Lost

Yesterday, MDS lost it for the 3rd time in a span of 20 months. As usual I find this very disheartening to know that honesty is dead and stealing is common more so in schools. MDS questioned me, when he lost his 1st. Why didn't the finder return it to him when he has been doing so?
A good deed deserves another.......

Found

Sunday morning at McRitchie. MDH and Shan came along for the cool early morning fresh air. After 5km jog-a-walk following the treetop trail, to my delight I found what I have been looking for. Rubber seeds. Thanks to LCS for the information!

Books.........

My first book, "Five Go off in a caravan" by Enid Blyton was introduced to me at the age of 8 by my english tutor. The best way to learn english, she believed, was by reading. Twice a week she would patiently read with me. That was the beginning of my love affair with books. Action packed Alistair McClean romantic Danielle Steel, mysterious Evelyn Atothony, lovable vet James Herriot, thriller spinner Jeffrey Archer, Imaginative Jean M. Auel of course marvellous Roal Dahl are among the many, that accompanied me through my teen age years and into my adulthood. Yes, in keeping with times, Dan brown has joined my stable of authors.
I have this little telly in my head. Every time I read, my imagination begins...
When, Shan was 3, she just could not understand what my older children and I see in books. One day, she too decided to join in the fun. She picked up a book by shirley hughes and started to read!!!
Of course, she was looking at the colourful pictures and making her own stories. That was fine with me.
It was also the beginning of her interest in books. Learning grammar is just too tedious. Shan does not always know why or when to use the right grammar but she knows when a sentence is not grammatically correct. "It does not sound right" she would complain.

Niku

Theme for this week in singapore "Meatout week" Can we really enjoy our food without a least a sliver of meat? Even a fishball does make a different. I know my son can't. The statistic from AVA speaks volumes. We are carnivorous. I love my chicken wing from IKEA, I love my meat stewed in soya sauce, I love my raw fish porridge and I love my stew duck.
The realisation of how meat are "produced" do make me feel guilty.
The exent we go to, just to satisfy our unsatiable craving for meat. Can we close one eye, plea ignorant and continue enjoying our roast?
More should be done to encourage less meat and more delicious vegetables recipes.

Freebies

Looked forward to the health exhibition held at the suntec over the weekend. Arrived 5min before 10a.m. Firstly to get a choice parking spot and secondly to miss the crowd. A few hundred others had the same idea too. Holding on to the newspapers patiently queuing. Hmm...
On the dot 10a.m. a mad rush to get into the exhibition hall. I was flabbergasted.
Should have known, they, the grannies, uncles and aunties were
all rushing from booth to booth collecting their rightful packets of freebies!!!!! Do they really need those stuffs?? Or is it the sheer thrill and accomplishment of getting something for nothing?I refused to stop at those booths. They may have managed to pull the crowd but sure have not effectively promote their products.
So much has been written on the exhibition but indeed a dissapointment.

Honey and lime

Bounced back after last week's bout of flu. Must have been all the berries and the lime with honey concoction I have been guzzling. Relieved that my children did not catch it even though Shan was still giving me my daily dose of hugs and kisses.

Ahhh....chooo.........

Must be the running in and out of the humid tropical outside and the wintery indoors. I can hardly open my watery eyes. My nose is eloping with the tissue. My throat is on fire. And it's monday. Sinusitis I hope.

ambigrams

Did not want all the raving reviews to influence my reading list. Found one laying around the living room. Son left it there hoping to catch my attention. It did. I read it. Mei's presented me, the 2nd book for my birthday. I read as swiftly as the plot was paced.

A first for me. About ambigram. Word designed to be read upside down, back to front, or in a mirror as well as left to right.

yo nen sei no yomimono desu.

Needed some time for myself today. After my duty at Shan's school zoomed.... off I went.
Down to Orchard Road. Parked the car at Far east plaza. A refreshing walk with a light drizzle and the cool breeze . Has been raining since 6a.m this morning. As usual, had to check out the bags at Tangs. The shoes at Takashimaya. Next stop, the bookshop. Kinokuniya. Browsing from title to title looking for something I can read with ease. Finally settled for this.
Ooops.... running late. "Pick Mei up at 2.30p.m" *sigh*
Then there's tonight's dinner. A quick dash to the meat section. Western fare tonight. Chicken chop.

Au revoir

Harsh remarks must have been made for Zidane to lose his cool and butted Materazzi.

Pasta and baguetta

After this morning's semi final match. It's pasta vs baguetta in the final battle this coming monday .

Uncles and nephews

It's true in the case of my family clan gathering . We only get to meet up during weddings or important customary family functions. On these occassions we oooohs and aaahhs on how much one has changed, how much the young ones have grown. How well maintain our aunties are and how suave our uncles have mellowed into. Last sunday was no different.
Then there are taboo subjects. Never ask if you want a happy and magical evening of great friends food and wine. Profession,, education level and marital status.

Listen....

Started the day uneasy after reading about the death of a 30 year old man due toa severe headache.
Doctors should listen to patients. Patients are the one that know what is going on in them. I just cannot comprehend how the Doc was so adamant that it was only a normal headache. The fact that the Patient had been having the severe headache for 5 days. Slurred speech and weakness in the right arm and leg on the 5th day. Yet the Doc nonchalantly sent him home not agreeing to do a scan even after it was requested by the family. Whatever happen to the motto" better safe then sorry" Now 1 1/2 year old Tricia is fatherless all because the Doc just won't open his mind and heart to listen.

Taking a short trip to KL tomorrow. ta...ta...

Bugged

Must have been bitten by the travel bug last night. Suddenly I have this urge.
To see japan by rail. To soak in the countryside and smell the sea.
To travel to Tibet. To be awed by the towering snow capped mountain ranges.
To trek to Bhutan. To be mystified by the ancient customs and cultures.
*sigh* guess it'll have to wait. I need to first find a travelling companion.

cherries and woodspice

Brother Ming concluded that after all these years, old spice is still the scent for him. Unfortunately it's no longer in production. The scent that comes closest to old spice is woodspice by Marks & Spencer. Bought a bottle of woodspice body spray for him. I'll be seeing him this weekend when I make a quick trip to KL for a wedding dinner. While shopping at M&S I couldn't resist a box of the those deliciously sinful brandy soaked cherry chocolate. Not forgetting a box for aunt Irene.
Of course, my trip to M&S would not be complete without the purchase of a blouse or two. Two white blouses this time ; ) They were on sale.

Rubber seeds anyone

Does anyone know where I can get rubber seeds in singapore?
It's these very seeds that my ancestors made their fortune upon
I would like to hold them in my hands


My maternal greatgrandpa came to Malaya in the 1900s,
made his fortune by owning acres of rubber plantation in Bentong Pahang
My grandpa confirmed his fortune by having 3 wives and 23 children
My uncles made a point to flaunt it till there were no more acres
My mum would tell us how women played mahjong while munching on kuah chee
The boys zoomimg around in their latest GM sport
Greatgrandma would shuffler around on her 3 inch gold
holding on to her beads praying for health and good fortune
for the house of "Man Lee"

Weed

While in Penang, I had time to look around for some pix.

Just a weed, we trample on in our hurry and furry
Yet on closer look, god's creation, no compromise

Mom's garden

Mum tends her garden every morning before the sun gets too high above her. Lovingly she potters through the basil, mints and the assortment of local herbs. While I was there on a short holiday, the chilli padi plant kept me busy. Picking as many chilli I can. The garden has gone from a fruit orchard to a vegetable plot. At one time we had as many as 15 variety of fruits. Jackfruit, custard apple, starfruit to water melon not to mention mango and chiku. Yes, not forgetting bananas too. Never got the durian tree to fruit though. At the moment, long beans, pumpkins and local leafy greens rules the garden. Keeping mum busy and her diet, healthy.

Aquaria

Fancy an aquarium in a shopping mall. Visited Malaysia's latest attraction. Aquaria at the KLCC last monday. An impressive display of manta rays and sharks swimming overhead. My favourite display has to be the baby green back turtles. So much has been said but this was the first time I got a close look at one.
A refreshing change from the usual bookstores and food courts.

20 06 2006

A date so unique.

An event

Spent the weekend in Puchong. My cousin K. Wai got married. A significant event for me. 30 years ago I was at his parent's wedding. Last weekend I witnessed his.
May they find love, happiness, companionship and strength in each other.

grand gathering

Home after spending a week in Penang. It was the gathering of the grands. Grandchildren visiting grandparents that is.
My mornings were usually with mum on marketing trips to the pulau tikus' popular wet market. It's here that I will visit my favourite pickle stall. From pickle lime to pickle fish stomach. My favourite: pickle fish. Hhhmmm...so out of this world.
Anyone knows how this dish is prepared?

The wait

By 8.15a.m. I arrived at destination with daughter. Being unsure of the traffic condition of the area and giving myself time in case I should make a wrong turn. Finally at 9 a.m the teacher arrived and the wait began. After taking some shots and reading 30 pages of Dan brown's most talked about book, daughter emerged out of the studio at 11.30a.m.

You tiao dipping

Mum arrived for a short visit this morning. You tiao was the top of her breakfast menu. Both of us liked it dipped in kopi. Teh ping with you tiao do make a nice cool change from cereal with milk.

Finally.....

With this letter from the traffic police, a sigh of relief....

Forty two

Finally I reached my second 21 years in life. Mum threw a party for me when I reached my first twenty one years. Then, I was working at a legal firm in Penang while waiting to enter college. Mum single handedly cooked up a storm. Had my collegues, friends and neighbours over. Most importantly, mum presented me with a golden key pendant. A key to adulthood and independance. Dad presented me with a watch. Which until a few months ago had been my faithful time keeper.
One month later, I secured a place in a college in Kuala Lumpur. This was the first time I moved out of my cosy home and my family away from my Penang island. For the first time in my life I was on my own.

Now twenty one years later, I am a wife, a mother of 3 and living away from my home. After my college years, I was back in Penang but not for long as I moved to Singapore to join MDH. My first job was with a toy Company, TOMY. Soon the stork arrived. Then another. It was this time that I gave up my job to be a full time mom. I wanted my children to be in good hands. I wanted to see them grow. I wanted them to come running to me when they need someone to comfort them.

My first twenty one years were spent growing and learning.
My next twenty one years were spent nurturing and teaching my children.
I wonder what will my next twenty one years be.

Going Nuts

As a result of eating when stressed, I am now trying to stay off food. Oily and high carb food that is. Deliciously sinful chocolate and most of all bread. Solution eat more nuts.

171491508171

Here's for a dear old friend

The pain

It has been a week now since the operation. MDH is still having the post surgery pain. Poor him. Still keeping his spirit up and has not loss his sense of humour.

ToTo the Concert

Africa
I hear the drums echoing tonight
But she hears only whispers of some quiet conversation
She's coming in 12:30 flight
The moonlit wings reflect the stars that guide me towards salvation
I stopped an old man along the way
Hoping to find some long forgotten words or ancient melodies
He turned to me as if to say, "Hurry boy, it's waiting there for you"
Chorus: It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had
The wild dogs cry out in the night
As they grow restless longing for some solitary company
I know that I must do what's right
Sure as Kilimanjaro rises like Olympus above the Serengeti
I seek to cure what's deep inside,
frightened of this thing that I've become
Chorus (Instrumental break)
Hurry boy, she's waiting there for you
It's gonna take a lot to drag me away from you
There's nothing that a hundred men or more could ever do
I bless the rains down in Africa, I bless the rains down in Africa
I bless the rains down in Africa, I bless the rains down in AfricaI bless the rains down in Africa
Gonna take some time to do the things we never had

My first rock concert in the Park. Fort Canning Park. It was absolutely fabulous!!! The music was sooooo... loud. The instrumental part was sooooo... jazzy
Frankly I know next to nothing about the band. I am only aware of two songs by the band "Africa and Rosannne".
The concert in the park was really sooo...cool. Most had a picnic basket and a mat while my daughter and I had to be contented sitting on the pathway as the grass was damp. At least I knew it was in the park!! There were others who arrived all deck out in their best. Strapless gown and 3 inch heels.

Where the sun don't shine

After enduring the discomfort for the last 20 years MDH finally decided to make a bold decision to have the operation using the latest technic the stapled operation. On thursday morning, we arrived at the ASC (ambulatory surgery centre) at 7.00am. By 7.30am he was ready to be wheeled in. The operation was over by 8.03am.The 1st patient for the day. A huge LCD screen at the waiting room kept me inform of his where about. From the operation theater right to recovery and discharged room. After a 3 hour rest he was ready to go home.
It was not until 6.30 pm that MDH realised that something was not right. He was not able to empty his full bladder for the last 8 hours. In a hurry and a flurry we left for the A&E dept. Poor him, they had to put him on hold as there were more urgent cases i.e. elderlys with heart attacks, strokes and concussions all coming in at that time. As I sat waiting patiently, I counted an average of one ambulance coming in every 15 mins at around 7.30 pm onwards at SGH.
Finally at 9.30pm he left the hospital with an accessory attached. Most uncomfortable night for MDH. We had to return the next morning to have the accessory removed. This time round MO Dr David Ng attended to us. He advised us the have breakfast and drink plenty of tea to get the bladder going before we head home. It was not until the evening that the bladder emptied by itself. Phew!!! what a relief.
Oh yes, the MO called to check. I was touch by the fact that he actually remembered us!!!
Meanwhile MDH is recuperating at home. Guess he will be out of action for the next one week.

In keeping with tradition

The School

It is now compulsory in Singapore to have guards maning school entrances.
A refreshing sight then when I saw how much thoughts have been put into building this guard house at my daughter's secondary school.





The fortress

Souvenir

Politely friends would always ask if I want anything before they go on their holiday. Yes, I want them to have a good trip. Meaning unwind and think of nothing but absorbing the sights sounds and tickle their palates with all those delectable morsels.
When a friend of mine went trekking in Tibet I couldn't help but asked for a pebble from the top of the world. A place I might not have the opportunity to visit. My deduction is: that would be the only authentic local produce(then again I could be wrong) Have to admit I did ask for pebbles not rocks.

Now my Tibetan rocks decorate my fish pond.

SShhh.....

It's all silence at home front over the weekend and all of this week. My daughter is studying.

A safe place

Is what I want
To be able to take an evening stroll without constantly looking behind me
To be able to eat in peace knowing that my apple is free from any poisonous contaminant
To be able to quench my thirst from kitchen tap
To give my children the wonder of knowledge
To give them the independence to travel around
To be able to seek assistance and knowing that I am in safe hands
This is what I want
So Put A Pat , all the best.

Cards and such

These days cards are making spending nonchalant. Had two of my cash cards top-up this morning. Then it dawned on me. Cards are making purses and wallets lighter . Well in every sense of the word.
Many won't bat an eyelid to pay for a thousand dollar dress. Just hand the card over, a swipe and a stroke of the pen, it's yours. Definately would feel the pinch if I had to see all the $50s and $100 slowly slipping away from my hand. Well it hurts to see all those hard earned money going.......
Then there is the cash card. Indeed it is a stored value card. But how many also realised that once the money has been handed over, payment has been made for services yet to be rendered? Money spent. No matter how long you intend to stretch that amount stored. Left on the counter of the top-up machine was an unwanted receipt. I had a glanced, the amount in the cash card $550. A small amount to many but multiply that with all the cars on the road. Generous? Kiasu? Forgetful?

No pix from me. My camera is not working ):

Ringo

Before there was email there was snail mail.
I would rush home everyday. First stop would be my letter box. I get so excited when I get a stack of them. Diligently I replied postcards and aerogrammes. The highlight of my day, to receive something extra in the envelope. Gums, chocolate, tea bags, stationeries, stickers, jewelries little leather pouches from Africa and a bikini from a penfriend from New Zealand!!
In return, local handmade fridge magnets, flower and vegetable seeds sweets and such would be stuffed into that tiny envelopes!!
Till today most of the letters are still in it's original envelope with it's stamps intact. As time went by, school work and social life took up most of my time, and soon, I lost interest in writing.
One day in 2000, after an interval of 15 years, I was rummaging through my old letters, I decided to write to 4 of my penfriends. Surprise surprise 3 replied. Wojceich A polish who has since moved to the states. The occupant of the address had so kindly forwarded the mail to his parents who who in turn mailed my letter to him. He is now a professor teaching law. My irish girlfriend Anne, married and has her own home. Her mum still stays at the mailing address. Lastly Atsushi, my japanese friend still staying at the mailing address. He has taken over his dad's orchards and now grows delicious sweet nashi(pear) ringo(apples) and puto(grapes). In keeping with times it's emailing now.

Sakura

Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
On mountains and in villages,
As far as you can see.
They look like a mist, or clouds,
Fragrant in the morning sun.
Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
They’re in full bloom.
Cherry blossoms, cherry blossoms,
Across the April skies,
As far as you can see.
They look like a mist,or clouds,
Blooming fragrantly.
Let’s go! Let’s go!
Let’s go see them

Do have a listen to the japanese version at this site

Orion's Belt

On a clear cloudless night sky, try star gazing. If you see three stars in a row, that's Orion's belt. Orion (the Hunter) is one of the oldest and most recognized constellations in the sky. Orion is a very user-friendly constellation: its bold 3-star belt
Alnitak, Alnilam and Mintaka. These three prominent stars in the central regions of the constellation of Orion align to form the 'belt' of the Hunter.
It's always a delight to point up in the sky and say in confident,"that's Orion's belt" A sure conversational piece.

In their world

In their world we are but a helpless creature.
In their world we are but a lost soul
In their silent world they command such grace
In their silent world they comand such beauty
Yet we choose to sent them to extinction

Winners are just ex-losers

Winners are just ex-losers who got mad. The battle in life belongs to the persistent. Victory will go to the one who does not quit. Refuse to let friends and circumstances defeat you.
If you have been defeated, remember that from the ashes of defeat burn the greatest fires of accomplishment. Your past is the fertiliser for the future.
God made you to climb and not to crawl.
God made you to fly and not fall.
God made you to swim and not sink.
You were not made to dig in the dirt with the chickens, but to soar in the clouds with the wings of an eagle.
Go for it! Today is your day.
What you made happen to others, God will make happen to you.
What you sow today determines your harvest tomorrow. Sow kindness; be slow to criticize and quick to forgive. Love produces a nonjudgemental climate that will also affect you.
Become part of someone's miracle, and it will come back to you.
Do not build mental "monsters" of fear and worry.
If a person expects rejection, he will multiply the possibilities and usually receive it.
Plan now for your financial freedom. Success does not "just happen". You set it in motion. So it is with financial freedom. You will never change where you are until you change what you are doing.
Live within your means. Do not let your upkeep be your downfall. Live with the means presently provided, and budget to correct improper and harmful spending habits.
Work hard, and be deligent, but respect your body.
Health is life's first prize. Men spend their health getting wealth, then gladdly pay all they have gained to get their health back!
Be good to your body. Give it sleep and proper nutrition. Exercise it, and give it the surrounding it needs. Your body is the only "machine" God will allow you during your lifetime. value it, and take care of it.
Information breeds confidence. Know what you believe and why you believe it. Disconnect the memory of past failures. Stop advertising your mistakes. Remind yourself of good decisions and triumphs of the past.
See yourself winning!
Winning Attitudes :-
As a small acorn grows into great oak tree, so grow the seeds of greatness within our lives :
It takes work and discipline
It takes proper nurturing.
It takes time and may not happen overnight.
Resist impatience. As you assume responsibility for the present, take time to enjoy the things available to you right now. Constantly hold before you the dream toward which you work.
"He that walketh with the wise men shall be wise" (Proverbs 13:20)
"In multitude of counsellors there is safety" (Proverbs 11:4)
Be careful in choosing the people that you surround your life with. They can make all the difference in the world.
Success is connected to action. Successful people keep moving towards their goals. They make mistakes. There are setbacks, but they don't quit!
"For the resolute and determined there is time and opportunity." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

To my children Mei, Wen and Shan

Tomorrow

Why I can't sleep? Looking forward to tomorrow. Why? Because I have spent today, preparing for tomorrow.
Yesterday is dead and gone.
It died at 12 midnight everyday.
Today starts with every breath I take.
Today I live.
How should I live today?
Today is not for repairing yesterday.
Yesterday is gone.
Nothing I can do to bring it back.
Past accomplishment and mistakes...
All dead at midnight... everyday.
So, for what purpose I am given Today?
Today is for today
If that is true
then, what is there tomorrow?
Today IS
for us to prepare for tomorrow....
by KA Ooi

Treasure trove

I just found a treasure trove. A trove of my friend's diving photos. I am sure he would be more than delighted to share this. Taken on his dive off sipadan island in 2005.
Barracuda

Sixty six

My first trip back home alone. To spend some time with mum and dad. A break from my hectic family life.
However, dad was not feeling too well on Saturday morning. The next 2 hours was spend waiting waiting waiting for no. 34 to be called. The doc had a look and concluded in all 10 mins that dad had to be referred to the neurologist. Dad suffers from Myastina Gravis. 1 hour later we were attended. He was thorough and reassured my dad that it was a minor inflammation of the bronchial tube. Another 45 min was needed to get the medication. I was to be blame for this condition. My return to Penang was meant to be a surprise to my dad. Brother Ming and mum picked me up at the airport. Upon reaching the garden gate, I gave dad a wave. Dad looked and looked again. He actually question my presence!!!
Lesson learnt: Do give one month advance notice of any surprise you wish to spring on anyone over 60 years of age.

Adieu

Good bye. You can finally be yourself.

Splashing Wednesday

Every wednesday morning slightly before 9am two classes of 9 year olds will troop down in P.E. attire over their costumes with their sling bags. Sit at the link way for a quick briefing on the dos and don'ts. After " Now then have a good time" by the discipline mistress, off they troop to the awaiting buses together with 4 mothers and 2 teachers.
As the buses move off the unbearable noisy squeals of delights, non-stop chatting begins. All 5 mins of the ride.
Upon reaching destination, in twos they are lead to the awaiting instructors. Once again reminded on the safety at site. Then the splashing begins!!!It's swimming day for the primary 3. What is so so so fun is they get to learn swimming with their classmates.Her school has a compulsory swimming programmes for all primary 3 students unless with a note from the doctor. Their various proficiency are rated from 1(those who have never been near water) to 6 ( the mermaids). After 14 lessons, they should at least be able to swimming a width.
An hour later, the confusion begins as they head to the changing rooms to get a quick drowse. Dry themselves and change into their dry attire. No showering no shampooing. With 80 children and theres no time!!
Once again in 2 they sit outside waiting as the mothers frantically check every cubicle for lost and found items and girls. After a head count, up the bus they go. As the buses move off the quick and silent chopping of hungry children are all that's to be heard. All 5 mins of the ride.

Me? breathing fire?

We chinese have this unique way of getting someone age. Find out their chinese zodiac sign then give their physique a quick glance and a bit of mental calculation. Of course, noted in our brain thinker is the personality and chatracteristic most associated with the zodiac sign.
Truly, are our characteristics so related to our zodiac?
(Hhhmm.... must polish up my act. Still can't get that roast right )