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.