2nd In Charge

My beloved sister is away travelling for about 10 days. This is her first time away for so long and she is very concerned about the extended time away from her 4-year old. Her motherly duties have been divided among the nephew's favourite grandma, the serious aunt (that would be me) and our new flatmate. My sister is so used to being on top of her game and running the show at home that she had a difficult time letting go and delegating duties to, in her mind, less capable people. Well, it is no wonder she thinks that way because when she is around we mostly prefer to stand back and mind our own business (Shu is guilty as charged)!

She was telling a million little things on her way out of the house and at several transits she had in Sri Lanka, Bangkok and finally at the destination, China (of which only a 40-60% may have made it to my long term memory). Several times I had to tell her to just shut up and go enjoy the trip because we will be just fine!

1. If he has a cough, do this, this and this
2. Don't forget to pick him up from school ON TIME
2. Use THIS pan instead of THIS one to heat his food
3. Be nice to him (yeah, you wait and see how he's going to get un-pampered by the aunt *evil grin*)
4. Don't forget to feed the turtle and clean its bowl (great, a 4-year old AND a turtle)
5. DO NOT let him do this, this and this
6. Make sure to check his homework diary and send the things the school wants
7. Etc, etc, etc (I'm pretty sure I was supposed to remember more than that!)

And if THOSE were not enough, we have a dummy's guide to walk us through for 10 days plastered to the kitchen cupboard (isn't she extremely thoughtful??):

Why, there's online consultation on Skype and Whatsapp too!

The moment she left, my 'responsible mode' kicked in. And I have been on top of things in her absence. Of course, I have plenty of help so it's easier. And I already have my expert certification in looking after 2-4 year olds. The kid's an interesting specimen to work with and observe; trying out quicker ways of eating food, hypnotherapy watching the effects of different types of training and coaching, etc. Results of data gathered will be used to research further on how best to bring up sensible and well rounded children.

Sigh. Military style techniques in Aunt Shu's School of Reform is only effective with persistent practice. It won't help when grandmas are too nice and accommodating of all requests!

Today, while buying doughnuts for his school snack, I was shocked to see the various types of doughnuts on display. They looked SOOO SUGARY that these might as well be called sugar coated diabetes. My teeth shuddered just looking at them.

Here's the latest addition to the family - a red-eared slider, aka. Toto the turtle.

I miss my super sis.