ManicMarch

March has indeed been one consequential and anxious month. The 1st week saw eldest & family going through an apprehensive waiting game. Waiting for that friday for the release of her much awaited result. Then, for the next 2 weeks, frantically going through the pages, calls and webs checking for information before application begins. Going to the various instituitions to seek and clarify. Just when things seems to be looking up, eldest had to be rushed to A&E for an acute appendictis operation. This week, going to the various drop boxes for application submission. The timely visit from mum brought some relief. Visited the hospital again today. This time, dad's regular check up with the nephrologist.

Appendicitis

A dull stomach pain around 11 am on tues. Eldest thinking it must be her gastric working up, drank a glass of milk. By lunch time she was doubling up but, still swallowed down her lunch. At 2.3opm the GP assured us that eldest was just suffering from a gastroenteritis as she had no other symptoms. No fever. When eldest started doubling up and rolling on the floor in pain, we sought a 2nd opnion. When eldest cried out in pain as Dr Chan gently pressed on the lower right abdomen, he confirmed. Acute appendicitis. Immediately, he wrote a letter and insisted eldest be admitted to the A&E ASAP.

Finally, after waited 2hours for the blood test, a CT scan and 4 hours later, she was finally wheeled into the OT at 5.30 in the morning.

Quite an experience for the family. Eldest, the 1st time being operated on. The excruciating pain left her too weak to protest to all the jabbing needles. Discharged two days later still in pain. Wound pain. Suddently the realisation that even laughing uses the stomach muscles.

What troubled me most was the fact the surgeon took so long to confirm eldest's condition even thought the GP had wrote a letter. At every stage, I had repeated to the Doctors, that she was taking Dhatracin antibiotics. Could that have suppressed the fever?

EarthHour

Writing my thoughts in darkness as youngest insisted that the lights, and lights only be turned off at 8.3o for an hour. Earth Hour So visiting grandpa and grandma too had to sit in darkness watching the telly and eldest holding a torch to keep herself visible to others. To keep all from accidentally touch her airing stitches. She has been having a belly exposed as the stitching tread ends are giving her unnecessary discomfort as it rubs against the clothing.

FunAlley

Never mind the bruised thumb and broken thumb nail. Last week's 4 hour lesson organised by the school really taught youngest a few tips on how to bowl. Spend thursday afternoon at the Bowling alley. A first in a long while. Both of us had a gutter start before hitting any pins. Apprehensive but then realised that no one was interested in our scores. We warmed up. A strike each after two games. Next to us was a young family of 5 and a maid. Took two lanes and when the one year old was sleeping the maid joined in the fun. Mother very heavily pregnant still managed a few strikes. Another avenue of wholesome family fun. Will be there again.

FoodSample

There people who loves sampling food then politely smile compliment and walk away. Then there are people who would sample the food, politely ask a few questions, then leave, armed with a packet or three. I fall into latter. So it's quite impossible to visit the supermarket at the basement of Isetan@ Shaw Centre without walking off with more than intended to purchase. At anytime of the week, it's teeming with some japanese food fair with fresh fruits, savoury seafood, japanese snacks all directly flown from japan. Complete with japanese personnel manning and local sale ladies, encouraging everyone to sample. The seasalt sundried sardines were heavenly and healthy, but at S$19 for a pack of 7? I had to drag youngest away. The very refreshing sweet lemon at S$5.40 for one? I bought the kumquat at S$11.50 for a pack of 12! The lady serving me was just so enthuasiatic even though I had hesitation written all over me. Asking me to try try try the assortment of all the fresh fresh fruits. I just could not walk away without buying after I had eaten slices of lemons, kumquats and pomelos on her encouragement.

StiffUpperLip

Eldest has decided not to attend any of the open houses conducted by the three universities today and tomorrow. From past experience, attending open house of secondary schools and Junior colleges, it's a showcase of all the CCAs and the impressive marketing talks by principals. With such stiff competition, it's a matter of being accepted into a course. Most frustrated was eldest classmate, scoring 7 straight 'A' trying to apply for the A* scholarship. She was told, they are only considering those who have taken all the subjects in H3 level. All she wanted was to be bonded so she could do her research and not have to worry about not being employed. She WANTS to be bonded.

BowlOver

After 9 weeks of enrichment @ the classrooms, it's fun time. At the bowling alley for many who opted in the week long game feista organised by the school. Here across 30 lanes, the instructor patiently guided, the mostly 1st time bowlers the dos & don'ts, the stand & movement of a bowler. Youngest came home with a very very tired left arm and a gleeful gleam in her eye.

MissedRide

Finally at the most crucial stage of the race, the engine choked and so missed the last express ride to continue on the smooth journey. What next? With a huge load of baggages and no contigency plans it's going to be confusion, riding ahead into the tunnel.

StewRoast

A stalk of australian leek, chilli, carrots, radish and mushrooms, it's stew. Stew Roast Pork. With the Sauteed onions the rest of the colourful greens join in till fragrant. Add the chicken stock and simmer. Just as the leek is really soft in goes the roast pork cut in thick cubes and a piece or three of the bone ham. A dash of sweet wine, pepper and salt. 1o min of simmer. Thicken the gravy sprinkle some coriander and it's ready to serve on steaming hot rice. That's what for dinner last night. Hmm...so RachelRay.

blank

It's when the head is swirling with so much happening, that nothing comes to mind. The northerners bickering when it should unite in these troubled times. The constant constant reminder of the thousands who are and would be jobless. How travel fairs still draws huge crowds and the poor elderlys are reminded that all is not lost. There are the nursing homes across the causeway. The human aggression surfacing with fierce competition to suceed and survive. Finally when the rain arrived on our shores, the lightning struck Merlion smack right on it's head!

CakeDay

In my family, birthdays are normally remembered with a delicious cake with brightly lit candles. In my younger days, mum would bake. Once a horseshoe shape cake with butter icing sprinkled with desiccated coconut and smarties to add colour. Now, it's a visit to the favourite cake shop. With friends, it usually a birthday card, sometimes a surprise present enclosed. Now it's a phone call/sms. I know a friend who would remember family and friends' birthday with a meal. Another would buy something precious to commemorate. Yet another would take a photograph at every birthday to chart the passage of time.

Delicious apom with banana and corn topping, along MacAlister Rd, Pg. Had to give it a miss as someone ahead of me had ordered 40 pcs.

Preserved For a View

Utter repulsion. On watching what goes on behind close doors of the embalming room on the telly. Revulsive on how the lifeless loved one is being violated so nonchalantly. Organs removed, soaked in formalin, the blood suck out to be replaced with more formalin then the organs are bagged and stuffed into the empty body cavity. Sewn up dressed up, made up, to look good for the viewers and to withstand the duly accorded religous rites. Can I say no to embalming?

AloeVera flowering

IMG_1402
Originally uploaded by tlilings
On visiting mum's garden last week, I discovered Aloe Vera flowers. With mum's green green fingers And Tender, Loving care, everything flowers and fruits.

Pride&Ego

Ego, makes you say/do the silliest/darnest while

Pride, stops you from saying/doing the most sensible/humble

It's exasperating.

How Ego & Pride sometimes make or break the zest of life.

Swollen&Angry

When the foot swelled slightly, he thought nothing of it. Water retention maybe. After all was not the first time. By sunday morning, the 4th day, the angry swollen foot had became too painful to touch. Finally at 3.30pm, With hercules effort and pain, he finally arrived at the Casualty of Gleaneagle. On checking, he was running a temperature of 38.9C One look and Dr Leong confirmed. Cellulitis. Warded and put on iv for two antibiotics. My dad's sunday escapade in Penang. Have been back home to keep mum company this week. Lesson: never assume.

TheReason

Every morning, as I drive up this heavily congested road, I see him, a scrawny weather-beaten old man. Laboriously pushing a bicycle load of collected cardboard up the slope during the morning peak hours. Buses gingerly gives him a wide berth as they manoevre the already narrow underconstruction road. He lives with a purpose/reason. And that is why he is still going strong.
This picture was hastily taken at the traffic light junction.

FrenchFries

Unhealthy with high sodium and fats. Cooked in ultra-hot oil which is high in trans fats. Consumming large amount of Potatoes with it's high glycemic index food can increased risk of diabetes. Yet, It's still a favourite/handy snack for many inspite of it all. I see children as young as one, sucking on it slowly savouring the salt. I see elderly contentedly tucking into the packet of pipping hot fries. Every mall has an eatery that serves FenchFries. Yes, I love my Fries too. With or without the chilli sauce. Don't you?

FoodThoughts

Due to other commitments, only met up with her yesterday. Still she remembered. Saved a box of her homemade chocolate nut & cornflake cookies. So thoughtful of her.

Green green grass

In the heart of an old housing estate lies a patch of green. Of late, this turf has gone into hues of brown and yellow, due to the recent dry spell. With shallow root system it just might have dried through and through. Then a sudden shower, two nights ago. This morning, on my walk, lo and behold, the dried turf is slowly coming back to life. Fresh tender green blades emerging from the brown withered centre. There is something to be learnt from nature. Slowly, this patch is turning green once more.

SweetPortion

Dessert in a spoonful. Just the right portion for something so rich, at a recent buffet. A combination of two poisonous food according to a recent documentary, "Dining with death" gingko and taro. Of course, I could not resist the banana fritter. Would have tasted heavenly if only the banana was the ripe pisang raja.

SpringOff

Eldest son, sole bread winner, in the teaching vocation with 4 strapping sons of school going age. Daughter, two children living in the states with her american husband, while youngest son, a father of two with a working wife. He at 76 has retired for the past 6 years. As husband&wife are approaching 80s, he has made a decision to sell of his home for 25 years, to a smaller abode. With uncertain economy outlook & high cost of living, more and more elderly parents really have to depend on their wits and not the children to see them through the twilight years. Living to a ripe old age is indeed a blessing if one is self-sufficient without burdening the children. For this gentleman, it pains him to see his children/grandchildren compromising for their sake. In these modern times, it's the joy of parenthood, the main want of offsprings.

Dried&Sweet

If you love persimmon, then you'll love this. Hoshigaki, japanese dried persimmons. It's just so....naturally persimmon sweet. A layer of white powdery sugar coating formed upon air drying. It's similar to the china version of the dried persimmon. Used to nibble on them during this time of the year, till mum discovered during her trip to china. Placed along any available roadside, persimmons. Drying. Exposed to the many many cars, bullock carts, bicycle whizzzzing.....by. I have refrained from eating since.

Weekend Exodus

Nobody expected it, but it happened. At 5.40am. As we cruised up the flyover we saw, a head of us, 5 to 6 lanes of headlights for as fars as the eye could see. 2.5km actually. Then the wait began. Crawling towards the Tuas checkpoint. Soon, mothers with children in hand can be seen making quick dash across the Expressway. More started walking around as we approached the Raffles country club. Some walked back with sandwiches and coffee. Finally at 9.45am, Our trip began.

牛年

The new Year does not officially starts until one celebrates the Lunar New Year. The frenzy last minute buying/rich hues of shiny bright red/gold decoration complimenting the blasting music. Oranges and pussy willows. Families together feasting and drinking. Sounds of laughters & crashing tiles. The happy faces in colourful outfit holding little red packets. Visiting and renewing ties that bind

The year of the all providing Ox. I have two. Maybe that is another reason why, steak is not on our dinner menu at home.

Travelling north come this Saturday.

"A Very Joyous Lunar New Year To All"

ThoughtfulGifts

In a hurry & a furry the days rush by. Hardly surprising then, thoughts of Friends & Families afar are placed right behind the daily chores. However, touching round the earlobe, MIL comes to mind. Fingering the pendant round the neck, reminds me of mum. Priceless gifts of thoughts. The token should be meaningful if not then, appropriate to the occasion. Giving is not to clear the unused/unwanted/ surplus or unsuitable. Worst still, if it's to clear the conscience,

It's Possible

The First African American, the 44th President Of the United States Of America inaugurated on this day.

RawLunch

Just cooked rice, sliver of fresh raw fish, a touch of wasabi, a drop of soya accompanied by the vinegeretted ginger . A lunch favourite when in need of fish protein. And a maccha softcream zenzai to finish off.

Fresh&Dried

Technically, only technically, this little redDot is in recession, while most businesses are projecting a low demand with slow growth are spring cleaning and cutting back to tie them over this lull period, Orchard Road/Chinatown seems to be abuzzing with busy busy buyers. Was jostling amongst picky ladies picking out the freshest dried sea produces from wholesalers at HongKong Street. Mushrooms, lap cheong, fish maw,scallops for mum's goody bag.

AnxiousMonday

It had been a trying year for all. After a face-off and an understanding, it was hard keepng my side of the bargain. Having faith and keeping mum. All prepared for the worst hoping for the best. Son shocked himself with his 'O' result. Fingers on one hand plus one more.

SleepLess

Awoken at 12.30. It's now 3 in the morning but the eyes are wide and the mind is fresh still. Is this the first sign or is the mind lacks stimulation? This is not good.

MileStone

At primary 6, youngest wants to take the bus home. And she did. Yesterday. Time to slowly release that lease once more. When 12 years old means getting the ear lobe pierced. A chinese ritual announcing the arrival of adolescence.

RubyRed

This must be the reddest tropical fruit. Never have a liking for Dragonfruit but youngest simply loves the crunching sound of the seeds. This from Msia is actually Sweet!

ElectronicInvites

Of late, most have abandon the custom of sending cards and greetings unless it's via the Sms or Email. Two weeks ago, Eldest cousin, residing in Australia, emailed an Invitation address to All. Announcing to cousins, uncles & aunties, of his eldest son's impending wedding come 1st Feb in our hometown. A joyous reason for family gathering. However, dad is not pleased. As the family elder, An invitation at large on email does not constitute a sincere personal invite. If not a stamped card then a call in this case would suffice. Is Electronic invites the accepted norm of the Save the Earth Electronic age generation?
Munching nougat matter indeed.

FurnishingRestaurant

Endless stream of cars, snaking into the parking lots, empty tables are quickly taken, with even longer queues at the self service counters of the restaurant. Time, 5.45pm, saturday. Wanted to purchase a bathroom cabinet but ended up with more than just fittings and fixtures. Ikea, a store that has all the right Elements to woo the crowd.

LearningInSilence

When in the midst of sentence, the listener nonchanlantly make a non related remark, your information is redundant, unimportant, uninteresting and it's time to keep quiet.

Talk less and you will learn more. Resolution for this year. For silence sometimes, bring about harmony, avoid confrontation, needless squabbles, a chance to reflect and avoid the sudden burst of hurtful words only to regret later.

ChocolateThoughts

Frozen strawberry. liquor soaked cherry, soft nougat, biscuit, praline, marzipan or a nut within compliment the sweet creamy experience. Hmm....enticing still if it's orange liquor flavoured.

Chocolate chocolate chocolate. Craving. The body's SOS mechamism to replenish depleting trace Elements. Yes, dark chocolate is more therapeutic, but I still prefer mine, creamy and rich.

Sakana no more

A little japanese eatery along Liang Seah street. Has been serving lunch & dinner for the past 8 years by a japanese chef. Today,upon my arrival, the doors were still shut tight. Through the window display, men inside were busy dismantling the interior. Sakana@ Liang Seah St.

AuspiciousEight

The year began with an auspicious number

The Economy projecting nothing but escalating growth.

The Intergrated Resort rolling full steam ahead

Snaking queues as properties are quickly snapped up

Every graduate's aspiration: private Banker

Pinnacle of the Year: The Beijing Olympics

Then someone spilt the milk

Overnight the Medals are forgotten as children fell sick one by one

Before Asian could wiped clear the shelves of Melamine,

Many found, their investments have been wiped clean too.

Wallstreet crumbles in the weight of too many fast and loose fund hedgers

It's December, the outlook, bleak, Unemployment, retrenchment and factory closure.

Amazing all these in just less than 12 months.

Wishing.......

"A Blessed Christmas to All"

HardCopy

When all is lost, it's this, that comes to the rescue. This hardcopy backup call phonebook. For the last 10 years this has been in my handbag. A book for every itsy bitsy information. Written from back to back on every inch of space available. When the hphone malfunction last week, it was a trying time tracing back. Searching for numbers, numbers and numbers. Of friends, families and people that needs to call/sms for appointments/lessons/reservations/deliveries/services/classes. The problem is, I have not been faithfully updating it lately.

Itchy scratchy

After spending 3 weeks in Msia youngest returned home on friday last. Stratching and fretting. Must have come in contact with something she is allergic to. A visit to the pediatrician did not lessen the itchy rashes all over her limbs. Every few hours, she would apply calamine lotion hoping the itch would stop. Am really puzzle of what she could possibly have eaten/used.

KeepingFit

Pilate anyone? Eldest having a session at aunt's studio in Bangsar. Jack Lalane started the Jumping Jack in 70's. Jane Fonda quicken the pace with new moves. Calmly Yoga appeared with the breathing technique while pilate enhances the strengthening of the core muscles. A nouveau exercise for the young and restless.

Christmas

Had it been 28C lower, sunday evening would be snowing. The cool air, the lights, the people, the street performances, the carollings, the cute little santa hats, the light drizzle, strolling along Orchard Road exude the festivity ambiance of Christmas. Started from Isetan at Scotts strolled right down to Plaza Singapure absorbing in all the sights and sounds.

Carrot Power

At 13 he wanted to work, and he did. Selling bookmarks to raise money for some charity. Too young to be hired by the fastfood chains. The Carrot, extra pocket money during the holidays, for an electronic gadget. But it went to replaced the handphone he lost while working. All of 10 days.

At 14, a bakery down the road needed a part-timer. Washing, washing and washing the mountain of baking trays. For one month he gritted his teeth. This time, an MP4. Broke down after 6 months.

At 15, holiday classes kept him occupied but managed to talk dad into hiring him for 3 weeks. Data entry. Sitting and typing. Must be the most trying of all his holiday jobs despite the air-con comfort, free transport and lunch. The want of a PSP player kept him going.

This year, at 16, a restaurant at Vivocity. Clearing plates of the lunch time crowd. Another electronic gadget which I have yet to be told what.

CatchingPets

Every child from the same set of parents is different. Eldest shriek and duck at the sight of a flying bug, son has no qualms squashing them(No need to Guess who always has the task of getting rid of unwelcome flyers). Youngest would sometimes spent her recess at the little garden pond catching tadpoles and tiny fish. Quietly tuck the container into her bag and brings them home. Eldest demanded that the 'pets' stay in the balcony AND no where else! On our holiday to the beach, instintively, she dived after the tiny sandy looking crabs as they ran helter skelter. She would corner them with her palm then scooped the sand and gently picked them up. Not once thinking that the pincher might hurt her. Day one, we had no container. So she hone in her crab catching skill. Day two, woke up really early before the beach strollers frighten all the crabs back into their holes. With grandma's brillaint idea of a cut off water bottle as a container, we went crab hunting. Have to say youngest was a pro. We now have 5 tiny crabs to care for. Feeding them bread and freeze dried fish. I have no idea what these tiny custacean eats.

Green wrapper

Nasi lemak to malaysian is like char siew pao to the chinese, sandwich to the english, onigiri to japanese or hotdog bun to the americans. Concentrated in carbo for energy and enough protein and maybe a sliver of green covered with mouthwatering sauce for a complete take away meal.
Still prefer the tradition Nasi lemak wrapped in Banana leaf with just half an egg, sambal ikan bilis and a thin slice of cucumber. Found this at the food stall along Beach Street one morning while waiting for the processing of eldest's passport.

seashells on the seashores

I thought these are only found washed up on the beach. Used to look for them everytime dad took the family for a beach picnic. Little did I know people actually eat these lovely custacean!!! No wonder their shells are no longer found wash up on beach anymore.

IntrestingRead

Stroll around the ground floor of the GoldenSand Resort, one will chance upon a quaint bookshelf filled with novels in Japanese, german and english. All compliments from the guests who intentionally or accidentally left them behind. Looking for an interesting title, I came across this "The Fifth Vial" by Micheal Palmer. A doctor by profession before becoming an author. 3 pages into the book and I was hooked. Every quiet moment, before dozing off, at the beach, sitting in with MIL, I was engrossed, reading. From page one, the suspense, intrigue and plotting kept the reading pace in heighten excitement and pulse, racing. In great anticipation I look forward to reading his other novels.

BTW this book belongs to the state library of Western Australia!!!