Lokemun Magar Writes

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About Me

Writing is my voice. My pens, pencils and now my PDA are my greatest companions, second to my son, of course. They share my happiest, saddest and silliest moments. At times, they cry out to God on my behalf when I have no more sounds to utter in my throat or tears left to cry.

After living forty-four years on Earth, I discovered that both my son and I are blessed with ADHD, and that, probably in my mother's footsteps. She used to climb rambutan trees and once caught a twig right down under when she saw my great-grandfather below the branches of leaves and ripened fruit. If you know the truth, the truth shall set you free. How true it is - I now have a clearer understanding of the wires within me and have discovered the pliers needed to rewire my son, myself and other kids in my life.

I almost ended up in the computer line, my mother's choice of vocation for me after college but I chose to teach so that I could go to the university via bursaries that never came. My career at Helium.com shows that mothers know best.

 

ABCs of Mun's Writing

As someone with ADHD, I dabble in lots of things. My writing shows this trait of mine up clearly, as indicated by the number of channels I write to.

ABOUT LIFE

Motherhood has been a roller-coaster ride for me, as I juggle time for work, home and Helium.com. As I write, I find the ride more enjoyable, as writing helps me reflect on the various aspects of motherhood and being a friend to my son. Here, I share a glimpse into my life. May you be blessed reading my experiences.

Take a peek into my life and thoughts.

Health and Hygiene

How to brush your teeth without a toothbrush

How do you brush your teeth without a toothbrush? What constitutes a toothbrush? Other than using our conventional plastic rod with bristles on one end to scrape off the dreaded plague on and inbetween the tooth and the gum, we usually cannot think of other ways to brush our teeth without a toothbrush! "What! Brush your teeth without a toothbrush? You must be out of your mind!" I can almost hear my eldest sister scream in heaven. She was the fastidious one among the five of us girls. read more

 

Life Experiences

Memoirs: Hand-me-downs

Hand-me-downs were a norm in poor families. If we were lucky, we got to shop and got our 'brand new' New Year clothes and shoes from neighborhood shops once a year. Some thirty years down the road since those hard times, my wardrobe still holds a couple of hand-me-downs. They serve to remind me of the good old days when money was scarce and hard to come by, when my mother, my four siblings and I were housed in a two bedroom rented apartment and subsequently in one we could finally read more

A thank you to my role model and mentor

People slip in and out of my life, many of whom were my role models and mentors in their own ways. Have I ever had the opportunity to say a thank you to them for touching my life in a special way? I wish I had, for many of them. The lyrics Starry Starry Nights of the ballet Vincent bring to mind a much talked about former Principal in my former school. 2008 marks two decades of knowing him, even though I have not met him since 2004. My first encounter with him was in my new class, read more

 

Motherhood

Breastfeeding: Tips on best positions for you and your baby

Breastfeeding positions are as many as our creative minds can come up with. The greatest tip on the best position for both you and your baby is that the position must be most comfortable for both you and your baby. Breastfeeding can be looked upon as one of the world's most controversial human activities on Earth. When we see piglets suckling at a sow's nipples, or a calf at her mother's udder, we say 'So cute!' and point them out to our kids. But when we see a mother and her read more

Tips for shopping with children

Shopping with children can be a joy or a chore. The choice is obvious if we have a screaming brat who cannot keep his hands to himself: leave him at home and make sure he does not even get to the main entrance of any shopping center! However, not everyone can make that choice a reality. There are single parents and couples who not only have to eke out a living but to mind their children all other hours that they are away from work. There are no opportunities to sneak out for a read more

 

CRAFTS

I write about crafts from my experience as an Art teacher as well as personal dabbling at crafts. Being someone with ADHD helps me generate all kinds of unconventional crafts ideas. 

by Lokemun Magar

Are you cooped up in the house with a litter of sugar-high children while they stare gloomily at the rain through the misty windows? What are some fun rainy projects for such kids? Try the following c...read more
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by Lokemun Magar

Have you ever considered giving mini scrapbooks as gifts? Many of us would probably think of scrapbooks as memory holders for ourselves. Few would probably have considered the possibility of mini scra...read more
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by Lokemun Magar

Tips for buying a Toy Kitchen A toy kitchen is a wonderful surreal gift for children. It gives them an opportunity to explore the real world in a safe environment. Besides giving children a feel of...read more
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ASIA TRAVELS

Traveling is my hobby, next to writing. Traveling in and around Asia has opened my eyes to the many blessings I have in my home country. I now travel with a goal - to be a blessing to my fellow Asians. It is my desire that my writing will bring about greater awareness of the lives of Asians and will bring about more tourists to support them in their struggle for their daily bread.

by Lokemun Magar

Jesus once said, "The poor you will always have among you." Poverty is in every corner of the world. The difference is that while the poor in rich countries are helped by the government and voluntary ...read more
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by Lokemun Magar

Phnom Penh, Cambodia, is a city of different faces - from rustic quiet streets of low-rise homes, to commercialised and modern buildings of rising heights. As the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh draws...read more
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by Lokemun Magar

If you have only a day in Singapore, you could opt for one of the following categories of itineraries: A. Nature and Nurture: The first thing that strikes you about Singapore upon landing and walki...read more
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photo by FeNe

EXOTIC TRAVELS

I have been far and wide in Asia and the Middle East. Europe and USA are out of reach until my son becomes financially independent. I like to travel a country a few years before I move on to another. I believe in digging deep and not just touching the earth.

I love nature and being on the road. Come travel with me. Explore the varied languages and cultures around the world.

by Lokemun Magar

It was October 2006 when I first decided to give myself a break and go to an exotic Arab country in December. Dubai, which I heard was another bustling city similar to what I come from, was certainly ...read more
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by Lokemun Magar

NEPAL is the country where mountains shout 'Never Ending Peace and Love'. Nepal is where one finds never-ending peace and love on its mountains. Mountains may be defaced by mankind. But man's devastat...read more
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EDUCATION

As a mother of ten years and a teacher of many more years, life has been very much enriched by my students and adopted children from among them. Having a son with special needs enables me to see the perfection in the imperfect, and to realize why children are such precious gifts from God. In these articles, I choose to share the joys of learning and to grow wise brains. Not everyone is born a gifted child, but every child is bestowed something that he can present as a gift to the world he lives in. As an educator, I make it my mission to help my students discover that something and begin the journey to make that something his gift to the world.


photo by Sarah and Jason

by Lokemun Magar

Family activities can certainly help to improve reading in children, even if the parents are not fluent or avid readers themselves. It can take a late developer up eight years to become an independent...read more
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photo by Edwin Dalorzo

by Lokemun Magar

What is the difference between discipline and punishment? The simplest definition of 'discipline' is 'to teach a child what is the right or wrong path and to choose the right path without fear or coer...read more
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FOOD

I love to eat even though I don't cook as well as my sisters do. However, that does not stop me from cooking and writing about food. I believe in eating well and eating moderately. Some people eat as if there is no tomorrow. I eat to ensure a healthier tomorrow.


photo by kennymatic

by Lokemun Magar

What do we do with the porcelain at a Chinese restaurant and especially at a formal dinner? Do we use a chopstick to hit a teacup or a plate as we do with a spoon and a wine glass when we call everyon...read more
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Other Food Articles

The local cuisine and food of Cambodia

The Cambodian diet is as varied as the languages Cambodians have borrowed words from. Two main features, however, prevail in many recipes - sweet and vinegar-sour or spicy hot. The Cambodian mango salad is either sweet and vinegar-sour or spicy hot. You can never duplicate its taste using mangoes from other countries - there can only be the special taste using its home-grown Cambodian green mango. This unique mango has light yellow-orange or greenish-white flesh. Do not be deceived read more

How to prepare live crabs for cooking

Crabs are a favorite among seafood lovers, especially when they are freshly slaughtered and cooked in various chilies, curries and spices or just steamed and eaten on its own. Not many people who love eating crabs know how to prepare live crabs for cooking. Preparing live crabs for cooking is an art of its own. When properly prepared, crabs become a delicacy on their own merit and the pleasure derived from eating them is multiplied. Crabs are rampant in the coastal regions of read more

Restaurant reviews: The Prata Place, Singapore

Mention roti prata to my son and I and we will suggest the family-run The Prata Place in Singapore which sells the most crispy roti prata in town. You will also see us transform into salivating salesmen pushing our favorite sinfully healthy prata meals at the Prata Place. Roti prata is a flat pan fried wheat flour pancake. It is common to Indian and Malay cuisine. At The Prata Place where the humble food is sold by the hundreds per day, ingredients to make the dough are usually read more

Drink recipes: Ginger tea

Ginger tea warmths the sick and dreary body and livens tired bones. It is popular among the older Chinese folk and those who believe in traditional boiled medicines and is easy to brew in a crockpot or slow cooker. I was coming down with a cold last week, fueled by the late monsoon rains. Being the last week of the School Term, I decided to go for a full-body Javanese massage. The receptionist suggested a ginger oil and hot ginger treatment. My regular masseuse gave me a great read more

How to travel free and easy. I have been traveling free and easy alone and then with a kid in tow for the past eighteen years and have enjoyed it thoroughly. A holiday is a lazy time for me - no rush for the toilet queue, no shopping, no morning calls

Step 1

Pick your destination..... four months in advance.

This is the simplest step - unless you have a family of ten who have their own ideal country to pick!

Take a virtual tour of your destination.

Step 2

Search and browse, especially comments by those who have been there.

Decide on your budget and save!

Step 3

Four months would help you save towards your trip. That way, you will not need to eat into your savings unless you have pre-budgeted for a holiday.

Shop online for your air tickets and hotels

Step 4

Do not be in a hurry to grab the first flight tickets or hotel. A word of caution: do not procrastinate either! Keep a look out for early bird discounts but read carefully the tiny words printed in the brochure. Take note that pictures are taken to make the hotel look good - search out pictures from flkr.com or Facebook taken by genuine travelers for a more realistic representation.

P.N.G.

Step 5

Pack your luggage - make sure you check out the weather conditions durin your stay there. Bring versatile pieces of clothing that you can mix and match.

Look forward to your holiday!

Step 6

Watch out for the exchange rate if you are going to an expensive country. Change your money when rates are down.

Showing Comments 1 to 9 of 9

Lokemun Magar
Posted on: Apr 25, 09 at 12:03 PM
Thanks ladies. Any comments to improve - more than welcome!
Ann Marie Dwyer
Posted on: Apr 23, 09 at 04:44 PM
This is a great snapshot, Mun! I love the way you step up the travel steps!
Rachelle de Bretagne
Posted on: Apr 23, 09 at 06:38 AM
Great Zone Mun and well chosen illustrations. Rachel
Shaheen Darr
Posted on: Apr 23, 09 at 05:56 AM
Wonderful zone Mun, love your use of words when you write. They really hold your attention. Being a teacher that is not surprisng! Will be back for more :)
Ty Fillers
Posted on: Apr 22, 09 at 11:46 PM
Great page with very interesting articles, Mun!
Tina Hartley
Posted on: Apr 22, 09 at 09:56 PM
What a wonderful page, Mun! Good job!
Mona Gallagher
Posted on: Apr 21, 09 at 02:50 PM
Wonderful site Mun!
Nan Keltie
Posted on: Apr 20, 09 at 11:00 PM
Bless you, Mun, your site is full of intrigue! Thank you for sharing your life experiences and travels with us. Your parent/teacher patience and wisdom shines through, too.
Robin Tidwell
Posted on: Apr 20, 09 at 10:40 PM
Just beautiful, Mun! I, too, love "Vincent" - hadn't thought of it in years....

Zone Manager

Helium member since Jul 05, 07
Number of Zones: 7

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Affiliations

I have spent nine blissful years as a teacher in charge of a Girls' Brigade company and subsequently as a friend of the Girls' Brigade Singapore and Girls' Brigade Cambodia during the holidays.

  • The Girls� Brigade Singapore (GBS) is an international uniformed youth organisation for girls, recognised by Ministry of Education of Singapore ...

Past Publications

My first Helium article was sold before the creation of Marketplace. You will find it at http://www.thebabybin.com/kids-health/raising-an-active-chil d-2/

My Blog

on Apr 20, 09 at 06:44 PM

When asked to write, many would shun the task and such folks include teachers. "But I am a teacher, not a writer," would be the common excuse. Pause here if you are a teacher and especially if you are a teacher of the English Language.

Imagine your student telling you, "But I am not growing up into an English Language teacher! I want to be a pilot when I grow up and I won't need to write letters in the air!" What would you say to your student?

Many teachers do not realize the power of the pen, or in today's technology-driven world, that of the keyboard. The power is in you - you move the pen, you move the keyboard. As an English Language teacher, you have the power to write and to motivate your students. You must love what you are doing if you want to teach well.

"But I read better than I

Blog Archive

Read all about me

Discover me and you'll go on a wonderful journey in and around the world.

Parenting Special Needs Site Steward


photo by annikaleigh

I have recently started a new life at stewarding, an opportunity to learn to grow a channel and nurture it to adulthood. Join me in this exciting adventure as we learn to write and help ourselves and others be better parents to kids with special needs.

by Lokemun Magar

The dangers of labeling a child We come across children of various learning disabilities especially in the teaching profession, the more common being children labeled Attention Deficit Hyperactivity ...read more
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by Lokemun Magar

Detecting learning disabilities in the first grade can mean priceless help given to the first grader at the beginning of his formal years of education. It can make or break a child's educational caree...read more
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by Lokemun Magar

Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD, ADHD, hyperactive children, children running wildly around, things crashing down in the toy shop and kitchenware department, disapproving stares from strangers, ill be...read more
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by Lokemun Magar

In the past, children with learning disabilities were hidden at home. A pathetic few might never have left home until their souls had first left their bodies. Today, however, children with learning d...read more
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Join these groups. We learn as we share.

Special Needs: http://www.helium.com/groups/forumShow/318

Kids with Special Needs are Special Kids: http://www.helium.com/groups/forumPostShow/981

Down Syndrome Kids are Angels in Disguise: http://www.helium.com/groups/forumPostShow/1256

Parents Unanimous: http://www.helium.com/groups/groupshow/25

Parenting Special Needs Kids: http://www.helium.com/groups/groupshow/260

Miracles - Do They Really Happen? http://www.helium.com/groups/groupshow/254
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