NextDoor

Most of our forefathers arrived here for the same reason. Many with just a shirt on their back. Amongst them the good, the bad, the ugly. Together their determination and hardwork many a times in the most punishing condition, we are where and who we are today. The migrants who, in this age and time are referred as foreign labourers. Today, we depend on them to do the good, the bad and the ugly of the work descriptions. Yet, most are not able to accept them living amongst (link to the artical from ST) as a few black sheeps have made the rest a menace to the neighbours. Their presence may spoil the safe, tranquil image of the neighbourhood. I wonder what they think of our perceptions of them.

Hurdles

It's just less than two weeks to major exams for many. The primary 6 has started with the 1st paper, english on friday last week. Today, youngest told me that the PSLE mathematic papers must have been very tough for she witness few girls in tears coming out of the hall after the exam, while she was having her recess. This is giving her the jitters as she will be sitting for her Primary School Leaving Exam this time next year. This is the beginning of the many hurdles in life she must face to get on to the next phase and the next. Eldest sigh! Remembering the days when she too was fretting over this and hoping the exam would be over as soon as possible. Then it's Yippee!!!! it's over. A ton of Bricks of the shoulder. It did and now in less than 3 weeks she will be sitting for another major exam. 'sigh'

Taking charge

Looking at the handsome young man walked down the isle with his ravishing bride by his side, memories of his childhood flooded back. Later, during dinner, mum related his story.

He was the youngest of the 5 boys. His mother was never home. His Dad would come home in the wee hours of the morning very drunk and violent towards the children and wife. To keep her sanity, his mother spent most of her waking hours at the mahjong tables while children were left to their own antics. The maids took care of the children's needs. One morning, at the age of 6, running a high fever, he not find mum nor the maid in the big shop house. He helped himself with the medication that was meant for his brother. The next day, he walked over to 4th aunt's house and asked if he could stay with her. Now 4th aunt had been married for many years but childless, doted on him. Gladly 4th aunt welcomed him.

A week later, at the tender age of only 6, he proudly declared to everyone that from that day forth he is the son of 4th aunt. His parents, too engrossed with their own busy life to care. Besides they already had 4 other boys. Moreover, 4th aunt was just two doors away for the row of shophouses. This was 1960s in a town situated in the jungles of Pahang.

He excelled in studies and furthered his education in Singapore. Graduating from NUS, with a degree in law. Went back to his hometown years later, to get the blessing from his two sets of parents for his marriage. However, his relationship with his natural parents were strained. Apart from the customary greeting, they hardly speak.

Far and Away

Her mother was from a small town somewhere north of the peninsular. At the age of 34 she finally seattled down with, through introduction from friends, a gentleman working in Singapore. Her priority was to start a family and within a year, adorable baby Karen arrived. Tough time for mother, as babe was constantly having coughs and colds. To aggravate the matter, little Karen was suffering from constant asthma attack. Her mother decided something has to been done to prevent further deterioration of her health. The windows in the apartment shut tight to keep the dust out. Soft toys were not allowed. No cold drinks, ice cream, fruits nor chocolate. Fast food was not on the eat-out menu.. Outing only if it's conducted by the kindergarten or later, the schools. Dad did not agreed to these arrangements but could do nothing. Soft spoken and easy going he kept quiet. Some nights upon returning home, he sees little 5 year old Karen in tears trying to finish pages and pages of chinese character writing, he would sit down and finish it for her. Without mum knowing of course. As mum did not have a good education, she took it upon her to see that little Karen excel in her studies. CCA? Librarian. Tuition and doing revision books filled her childhood and teenage years. Dad would quietly take her and sister out for an ice cream at the park or to the mall for a popcorn movie treat, much to mum's displeasure. From photos taken, one could see, who Karen loved more.

Mum's effort paid off. She was accepted into NTU and at the aged of 21 graduated with a degree in Accountancy. That same year, she got married and together with her husband and his family migrated to New Zealand.

Dad heartbroken to see his little Karen leave. Seems like only yesterday that she was a helpless babe in his arms. I believed at the bottom of his heart, he would have wished Karen all the happiness and a lifetime of adventure and living in her new life.

Still learning

Seeing more of eldest these days as she spend most of her time at home studying before the 'A' begins in Nov. In one of the mum and daugther chat she told me that most of her friends envy her. At 17 and 18, many of her girlfriends do get serious dressing down, nagging or worst still caning when their exam results are not up to expectation. I beg to differ. At 17, eldest is as tall if not taller than me. I can see and I know how much effort she puts into her studies. She spent most of her time at home since her CCA came to a halt. Her only de-stressing pastime is watching her favourite taiwanese serials for an hour or two. She tries her best, and I believe that words of encouragements and comfort are far more effective.
Son will be sitting for his 'O' level this Nov too. Was very harsh on him as I felt he was not focused. Then, it dawn on me. He is trying his best in school. From the time he leaves home at 6.30am till 4pm when he returns, too exhausted to expect him to sit and study. He too needs time to destress. Last thing he needs is a nagging mum. Every child is unique in their ablities, capabilities and character. Every professional has a basic degree of sort but there's none for being a good parent. I am learning every day.

Singapore Formula 1

When I heard that The First F1 night race to be held here in Singapore, it did not register any excitement. The game of the rich and famous.

However, last night, children and I tuned into the live telecast of the race, we had a good time watching the toy like F1 zzzzzzzzzooming around the circuit. More when watching the rest of the behind the scene team work in flurry to change the tyres and refuel in 4 to 6 seconds flat. The most exciting must have been, when the Ferrari driven by Massa sped off then realised the fuel nozzle still intact. Losing precious seconds which cause him to drop from 1st placing to 13th. Alonso, due to technical problem on this Renault during the placing round on saturday, caused his F1 to stop dead on the track, putting him in the 15th placing. He was deflated "The race is lost. You can't overtake here and I'm starting from 15th. so I wil be going out just to lap the track, but it's over already" quoted from him after his race on saturday. Sometimes, a little miracle and little luck changes one's fortune. Unfortunate crash by his teamate, the costly mistake by Massa, confusion and confidence shaken, Alonso sped into 1st position from lap 33 and all the way to the final 61st lap!!!

A lesson for us all. Never say die always say try.

Yes, it's an exciting race.

Giving Blood

The first time I donated was 20 years ago. Last saturday was the 2nd time . Painless and for a good cause. Took youngest with me so that she would be expose to the many ways of giving. Charity comes in many forms. Some donate money. Others, their boundless energy, time, skill and knowledge.

Much has changed since the my first experience. 40 odd questions plus 6 more supplementary questions on the recent outbreak of Chikungunya, Density and pressure checked, I was ready. The equipments used were mostly all disposable. In less then 10 minutes, the pouch was filled. Youngest was squirmished but I reassured her it was painless. She got to keep the pressure ball.

All things NiuNai

Suddenly it dawn on many. All diary product, including biscuits(using butter, milk powder) and chocolates and confectioneries made in factories located in China have a great possiblity of being tainted with the melamine toxic. This includes popular brand hershey, that fills nearly half the shelves in the chocolate and confectionery section with Mars bar, M&Ms, Kisses, Kitkats..........
In Singapore. the advise here is, read the label. If it's from China, refrain from consuming. Avoid cheap food stuff.

Maybe now my children will understand. I have always been against them eating snacks and sweets from unknown brand. It's not being petty but it's the additives especially colouring and flavoring that I don't trust. Now even brands such as Nabiscos, hersheys, Mentos by Perfetti Van Melle are questionable.

Crumbling wall

Dear Main Street: A Letter of Explanation From Wall Street
Posted by WSJ Deal Journal

Dear Main Street,
Are you trying to make sense of what’s happening here on Wall Street?
Don’t worry–you aren’t alone. A lot of people even here are trying to figure that out. It isn’t that complicated, but Wall Street is so full of mumbo jumbo that it’s easy to get confused–or bored.
Say “collateralized mortgage obligation” a dozen times and see if you can stay awake.
Stick with me, though, Main Street and I’ll explain what’s going on here in New York.
Believe it or not, you’ve seen this movie before. And I don’t mean, “It’s A Wonderful Life,” though that movie isn’t far from the mark.
What’s going on is a classic industry shakeout–not all that different from the shake-out of the American steel or auto industries over the past half century. Just in a much shorter time frame.In just nine months, we have gone from five big, independent Wall Street brokers to only two–Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs.
The government took over Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the country’s largest mortgage companies, a bit more than a week ago.
And just Tuesday, we nationalized AIG, the world’s largest insurer.
Of course, consolidation inevitably produces winners and losers. Lehman Brothers, the fourth largest US broker, is a loser. It went bankrupt two days ago.
Bank of America is a winner. It bought brokerage Merrill Lynch three days ago and is now our nation’s largest financial institution.
That’s a lot of change in a not a lot of time.
And when there’s change, there’s uncertainty. Today, for example, we still don’t know whether Washington Mutual, the largest U.S. savings & loan, will stay independent.
Uncertainty isn’t good for any business, as it destroys confidence. It is especially bad for our financial system, because the system runs entirely on confidence. I lend you money confident that you will pay me back. If I don’t have confidence in you, I won’t lend.
Which is just like Wall Street today. Our nation’s financial institutions don’t really trust each other. And for good reason.
In all, about $2 trillion dollars of lower quality mortgages are spread about our financial system. Many of these are now in default which threatens the banks that hold them.
And of course the lack of trust spirals. Less lending by banks to each other, less lending to Main Street’s companies and less lending to you. In the end, the money’s not there for you to get a mortgage or auto loan.
And you account for 70% of the economy. So when the money isn’t there, that’s bad for everybody. Without credit, you get a crisis–a credit crisis.
Of course, we deserve heaps and heaps of blame. Wall Street took the mortgages, sliced and diced them a hundred ways, sold and traded them. We took a nice cut along the way, blissfully oblivious to the risks.
We do have a remarkable talent for cooking up crazy get-rich schemes. Remember the Internet bubble? That was less than a decade ago.
But Main Street, you’re also to blame.
Recall the hundreds of billions in bad mortgages that are now killing Wall Street? That was money lent to you, Main Street, for homes and condos many of you could not afford.
And ironically, it is now your money that will be used to repay those dud mortgages because we on Wall Street are running out of money.
The government takeovers of AIG and Fannie and Freddie? That’s your money. J.P. Morgan’s buyout of broker Bear Stearns last March was also your money,
You might not like it. We on Wall Street may not like it. And even the politicians in Washington may not like it.
But nobody has a choice — unless you happen to have an odd yearning to live in a barter economy.
So Main Street, our crisis is unfortunately your crisis. We made the mess together and now we pay for it together.
The mergers, government takeovers and bankruptcies that will continue to sweep our financial system are a good sign. It means that we are fixing ourselves. Albeit at gunpoint.
Isn’t it strange the way our free market works? The government saves Wall Street — and you Main Street foot the bill.
My advice? Save this letter and show it next time we all embark on another stupid misadventure.
Sincerely,Wall Street

Hunger sauce

Knowing too much and yet not enough is dangerous. What were they thinking? How could they jeopardize the life of newborns to make a quick profit.

Maybe now, more will seriously consider giving the best a mother can offer. Not enriched nor fortified but just nutrious life giving milk formulated just for infant. Priceless and rare.

Spinning top

Zoom Zoom Zoom as they tear down the road then, vanish. 100, 000 spectators, some paying thousands to see split second formula F1 speeding by. What is the excitement here? The Thundering roar or the partying while waiting for the speedsters to roar by?

Pillow fights

As toddlers, when siblings have pillow fights, fight over toys and candies, they bear no grudges. In a blink they're chatting and laughing again.
As teenagers, when siblings fight over trivials, I had to step in and mediate. I have seen and read enough to realise that if left unsettled, they might grow up despising each other. When disputes erupt, I would constantly question myself. Is mediation needed? Would the situation exacerbate. Girlfriend confided that, mum favours her sister who is smarter, earning more, than her. As a result both can't stand the sight of each other. Back stabbing and bad mouthing. Sibling rivalry ensue. Worst fighting over family matters and dragging dirty linens into public.

I want my 3 children to realised that at the end of the day, when we parents are no longer around, it's siblings that will be around for each other. As we break into smaller family nucleus, they have only themselves to call upon as Family.

Laurentia Tan

Her sheer determination is an inspiration. The more I read, the more, I believe that each child is special. He or she might not be an intellectual to cure or run a financial instituition but they have other special abilities waiting to be discover. It's up to the parents to give them this opportunity, encourage and nurture.
Michael Phleps an ADHD found swimming to be an outlet for his energy. His family supported.
Jamie Oliver never liked studying but look where he is today following his passion.

Theresa Goh

Theresa Goh holds the world record for the 50m and 200m breaststroke may just do Singapore proud at the Beijing Paralympics this week.

One week school break

It's the one week school break. Being in the midst of the 'A' level preliminary exam, eldest is on self imposed house arrest. While son, dragging his feet every morning to attend school at 9a.m. Youngest, the happiest. Just returned from 3 days of absailing, kayaking, ziplining and flying foxing. The Primary 5 Adventure Camp at Changi. First time she spent 24 hours with her friends. Eating, sleeping and communal bathing. Arrived home this afternoon, exhausted but excited. Though it has been cloudy and raining intermittently for the past few days, she came back, tanned. After unpacking and giving her a good scrub, she slept for the next 2 hours waking up for dinner, excited chatters with sister then at 9pm, slept.

Truly an exciting break this has been. For her, that is.

BreadTalk StaleTalk

Freshly baked, creamed and a quick roll on the bed of floss and Voila!! The Delectable Floss Bun which made BreadTalk known. Now, my latest favourite from BreadTalk, Greentea redbean Loaf. Moist and sweet to just eat it on it's own, until last friday. Had bought a loaf and upon reaching home had one slice for tea. Startled. Slightly dry not as fresh and moist of a newly baked loaf. Bread crumbs dotted my table as I bite into my bread. Daughter came home later, had a slice. One bite, and her conclusion was the same. Dissapointed. Had to quickly polish off the whole loaf before the weekend was over.

Good Singlish

Means proper grammatically correct English sentences With a singapore twang for that singapore touch. That makes english different from a malay, an Indian, HongKonger or a Japanese speaker. Eldest actually enjoys listening to how indian speaks english with a delightful indian twang. I find it challenging listening English spoken by native japanese. A HongKonger has such a heavy cantonese twang when speaking english that it sometimes sounds like it's english cantonese. If you know what I mean. That is how we localise english to make it our own NOT speaking translated chinese in English.

First Sight

Discussion on CNA last night, why are Sporean women not getting married. 5 women of different marital status. 3 single, a married no child and a divorcee with children. Most singles find hard to take time and find a place to mingle with the correct crowd. Meaning with singles and available. Eldest concluded that the most ideal time to meet and mingle must be during the uni years. It would be interesting to know how the many many married couples out there met.

Met MDH at a family dinner with my dad's business friend. He, just returned from UK and I just arrived to attend uni. He was commuting between Spore and KL due to work commitment, his mum, out of courtesy, suggested he takes me around when he comes back for the weekends. Did not see him again untill 2 months later for a first date. 25 years later, we are proud parents of two daughters and a son.

How did you meet your spouse?

Mum's not cooking

No doubt when women cook, they cook up a storm. Check around the blogsite and mouth watering posting of delectable pictures simply salivates the mouth. However, exactly how many women actually rush home after work and prepare a home cook meal? This was the topic discussed over the air on a malaysian radio this morning. About 2 in 10 would. The rest due to long working hours, simply eat out or pack home. After a long day slogging, to rush back don the apron and whip up 2 or 3 dishes. And to have the dish filled-sink waiting is very daunting.
In keeping with times, one of the home science subject should be, Cooking simple one pot dishes and storage. A one pot nutritious dish prepared during the weekend and packed into the fridge to be reheated and consumed during the week is definately healthier than chicken rice 4 times a week. The rat race, no doubt has made us materially richer but are we physically, mentally healthier?

Windfall

6 months before getting married in 2002 they bought an apartment around River Valley vicinity for S$800,000. A cozy home a stone throw from parents and work place. 4 years later, lo and behold, a cool SS$3.2M for the apartment as it sucessfully got enbloc. Now, it's one row of houses from mum and dad, as they just closed a S$2.3M deal for a terrace house along Bukit Timah Road next to the Spore Chinese Girl School. Just the school for their two girls. Money makes money and sometimes without even trying too hard.

The reason

Most touched by the letter written to forum in the Strait times, on the 22nd Aug:

" I am a Singaporean studying at the Monash University in Melbourne. By no means am I from an affluent background. The only reason I can pay my school fees, and have food and accommodation is because of my parents.

My mother had the luxury(if I may put it) to be a stay-home mum when I was born. But, out of necessity, she had to join my father and become part of the workforce after my brother was born three years later.

I think my mother would have loved to stay home and watch both of us grow up, witness our developmental milestones and participate fully in our growing up years.

My youngest sister, nine years younger than me, saw even less of mummy because mummy had to work.

The idea of my mother having to work did not sit well with me. Even now, I recall throwing tantrums in the morning and standing tearfully at the gate, watching her leave for work with dad.

My grandmother had to parctically pry me away from mum whose business shirt I creased and streaked with my tears.

With all the Online Forum letters taht I have been reading, I want my mother to know that I love her, even though she had no government-sanctioned maternity leave, no baby bonus and no incentive to have me. She had all my attention as she prepared my lunchbox in her office attire, all my admiration when she sat through the night with me, despite a long day at work, while I did my prmary school problem sums; and all of my love when she picked me up from school rehearsals with a bun in her hand, just in case I was hungry.

I am all I am because of my mother. And now, it really doesn't matter if you were a stay- home mum or a working mum, you were and always will be, the best mum." Yick Wan Jie(Miss)

The reason for having a child must be one of love and fulfilment not of incentives.

Gentle Reminder

Another reason why I love the library. Recently, the National Library has gone one step further to enhance Library experience. Sms and email reminders on due dates of borrowed books. Emails are sent to borrowers 3 days before due and then daily till the borrowed item is returned. It's the school holiday periods with double the quantity of books allowed, sometimes a book is inadvertently leftout when returning. I have seen mothers pushing books filled trolley during the school holidays. A family of 4 with each borrowing 8, it's alot of reading.

Mess and Us

Once again the gracious side of the majority is being questioned in the National Day Rally Speech. Clearing the table after a meal. And what is so wrong? It's personal responsibility to leave the place in the condition it was found if not cleaner. It shows the gracious, upbringing and character of the person. No mother's child is born to clean after others. We are responsible for our mess. Being affluent does not mean leaving others to clean up.

Ginger

Ginger ale,ginger tea, ginger bread, crystallised ginger, ginger sauce, ginger wine and pickle ginger. But ginger marmalade?? Dad spotted this on the shelves at the Bishan NTUC. Bought a bottle and .....it's an acquired taste. Butter and ginger jam with coffee is quite unusual. Dad's acquisition was not without reason. He had earlier visited the orthopedic surgeon and was told that ginger extract is known to decrease inflammation.

For me it's, Pickle ginger and stir fried ginger with slice fish/meat anytime. Must remember to add more slice ginger in my stir fry.

Knight in Dark armour

MDH wanted to watched the much raved about movie. On sunday afternoon, $10 a ticket I accompanied him. The first movie was good. Some how this sequel, senseless, gruesome torture is not my cup of tea. To then mask the whole nonsensical plot with two ferries of human compassion to wrap up the theme of goodness versus evil. The writers have lost the art of writing a good story.

Ixora

On life......it goes on. As night falls, the sun rises for another day.

Gold

Malaysia and Singapore finally will have a slot in the Olympic medal tally! Lee Chong Wei fighting for the 1st gold for Malaysia in badminton at 6.30pm, while table tennis team Singapore batting for the 1st gold for Singapore. 17th August. PM Lee will have only 75min to hold the audience's attention, in his annual National Day Rally speech, before the table tennis women is due to start at 7.30pm. What a busy evening it's going to be tomorrow. Switching between channels.

Little India

A guided trip to Little India with the Primary 5 students as part of the heritage tour. A walk into the sacred Temple. A stroll along the flower garland stall and into the little alleys selling sweetmeats and henna.

POSB

My utter horror when I saw this statement of account. Forgotten clean about this saving account until this arrived. A statement of account is sent when the passbook is not updated for more than 40 transactions. Had thought this account was closed. Unable to contain my discontendment I wrote an email on my dissapointment. To have so much deducted without my knowledge when I could have done something. A gentle reminder to maintain the account would have been more constructive and appreciated. I had my account closed the very next day.

Two days later, a reply came. They read and understood my woe. After reviewing my account, out of goodwill, all my services charges of $68.00 were waivered. Pleasantly surprised, that the bank actually took time to consider and showed the magnanimous side.

Lana@Greenwood

While waiting to be served, this elderly lady beside me, commented " They make the best chocolate cake. When my son was born in 1965 I ordered their cake for the fullmoon celebration. Specially ordered the cake from here for his wedding too. Today, I am ordering the cakes for the Nurses' Day celebration Lunch. (In whisper) Have to admit, the price is also reasonable". She ordered 2 chocolate cake and a blueberry cake. It's very rare to find family run business still going strong after all these years, in the same premise with minimal marketing and make-over. On Friday afternoon 1.30pm, within the 20min waiting, I noted, 18 cakes sold. At $30 for a 1kg. I bought one to try and one for a friend. As we were making payment, the aroma of the just-out of the oven banana cake wafted by. We, the elderly lady and I ended buying a banana cake each. A piece of old fashion not too creamy chocolate cake. Lana cake at Greenwood.

Sense and sensivity

MDD related this to me, on the girls reaction during annual class photo sessions.

In primary school, photographer's instruction," Kindly stand from the shortest to the tallest" Gleefully, each hoping for a seat in front.

In secondary school, photographer's instruction, " Kindly stand according to your height" Most would mingle around the middle row.

In Junior College, photographer's instruction, "Kindly stand from tall to tallest" The young ladies happilly comply

The many ways of getting the message across with tact.

Round and round

He simply loves books. Not to read but to have. Giving an excuse that he will read one day. He browse and buy on whims and fancies. Besides, he spent most of his lunch time at Kinokuniya bookstore. . Wife is exasperated. The bookshelves are busting. Something has to go. Quietly while he is at work, she packs off books for any church charity sales. Gives it away to visiting friends and relatives who take interest in any books. While he comes home now and then, with new books. Quietly slot them into any available space on the bookshelves.

Second career

A second chance for many who have chosen family first. Giving up the earning power and self actualisation. When my mum when back to work for the 1st time after a hiatus of 30 years, she actually looked younger and feel younger. Her social circle widen and so has the perspective of life. Living longer, healthier and happier, it's all in active and driving force of the mind. Making some changes as I head towards this phase in life.

Little by little

In trickles and drips the petrol price finally tumble a little. Much to the relief of many. Nothing else changes. Now, maybe the temperature will increase a little, the artic glaciers will melt a littler faster, the land mass shrink a little........

Tutoring web

MDD needed help. Help her with her maths on this 11 hour before her 'A' level. In desperation, she contacted her former 'O' level tutor from a Tuition school. He promised to get back to her. Later, Mr Too called. A professional Just graduated. Working in the banking industry. He needed to know the budget. Within hours, found. A secondary lady teacher just graduated last year with a master in mathematic and proficient with the H2 Maths syllablus. Payment of first two lesson to be paid directly into his account. He has a pool of contacts ranging from university students to teachers in secondary schools. All this sounds so suspicious. The thriving business of tutoring.

Hello!

The many channels of communicating. I choose

Snail mail for sending a hardcopy keepsake cards, little presents or postcards to brighten one's day. Birthday cards works wonders!

Fax when recipient needs hardcopy instantly.

Email. Most preferred mode of correspondance. For information over website. Keeping in touch with friends.

Instant Messaging. Most preferred mode for chatting when skype is not available and phone call is too expensive.

SMS. Most convient way of writing a short & sweet msg. And when phonecall is not convenient.

Phone call. When the answer needed is urgent. To comfort. For, the voice speaks volumes.

Skype when phone call is too expensive!

Off course nothing surpass meeting up and having a drink. The first impression, the eye contact, the tone and voice, the sincerity, the body language and the firm handshake to authenticate the information imparted.

Composter

Much has been written on recycling waste. What fascinates me most is making fertiliser out of kitchen scraps. Three weeks ago, I purchased an automatic indoor composter. After going through the instruction manual on the dos & don'ts, I started. Some fresh soil as culture to start up followed by brown material ie. dried leaves and wood chip(provided) and daily kitchen scarps. Odds and ends of fruits, vegetable peels, egg shells, bread ends and so forth. I have decided not to put any meat scraps.
Two weeks later, upon checking, Voila!! fresh compost.
Scoops of this have gone into my potted plants. Waiting to see some positive results.

Mincing words

Friendship is about lending a listening ear, an understanding nature, a leaning shoulder , a sensitive nature and an honest opnion. Honesty does not mean direct and rude. Friend announced, love me or hate me, but this is who I am. Direct and honest. No mincing with words.

I wonder, will this garner more friends? I beg to differ.

If not for diplomacy and the skilful tact of putting forth advise and opnions, the human race might not have survived this long.

Mattemasu

Being happy is about giving thanks to small gestures. At the supermarket check-out counter at Bishan yesterday morning. As I walked, with less than 7 items in the basket, toward the long queue, a lady with a full trolley came round the bend just centimetres a head. She saw my face, all wrinkled at the sight of her trolley, she smiled and insist I stand in front of her. One more trolley makes no different I replied. Touched by her gesture, which is rare in today's society. We started chatting about, but of course, children. In a blink, it was our turn. Had she not offered and behaved obnoxious, nothing would have happened except a long wait.

Contrast

Mummy, an assocciate consultant while daddy, a surgeon. Two daughters aged 2+ and a newborn. Grandma drives over every morning to mind and supervise the live-in maid. Late morning toddler attends a 2 hour kindergarten. Grandma then picks her up, together with baby and maid, it's back to grandma's house for the afternoon. Mummy returns to grandma's home for dinner with family. Children all clean and fed and adorable waiting for mummy and daddy. Weekend outing with grandma when mummy is busy, too tired or on a short weekend getaway. Grandma attends to any fever, sniffs and coughs that might occurs.

Mummy, an accounts officer while daddy, an engineer. Two sons, aged 3+ and a newborn. Dad walks toddler to the childcare while mum hurries baby to nanny's place by 7.00am. Toddler spent the day with others till nanny comes at 5.30pm to pick him up. Mummy hurries to nanny's place by 6.3opm, picks boths toddler and baby. Grab a takeaway. Daddy comes back by 8pm tired from long standing on the jam packed MRT. Weekends at home as mummy gives the home a quick clean and the laundry done. Outing is to the supermarket as daddy stocks up on diapers and baby food. Mummy has taken only one month maternity leave and to use the other month's leave sparingly to attend to any fever, sniffs and cough.

Newspaper

Does reading the newspaper surpass listening to the radio, watching on the telly and scanning the web? Apart from the dirty fingertips, it's hardcopy to be read again and again. Can doddle on, fold origami with, temporary sunshade, self defense weapon against chasing dogs, smacking the roaches and even absorbent for a spill. Whereas, one has to attune the ear or miss a juicy bit when the eyes distract the ears. Watching the news gives both visual and sound stimulation, therefore a better impact while most would rather read a short summary on the webpage. Besides, one cannot hold the laptop and read at ease the old fashion way!

Book Shelves

Some have a weakness for shoes, some for bags others for stationeries. I have a weakness for books. For the ninth year, the National Library is having their annual book sales. I have yet been to one, and not going to this year's either. I am sure, after telling myself, browse only, I will end up with tons of books, to good to pass. My bookshelves are busting.

In order to find spaces on the book shelves for new books, books that have been very well read, torn and in mint condition books, that has never been read over a certain period of time, are cleared from the library. In some countries, the National Library appeals for book donations. Now how am I going to clear my Book shelves. Anyone interested can check out the hyperlink.

Old?

He says I'm getting old

And so I am recently told

For I constantly complain cold
I admit sometimes am bold
showing nothing but flashy gold
Reading between the paper fold
Giving my grey matter a strong hold
on the world, so no lies can be sold

合気会

It's all about gliding with the flow of energy and momentum of your opponent in this martial art of Aikido. Bringing down the opponent effortlessly like a Tango dance. MDH here going through the sweat soak routine of tumbling and rolling in the quest of a colour belt two sundays ago.

Fear Not

Read with great interest and in agreement to Catherine Lim's speech excerpt pulished in the papers. Quote from her "If giving credit where credit is due is a good thing, then giving criticism where criticism is due is better, for it entails greater effort, even courage". How true for most of us, especially permanent residents. Call it the Asian nature, being direct, blunt and critical, Is not us. However, this may not hold true to the more dynamic, exuberant younger generation.

Beeps!!

To drive in Singapore, one must plan the route. Last minute stops and detours might trigger more beeps from the IU gadgets even more so now with new gantries being setup. Decision here is, would paying $3 into the CBD zone saves petrol and time than crawling along the outer rim. To plan the journey so as not to pass through the CBD too many times. Time is of the essence here. Another added stress to drivers. It would be a driver's nightmare to be caught lost in the maze of streets in downtown business district during office hours. Worst if the one behind the wheel is the cab driver!!!

Hold the Tongue

Body language, Volume and Tone of the Voice and the choice of words can make or break a relationship, proposition or worst, a contract. In a fury and a hurry, in a fit of anger a sarcasm or harsh word is blurted. What said cannot be unsaid. The events that follows may hurt many others inadvertently. Many a times, one should hold the tongue and take a deep breath. Disappointed as one statement said by one, has led to a loss of income of another.

Smoke gets in your eyes.

Love indeed Is Blind. When in love, one is able to overlook, sweep under the carpet, ignore, otherwise unacceptable habits, behaviours, characters presented in front and be convinced, it does not matter. Overwhelmed by the attention, the intensity of passion. After all, to love is to accept warts and all. Until.... when the infatuation subsides. Then reality sets it.

自転車

It's only practical and logical. Using the energy most of us have in access. Advantages aplenty apart from having cleaner air but also a healthy you. Cycling. Ironically we are still busy debating if foot path should be shared with cyclist in Tampanies area. To co-exist, the pedestrians and cyclist should adhere to some basic courtesy code of conduct and rules. Keeping the cyclists on one side and the pedestrian on the other. More should be done to encourage this mode of transport.