be filial and grateful to our living loved ones, especially our parents..

Sad to say, Qing Ming has gradually become an activity for the elderly, like the CNY house visiting where few young people participate. Some may not even attend at all having reasons such as preparing for tests or exams, doing projects, having to work or simply busy with work/ family etc.

It will be best if children are educated from young the meaning of Qing Ming and why non-vegetarian offerings are inappropriate.

The True meaning of Buddhist Festivals 佛教节日的意义

佛教的节日有一个别于其他节日的特点：那就是每个节日都要敬佛布施。敬佛，是用自己的虔诚恭敬之心向寺庙或家里的佛菩萨供像敬献香、花、灯、烛、果、 茶等供品；布施则有两种内涵：一是布施僧众，二是布施诸己。 

布施僧众，即向僧人及其他贫弱众生布施财物和爱心，也叫外布。佛教的“诸己”是指各种不健康的心念或心理。佛教认为，人有几种不健康的心理就有几个不同的自我存在，而形成各种不健康的人格。如果把诸多不健康的心都布施掉了，人们就不会见到自私的人、暴虐的人、狠毒的人、冷酷的人、多疑多妒的人，人就与天地同心同德，有一个健康完美的人格，即是圣人即是佛了。

所以“布施诸己”即是布施我们自身的怨恨心、急燥心、妒忌心、贪娈心、淫欲心、偷盗心、欺诈心、陷害心、报复心、仇恨心等等，这也叫内布施。内布施正是佛教修行的根本。因此，敬佛布施的内涵和意义不外乎助人思过而已。这“助人思过”有着无限的空间供人们去发挥。这是佛教节日的意义所在。