Childhood, by Genevieve (11)

I was born on the 30^th of September in 1992, at Gleneagles Hospital, Singapore. I was the first born and lived with my parents and grandparents at a flat at Orchard Road. We also had a maid at that time, and I was much attached to her, so much that she was almost like my mother! Grandmother often came and looked after me as well and Grandfather doted on me the most. Every time I cried, he would take me out to Centrepoint as it was just opposite my house. He brought me there so often that practically all the shop owners there recognized me! Every time we went there, he would buy a giant piece of bagua for me and that was also the reason why I had plenty of ulcers when I was a toddler. He was always the one who carried me around comforting me whenever I cried and never once did scold me.

Dad, too, loved me very much. At that time when I was just born, he was thirty-three and was studying for a Masters-degree. He would carry my in his arms with his books in front of him and study. However many a times he would doze off studying! Finally when he went for the examination, he failed and laughs it off, putting the blame on me in a jokingly manner.

Mom was the greatest too. She would always play with me whenever I was awake and not crying. She was rather impatient though, as she would leave me on the bed to cry whenever I did and did not want to comfort me or anything like that. At times like these Grandfather would take over.

Three years later, we moved house to a terrace house as I had a little brother! His name was Douglas and I loved him very much. We were really close ever since young and often played together. No doubt there were many quarrels, but that is what siblinghood is all about isn't it?

I remember vividly the first few days we moved to our new place, there was a little girl next door whose name was Xin Ying and she came into my house and so bravely said 'Hello' and introduced herself! She was the same age as me, coincidentally and ever since then, we played together and did every little thing together. She was my best friend even up till now as well. Soon after, more families moved in to that area and we all were neighbours. By then, Xin Ying's and my family were very close already; our parents go out together and things like that. More families joined and we all became like one really big happy family! This is one of the things in my life that I am most proud of – a perfect neighbourhood. It is very uncommon to have so many families so close and get along so well together!

Time passed by and our bonds got stronger and stronger. We often went on overseas trips together! And all the times spent with all of them were not once boring, in fact each was really enjoyable and each was special. They all are such a great fun bunch.

Here's a picture of Xinying and I, getting ready for first day of school as Primary One kids. I'm on the right and she, the left! And yes, I was from Rosyth Primary.

Remember I said I was very attached to my maid at that time? Knowing I liked to play with candles, once she lit up several candles and left me to play with them while she went off and did some housework. Being so fascinated by the candles, I went so near them that my eyelashes nearly got burnt! Fortunately Mom came down just in time to carry me away from the candles, otherwise who knows what could have happened to me! After that incident, the maid suddenly disappeared. I didn’t know what happened as I was still very young but Mom told me she ran away from home. The initial period without her by my side was very hectic for Mom and Dad, because I behaved as if I lost a mother. Fortunately the situation got better over time.

Oh, I had a dog as well! He is a German Shepherd, but white in colour. I am really proud of him because white German Shepherds are really uncommon. His name was Russell and he was just a puppy when we first got him. I remember a time where I took him out on a walk when I was only five. He was really strong! So much stronger than I expected and I could not keep him in control and he went around me in circles, tangling me up with the leash. Then he took a dash, and me being stuck, fell flat to the ground. That made me burst out in tears then but thinking about it now it seems to appear rather amusing.

Another silly thing that I've done when I was a kid was that I saw a really colourful and appealing little package labeled 'fruity' or something like that. Being very hungry at that moment, I thought it was chocolate. I opened up the packet and saw that it was white in colour. Being more excited and delighted, I took my first bite into the 'chocolate' as white chocolate was my favourite. It was only then when I felt that it tasted weird. Being really silly enough, I even swallowed part of it before I realized… it was actually soap! I practically rinsed and washed my mouth so vigorously for numerous times.

There are many, many more of such really silly and ridiculous incidents but I guess I will stop talking about them just here. I'm so glad I wasn’t injury-prone when I was young like many kids were! However I was rather often the victim to school bullies, especially in lower primary school.

I guess my childhood is rather interesting and there were seldom times when it is boring. I find myself really fortunate as a child, even fortunate up till now because there is nothing really important missing in my life. My parents are ever loving, I have the best brother anyone could have, my grandparents are all healthy and happy, I have a beautiful home to look forward to going to everyday, I have great neighbours and friends, and there is nothing else that I could ask for. I appreciate all of them very much and they all mean truckloads to me :)

Oh! Another interesting thing?

I had a boyfriend in Kindergarten. How sweet's that?!

HAHA!