sorry, how many again?

my in-laws are coming for a 2-week visit.

no, this is not the typical in-laws horror story. we get on splendidly.....i guess that is the very least hubby dearest can expect, since we do not even stay in the same country. we see each other but a couple of times every year, ranging from 5 days to 2 weeks each time and it is not difficult to maintain civility when we cross paths. that sounds a little cold.......no, the love goes deeper than that.

anyway, this visit means that i will have to fit 17 people into a small 3-bedroom condo.......and make sure that no toes are stepped on (maybe i should submit my claim to guiness world of records). 17 different people, with age groups ranging from 3mths to 40years. 17 different people with 17 different taste and habits.

the first task of the day will be to organise their reception, which falls on different days incidentally. and then when they are all settled in, i need to source breakfast for 17 people, who wake up at different hours of the day. after brekkie, i will have to suggest entertainment according to their age-groups and arrange for their various transportation. oh yes, and there is also the supervision of 8 children whilst their parents are out enjoying their holidays. all this and at the same time make sure that my children's regular schedule is unaffected.

i sound like a regular tour agency. hmmmm.......maybe, after this experience, i can outsource my services to interested parties.

hubby dearest seems to have it good. smack his bottom and off to office he goes, leaving me to change into my super-woman costume. still, i can't complain for i love them too and it is the least i can do for them.

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do you ever realise that people just like to complicate things?

it's strange - but some people can take the simplest thing and turn it into the most mind-boggling, perplexing puzzle. actually, i think most of us do. let's take a deep breath, and take a step away from the problem. maybe we can see it clearly for what it is then.

che-che's teacher has sent me an e-mail, explaining what they are doing in school this week. it seems that they are doing addition and subtraction (primary one level) but i am not quite sure:



Addition Number bonds (Make 10 first)

1) 1 2 + 7 = 19 ..................................................10 + 2 + 7
...../ \ ..................................................................= 10 + 9
(10) (2) ..............................................................= 19


1) In this question, the bigger number is in front.
2) Therefore, take out the "tens" first.
3) Put the "tens" in the front circle (10)
4) Then only add the "ones" (2+7=9)
5) So, 10+9=19


2) 4 + 1 5 = 19................................................ 4 + 5 + 10
............/ \ ......................................................= 9 + 10
........(10) (5) ...................................................= 19


1) In the question, the bigger number is at the back.
2) Therefore, take out the "tens" and put it in the second circle.
3) Put the "ones" in front. (4+5=9)
4) Then add the (10)
5) So, 9+10=19


3) 1 6 - 2 = 14 .............................................6 - 2 = 4
...../ \.............................................................= 10 + 4
(10) (6) ........................................................= 14



1) in this question, the "tens" can be taken out straight from (10)
2) Therefore, put the "tens" in the first circle.
3) Put the "ones" in the second circle.
4) Subtract the "ones" first (6-2=4)
5) Then, add the "tens" in front
6) 10+4=14


4) 1 5 - 8 = 7 ...............................................10 - 8 = 2
...../ \ ........................................................... 5 + 2
..(5) (10) ......................................................= 7



1) In this question, make "tens" first and put it in the second circle.
2) This is because "5" cannot minus 8
3) 10-8=2
4) Add (5+2)
5) 5+2=7


sigh! whatever happened to finger-counting? primary 1 maths give me a headache.