And with this crown I thee place, 
Youngest has gone on a short trip up north with her dad. He, for a gathering while she, to get her identity card done. A rare chance of a father and daughter bonding trip. Meanwhile, eldest is feeling the unusual quietness at home. Her absence is felt.
An excuse and a reason took me sightseeing. Cousin was here for her 2nd visit in more than 20 years. I was busy during the day. A visit to the Night Safari was the best way to introduce Singapore to her. A first for me too. Thoroughly enjoyed the evening walking and riding on the tram in the cool jungle breeze. A nice change from the hot and humid walk at the Day zoo. Had anticipated mozzies bites but their buzzing were no where to be heard. Strange. Getting the little beavers to perform @ the animal show was unique, entertaining but most of all educating. Only wishing the park had more walking trails.
When rabbit came to our home little did I know, he was going to be our little composter too. Eldest was quite adamant that this dwarf rabbit eats nothing but pellets & hay. However, the rest of the family members,(me in particular) Just could not resist treating him with a little carrot/apple strips. Soon it was odds and ends of radish peels, sweet potatoes, bean sprouts, ends of chye sim, kangkong. Any greens on the day's menu. The only problem is, all his droppings & peepee are done on the paper pellet covered potty. Making picking of 'fertilizer' messy. Rabbits like to keep their surrounding clean & dry and does their business in a designated space.
Our forefathers knew it all along. The value of gold. Today it's at US$1 082/oz. An all time high and set to go higher as more are losing confidence in currency trading in face of the uncertain financial outlook.
Set your mind to the task and determination takes over. Nothing is impossible. This is Not Impossible as youngest found out last night. Her friends challenged her to 5 stack height when she had never done it before. This morning it has gone up to 8. It's going to get high If she gets more Uno cards.
In about two weeks time, most GP/government polyclinics would have stock of the H1N1 vaccine. At an affordable Price of S$29 at government polyclinic. For now it's only for adult above 18 years of age. Will there be a mad rush to be innoculated before the school holidays begin or rather before everyone heads out of the country.
At 13, eldest, for the 1st time, on her own got lost & confused in the MRT underground labyrinth. Had to call for direction. Even though we've been traveling on the Mrt/Bus countless times. 
It's fast becoming part of our family. Fluffy the Netherland dwarf Rabbit. The legal owner, eldest. She bought, provide food and clean lodging while son, comes over now and then gives it a treat, a run round the family hall and spend quality time on his lap while watching the telly. Youngest with the most time on hand at this moment, cleans and plays with him. Mum, rants when the cage is not clean and shreds more carrots as she thinks that's rabbit's diet and Not Timothy hay. Dad, he comes home greets it and gives it a carrot treat. For the time being, in the last 3 weeks, these are the job descriptions.
Heard from Mr butcher that the wet market will be closed for 9 months next April for intensive renovation and make over. The most talked about topic amongst the home chefs, can supermarket replaced wet market? Given a choice, I would prefer to visit my butcher for my cuts. Been his customer for so long, that I now can sms him my orders, the night before. Mrs Fish would advise me on how best the particular fish should be prepared, if I ask. After calculating my purchases, Mrs Vege would add a stalk of chilli, coriander or spring onions knowing, I will appreciate this. Now would I get this personal touch at the supermarket?
It was during a conversation with SIL, she confided that the specialist have opted a 'wait and see' attitude on the lumps discovered. A timely reminder to get mine done. And so I did. Having gone through previous screening without a hitch, thought nothing of it till a letter arrived. Advising me to make an appointment as soon as possible, for further screening and testing at the Assessement centre. Pamplets were included to explain in explicit details. And the anxiety began. A biopsy done strongly suggest that the lump should be removed. A far safer option than the 'wait and see' on the final outcome. Today, two weeks after the surgery, the final result showed no evidence of an invasive carcinoma but, flat epithelial atypia and incidental lobular neoplasia place me under high risk category. 
As promised, immediately after her last paper, we headed to the shop. Youngest, all so excited but, as we approached the shop, she became apprehensive. She chose her favourite colour and when the lady sat her down, apprehension turn to fear. Upon seeing the equipment, tears started streaming. Meany mummy was being honest. It's going to be painful. Ant bite? Nay, it's as bad as an injection. After 10 minutes and a bucket of tears, she finally kept still and had her two ears pierced. Have been waiting for this day since sister had hers pierced 7 years ago.
New neighbour has two adorable boys, 3 & 4. One was sobbing incessantly last evening just because he could not get his way. Taking the elavator instead of the stairs as instructed. Chatted with mum briefly this morning on the way out, and she related. Golden rule of disciplining children, never give in to tantrum. 
So much happenings, packed within this 1st week of October. Children's Day/a minor operation/mid-autumn dinner/arrival of new pet/disturbing family news/birthday/a visit to the vet. On the news front, the earthquake/flooding/typhoon. Indeed a trying month. And, Tomorrow will be youngest 1st major exam.
Sometimes we ignore what the eye suspects, as the brain knows best and the ear heard nothing upon being questioned by the mouth. When finally the ear hears, the brain reels in shock but, the eye finds justices. The suspicion is comfirmed. A family of the InLaw has chosen to break their matrimony vows. Incompatibility, years of familiarity ultimately the lost of feelings. It's going to take time for the news to go down the gullet.
She'll be the country's unofficial ambassador. To charm with her personality and polish articulation. Her opinions and thoughts will be heard by millions. Can she do the job? The most talked about Singapore Girl in recent weeks.
Hold my breath as I await patiently for this cluster to burst into blossom. A hoya plant native to the tropical rainforest esp. Thailand and Malaysia. Only recently was I aware of this species whereas it's very popular houseplant in Australia and the world at large.
Another creature of god took flight from my balcony. Munching through my kafir leaves before finally morphing into a pupae and emerging out as a butterfly one week later. Amazing how all creatures great and small instinctively know about survival.
In the papers today, Thanks to the handy mobile phone, Alarm clock is on it's way to being extinct. Yes, I wake up to the serenade of ' Sting' while eldest is roused from slumber by her favourite korean singer. When my alarm clock ran out of battery, That was the beginning of the end of my Alarm clock. With the mobile phone, a variation of wake times can be set throughout the week. No more ear piercing sudden heart thumping shrills. Wonder how the clockmaker is going to reinvent and revamp this humble time keeper to stay afloat. An alarm clock that also takes picture and takes call, Perhaps?
