Desk Bound

One resigned to care for her child. The other went on a two week medical leave for a minor hand operation. Meanwhile, here is one looking for a change. With more time on hand, A self earned income would mean a little guilt free indulgence. So it's back to a 9 to 5 keyboard tapping in the freeze zone. Being away from the desk for so long means having to ask many questions. It's a start.

Old and forgotten

Eldest spent two weeks of her break, behind the scene. Attached to a nursing home.

After the initial jolt, dressed in white, spent time observing and assisting in the works of caring for the elderly in the all female level.

During activity time, they chatted while exercising with them. Many in their 70s and 80s, suffering from some degree of dementia or health problems. A welcome reprieve for both the Myanmar healthcare personnel and the elderly. Having a helping hand and able to converse with the residents. Dialect was not a problem as eldest took a crash course of cantonese, hokkien/teochew and malay. From me of course!

Though, patient's information was strictly confidential. Eldest just had to report the daily happenings over dinner. Kicked at by one who refuse to shower. Spit at, for one refuse to eat. Had her hands held tightly as one grandma thought she looks so much like her granddaugther. With a thank you by these sweet old ladies, all was forgotten. After all they never meant what they did.

That was three weeks ago. Yesterday, she visited them. This time as a volunteer. She was delighted that many still remembered and welcomed her. For the residents, it's the weekend visitation that they so looked forward to. Sadly many spent the weekends hoping and longing in vain sitting at the activity room listening to the hustle and the bustle downstairs at the visitors' lounge.

Friend In need

A friend in need Is a friend indeed.

So true when coming home from a holiday with loads full of laundry. The washer stop dead mid-way.

Messaged my woes to my girlfriend next-door, hoping. The reply was instant. "Come over" When living away from families, it's good neighbours that makes a difference in calling a place home.

A brand New Year

The notebook malfunction,but it's fixed!
The washer when on strike, after persistent electronic tweaking,it's working(for now)
The misunderstanding with a relative, we met had lunch and, reconciled
The long lost cousin I so want to meet, I met(by chance) while holidaying
December has been a month of tying lose ends.

Here's Wishing all a Hearty, Healthy & Wealthy 2010

Walking under lights

Best way to enjoy the LightUp @ Orchard is to start from Plaza Singapura. Stroll pass the Istana and while enjoying the sights and lights, A huge blue LED facade of Orchard Central looms through the street decorations. The latest shopping & eating experience. Past the bright display and, another mall appear. 313@Somerset , the mall above the somerset Mrt. More shopping and eating adventure. Not to be out done, Meritus Mandarin 100m down the road, has gone through massive facade make over. Pass Takashimaya shopping centre's street decoration, Wisma Atria and onto the most talked about ION Mall. A 1.6km of lights and sights and good exercise!

Kneadless & delicious

Chance upon this book while browsing the library bookselves. Actually it's the title. Kneadless. Making bread without kneading. How was that possible? After reading thoroughly through the chemistry and science behind this method , it was action time. 24 hours later, two delicious, moist and chewy ham mozzarella pizza for lunch. The diners must be hungry for the pizza was gone before I could get a shot of it. This method was 1st featured in 2006. Not aware till now. Will be experimenting with the healthier bread recipe.

It's not what you are endowed with matters, but how you make the most of your endowment.

H for Stairs

Even when taking the escalator, start walking. On the right of course. According to TTSH doctors, walking up two flight of stairs not only burn more calories than a stroll in the park it but Also lengthen the live expectancy by 5.5 seconds. With flights of stairs at every nook & cranny, it's a good reason to pump up the cardio and live longer. Wonder if the effectiveness is the same on going up and coming down. Personally I would prefer coming down 10 storeys than going up.

My crown

And with this crown I thee place,

Of gold alloy top with porcelain white

No more nuts, Ah... I'll miss this munchie

No more cracking and sucking on that bone

But what is finger licking good without cartilage?

My precious crown, may you keep my smile

lasting and my mouth, pain free

Quietness

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.

Safari @ Night

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.

Hay Please

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.

HOWEVER, today while buying hay at the pet shop, I was warned that eating too much 'fresh green' will upset the tummy!!!! It may DIE!!!! Hay should make up 90% of it's diet, and not the other way round.

There goes my composter/food vacuum.

All that glitters

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.

And the younger generation thinks the colour of gold too flashy, too yellow and too unglamourous. Well, soon it's be too expensive. It's been a long time since I pampered myself with a piece of gold trinket. Now it'll have to be even longer.

Uno Stacking

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.

Innoculation

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.

A walk in the Park

A morning stroll at the Jacob Ballas Garden with youngest. A rare chance for youngest to see, the plants and flowers of the veggy and the fruits we normally consume.
One particular tree had youngest complaining. Being an avid table tennis player, she was disgusted with the bats and balls hanging on one tree.

Getting Around

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.

Yesterday, youngest, for the 1st time on her own got lost & confused in the MRT underground labyrinth. She called sounded paicky until I guided her to familiar surrounding.

Have to admit, it happens to adults too. When being driven, I sometimes get too carried away chatting/listening to the radio/ to notice direction to unfamiliar/new destination only to panic when I have to drive there the next time. When this happens, my eyes will be glued to the left for directional signboards. When all these fails, last resort, call hubby. If unavailable, then wind down the window and start asking for direction.

Family Affair

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.

Wet or Dry?

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?

Done Yours?

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.

Breast Cancer, the commonest cancer in singapore affecting 1000 women annually. Early detection through Mammogram is the most promising method of fight this disease.

Being Twelve

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.
A Rite of passage into adolescence.

Giving In

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.

For the first 10 years as a parent, I held the same belief.

Probably, older, been through, done that, after bring up 3 children of different character and temperament, I now think otherwise.

I am no guru nor are my children angels nor demons but, I am sure, if I had dealt with situations better, growing up would be less stressful/frustrated for both child and parent.

There is no right or wrong, but this is the beginning of learning to give and take, compassion and empathy.

1st week of Oct

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.

The Six Sense

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.

Risky Ris

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.

Hoya hoya

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.

ButterFly

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.

Alarm News

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?

Truly Malaysian Food

Rojak! Fruit rojak with tropical fruits of sour mango, red jambu air, kedondong, nutmeg, pineapple, cucumber, jicama(sar kok)and star fruit. Drizzle with pungent fermented prawn paste, a dash of sweet sugar, a teaspoon of piquant belachan powder , a pinch of chopped fiery chilli padi, generous scatter of finely minced exotic fragrant ginger flower, a gentle stir and a final sprinkle with of nutty protein peanut. Presto!, it done.

Truly Malaysian.

A melting pot of indian, chinese, malay and indigenous.

What's the fuss over nasi lemak and chilli crab.

Pic: courtesy from thestar online.

Good Read

Another nail biting read. Makes good reading when down and out. Dan Brown writing on sensitive subjects making many uneasy with the plausibility of events if intepret or view from a different angle. Yet two of his novels made it to hollywood. A newcomer to my stable of favourite authors together with David Morrell.

NLB@16th Floor

A night view of S'pore on the 16th floor of the National Library at Victoria street. Was invited to a function organised by the NLB but spent the later part of the evening taking in the magnificent 360 lights of downtown S'pore.

Flowering Road

Flowering trees lining the streets. Very hot days followed by very heavy rain has cause these trees to burst into full bloom. The street, a carpet of pink and white flower. Alas, once trampled upon, it'll quickly decompose giving the poor sweeper a hard time. Soon in a week's time, it's the showering of the twirling seeds. Youngest and I would scoop these winged seeds, on the 2nd floor release and watch how they spin in the wind.

TeaCups

Antiquity cups, Bodum cups, China cups. When presented I graciously accepted. A set of two dainty Antiquity cups. Carefully cleaned and kept under wraps, till one day it proved it's worth. Serving up warm nourishments to three guests over the years. In prefect condition, or so I thought, till last month. Spots were found on a routine check. More checks were done. Relieved, it's not menacing but for now to remove this lumpy spot is the best solution.

Over the Moon

From ice-cream/sesame paste/nutty coconut/ chocolate to jelly version but nothing taste as good as the traditional pastry mooncake. With lotus/redbean paste, scatter of pine nuts and a single salted egg yolk to complement the taste of something sweet, something salty. It's mooncake festival next month. Time when chefs pit against each other in concocting nourveau fillings. Gold flakes to shark fins. Wonder what fillings and skin will the chefs come up with next.

Destressing

Some eat, play electronic games while others watching endless serial dramas to keep the mind preoccupied. The last 2 weeks of much waiting and anxiety, had me devouring 2 novels. Something old, a 1952 translated novel by Sakai Tsuboi and something espionage, by David Morrell. Reading an interesting book still does wonders to the mind. Wonder if holding a book and reading will ever be a redundancy especially now with all the latest portable gadgets for viewing.

Forever young

In the eye of some parents, the child is forever the little mischievous 6 year old. And when child is in late teens and dad still makes comments like, don't jump on the sofa, dad has not been growing up with the child. Dad has not been observing and dad has not been spending time with the child. Dad has been too preoccupied to notice the transformation of child to young adult.

Being Presence

When nothing can be done, being presence is all that should be done. The sense of touch and being close, comfort and calm a troubled mind. We sometimes forget the emotion and phychological value of being presence. Had the privilege experiencing this yesterday.

Yammy Yam

A true blue teochew, I like anything yam. From dessert to pastries. Mum prepared this pork belly with yam one evening. The secret ingredient to this dish is, the preserved fermented bean curd. The yam when cooked must melt in the mouth. Sprinkle of coriander and spring onions gives it colour. Bowl of steaming rice is just right for this simple but delicious dish.

Shutter bug

Has been told of this photography exhibition by local renown and accomplish Photographer Tan Lip Seng. Checking through the web, was awed by the string of accolades and accomplishments. Exhibition until 30th Aug at the Ngee Ann Cultural Cenre at Tank Road. Hopefully will be able to head on down to catch this with dad.

Waiting Game

3 days consecutively, been to SGH. Mon, taking blood and urine samples for testing and x-ray. Tue, to see the nephologist Prof W. Today, to see the musculoskeletal Dept Prof T. The wait today has to be the longest. 2 1/2 hours. So angst was I that I had to look for the feedback form to fill. Honestly, in all aspect, the hospital staffs are effecient, hospital procedures get done within 30 min wait, a cafeteria if not an eatery placed nearly every block. Even pharmacies are stock with interesting healthcare products. However the waiting time to see the doctor is just ridiculus. When 1st appointment of the morning is 9am, the Prof saunters in at 10.30am. The Prof might be brilliant but his time management and time allotment really needs improving. Thank goodness, dad only has to see him once a year for review.

Pineapple Crab

Mum' s here. And it's tomato/pineapple crab. Youngest's favourite. Singapore's chilli crab is just too spicy for youngest. Sweet pineapple and tangy tomato paste with an egg to thicken the gravy is just finger lickin delicious.

Perhaps Love

Perhaps love is like a resting place

A shelter from the storm
It exists to give you comfort

It is there to keep you warm

And in those times of trouble

When you are most alone

The memory of love will bring you home

Perhaps love is like a window

Perhaps an open door

It invites you to come closer

It wants to show you more

And even if you lose yourself

And don't know what to do

The memory of love will see you through

Oh, Love to some is like a cloud

To some as strong as steel
For some a way of living
For some a way to feel

And some say love is holding on

And some say letting go

And some say love is everything

And some say they don't know

Perhaps love is like the ocean

Full of conflict, full of pain

Like a fire when it's cold outside

Thunder when it rains

If I should live forever

And all my dreams come true

My memories of love will be of you

And some say love is holding on

And some say letting go

And some say love is everything

Some say they don't know

Perhaps love is like the ocean

Full of conflict, full of pain

Like a fire when it's cold outside

Or thunder when it rains

If I should live forever

And all my dreams come true

My memories of love will be of you

Introduce this piece to youngest today. From John Denver & Domingo Placido

Have a listen on this link to youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TMAGYKdnqM

The Runaway

When a four legged shell pet escape, the first thing to do is watch your steps. Next, look into every crevasses, nooks & crannies of flower pots, just to be sure it's not trapped and waiting to be rescued. Failing all these steps, take a break. Do nothing.
Spent the whole evening searching for youngest 3 week old tortoise when it was discovered missing. After much assurance that she won't get nightmares, she when to bed. The rest of us would peer into the balcony once a while hoping. This morning it appeared right in the open. On the rack where it's home is. After a night of adventure, it must be tired, thirsty and hungry.

Teh Halia

Girlfriend swears by it. A good cup of Ginger tea/teh halia will rejuvenate/revitalize any weary bone/body. Been under the weather lately. In Asia, this means a mean cup of freshly brewed sweeten milk tea with 3 tablespoon of freshly squeezed ginger juice. And the best cuppa, using the freshiest ginger, is from the corner indian drink stall in Tekka Market. Been residing here for the last 20 years and yesterday's visit to Tekka market was my 3rd. A sip of hot and spicy beverage sure was an experience and indeed a pick-me-up. The Indian Thosai with the sweet& sour condiments just the right savory breakfast with that cuppa.

カレーライス

私は大好き簡単の日本料理。カレーライスです。My favourite simple japanese curry.
A packet of the japanese curry cubes
500 g of chicken cube
1 Large onion chopped
1 large carrot chunk
2 large potato chunk
2 1/2 cup water
Marinate the chicken cube with
2 Tsp sake,
1 Tsp of corn flour,
1 Tsp of curry powder for a local flavour(optional)

Brown the chicken cube till cooked. Set aside.
In a deep skillet, saute the onions, potato for 10 min.
Add in the carrots.
Add water and simmer for 20 min or until potatoes are soft.
Put in the chicken cubes turn off the heat once it simmers
Cut the curry cubes into small pieces and add into the skillet stirring all the time till gravy thicken.
Serve up immediately onto steaming hot rice. A bowl of salad with japanese dressing to complete the meal
Enjoy!