Lower Pierce Walk

Its been a long time since we walk that walk at the Lower Pierce Reservoir. Such nice traqualilty and the chippings of the early birds. We had a badminton game earlier and decided to go for a stroll at the reservoir to catch some sunshine.

Me and Hubby !

I have not got up so early on a Sunday morning for a long time. I should be sleeping early everyday. No matter its on a working weekday or an weekend. Enough sleep is important to our brain cells and also healthy to our skin. And getting enough sunshine, will do good too! Its Vitamin C! Hmmm... Im feeling really great today. Hardly do I get such feeling on a Sunday. I think its a good strategy to rise early and do a good workout to sweat. Its about 1pm now. Time to go visit Daddy and Granny. Im learning to live healthily!

Out Of My Comfort Zone

I was shocked.

I was dumbfolded.

I could not believed what I had read from the email that boss had sent.
I thought boss make a mistake typing the wrong name! One of my best colleagues was leaving. I wanted to cry. I wanted to give him a punch. I wanted to give him a hug. I thought I am going to lose a friend. That was really sad. Sad and I refused to buy him a farewell gift.

We had a department farewell tea party for him. He could not bear to leave us but yet he had chosen to do it. Its his choice. Its his career path. He should know what he is happy with and good at. I just hope he would have a more fulfilled career.

I need time to get used to his absence.

The Revenge Of A Theatre Lover I

I have been spending quite a lot lately on theatre works and musical plays. Going to the movies put aside. Im not so keen unless its about some non-mainstream films. Probably international productions from Asia, Middle East or Europe. Kind of tired with Hollywood or Bollywood.





I missed the International Film Festival this year. Too caught up with many things running and timing was not very good. A colleague told me that most of the tickets were selling well and some sold out. I realise local film productions are not doing that bad. On local channel, The Art Central, there has been a release of local films and short stories. One recent one titled "Do Not Disturb".

Directed by Kelvin Tong, remembering the same director of horro flick, "The Maid". Created by our local infamous actress and prolific producer, Tan Kheng Hua. Eight stories comprising eight different couples of what they would be doing behind the closed door of a budget love hotel. Sounds sleazy but it is really not. And Im really surprised that how the authority allowed this to pass. Sadly, another local film, "Solo", failed by three cuts and therefore needed to be withdrawn from the International Film Festival showcase. I believe that it has something to do with homosexuality and how it is still a social stigma. That would definitely be another episode to reprise.


Check out:
http://www.artscentral.sg/index.htm
http://www.artscentral.sg/thismonth/Do%20Not%20Disturb/index.htm

More And More ... Pinkeye Attacks !!!

Since I have contacted the Pinkeye, also known as Conjuctivitis, I have been given three days medical leaves to rest at home. Not allowed to go out as advised by the doctor, the best is stay indoor to rest or do some indoor activites, at home. What choice do I get? I hope my colleagues would not be cursing me under their nose. Its already quite sad to be shortage of people around in the office and now my absence, not very motivating isnt it?

There are so many kinds of bacteria in the air and being unlucky when one got struck by it and the bacteria happily landed on your eye. Itchiness, irritation and pricky, suddenly the eye turned red and you can see a bloodshot one. Horrifying. Misery.

My Miserable Look !!!

I guess it all happened when I was at CDC (Communicable Disease Centre) last Saturday for a workshop on Personality Disorders. I spent the whole day there and nothing much to my eye but only it became teary at almost the end of the session. Its quite normal for my case when I stared at an object for too long. And I was not day-dreaming alright! Simply too engrossed with the interesting topics that the therapist had mentioned.

Sunday past with a little irritation which I appiled some eye lotion. And came Monday, it became more obvious and I had to see my company doctor after work. Since the next day was Labour Day, no work, the doctor did not give me any medical leave. Wednesday, no improvement at all. I went back to the company doctor again and he said that I needed about two weeks to recover! Oh Gosh! I started barginning and was ticked off. He said that unless I could guarantee that none of my colleagues would come in and see him for the same condition, as I would be the culprit! So I was given a three-day rest and I am here, trying to update my blog with all events that happened or going to be ... !!!

A Trip To Somewhere

The Last Trip Was In April 2007 !!! ... Maybe One More Coming Soon ...

Honestly, I do not care who is reading this but I do not enjoy trips to Malacca anymore. Maybe my mother-in-law could be reading this, or any members of in-laws. Its too monotonous. A pity not that I could not drive or I would be the one appointed to the task! A pity yes that my hubby has to do the job since he is the only person around in the household now that is able to. So many of my friends have been urging me to take up driving. And new friends were taken aback when I said that I could not drive at all and never in my life ever started a car engine!

Oh well, I love road trips. Be it to anywhere. I do not mind as long as I am not the one who drive. Thats the only reason left that I would tag along to Malacca. So whats wrong with it? Im tired of dramas and impatience await. There is always a cause of a trip there. I dont mind if a trip is going to be relaxing and maybe to meet some friends or happy relatives. For me, its a no-friends trip and always unhappy relatives to face. I have to pretend that nothing happened but all are too obvious not to hide. Being a daughter-in-law, I shared my views on certain matters. But again, who am I here to ground those rules.

On a positive note, I tried to make the trip fun. I enjoyed all the food available. Watched the movies I had rented. Took as many pictures as I love myself to be. Hey, Im not being narcissistic alright! Needed to turn a boring trip funny. Laughed at myself and hubby. But just hope hubby will understand. I try to too. We need emotional support whenever concerns of such arise!

I believe, we still have many trips like this to go ... ... ...

No Time! No Time!

So this is what happened. After so many months of absence, and my friends' constant nagging of when I would be updating my blog, I finally tried. Oh please, Im not being forced to do it, I realised too that its time for an update.

What has been going on with my life, my daily routine?

First of all, my family. My Filipina maid has decided to call it quits this time. After she had come back from her short holidays, she told me that she decided to change her industry of work. She is trained in the F&B industry back home and would love to explore more than just being a domestic worker. Also, taking care of my granny can be quiet stressful as she is demented. So I was kind of worrying for a few months prior to her departure. Also through a kind friend, she is actually my mother-in-law's maid, who introduced another maid to me, she is from Indonesia. I had bad experience with Indonesian maids. Well, I met up with her and brought her to meet my granny who seemed to like her very much. So I decided to take a risk. Furthermore, she had worked in Hong Kong for a couple of years before coming to Singapore, so she could speak a bit of dialects and Mandarin, most importantly, she could communicate with my granny! So about two weeks ago, she joined my family.

Dad's 67th Birthday Cake !!!

We also celebrated my Dad's 67th birthday, on 16 April. It did not occurred to me that my Dad is already that old! He has been an active person and very independent. Although he suffered two strokes before, Im grateful that he has been able to get back to his feet and started to walk. His only wish is to grow old gracefully without being a burden to any famliy members. But I think his memory maybe failing him sooner. He is getting forgetful these days and I pray that he would not become like my granny.

Apart from these two significance events that happened, all have been peaceful and everyday passes like no one ever noticed. I believed that there might be changes soon in the household. I have a feeling that my brother maybe getting married soon. This would be another episode to talk about.

Happy Social Workers' Day

The first and latest. Social Workers' Day.

We have all sort of days to remember by.
Teacher's day, Bosses' Day, Secretary's Day, Nurses' Day, etc.
And now, we have our Social Workers' Day.

A day to remember the tribute of these people to our society and the hard work they had put in and hearts they had touched. The patience and endurance they went throught with all their clients and lives they had helped to make it better.

What can I say to these people who would go an extra mile to lend a helping hand.

Cheers and more cheers.

A Late Happy New Year

How a Happy New Year.

Not so happy for me. So many things going on for the start. I just do not wish to list them all out. Or I may sound like a complaining queen, which Im not. Anyway, its already mid of Jan 2007, and there are a few unsettled events in my life which need some sorting out. Mainly family affairs and maybe some work related. Career progressing. I try not to give myself any pressure. Let my mind do whatever I am comfortable with. So hopefully, I can still be in my comfort zone for awhile.

Due to all unforeseen circumstances, my blood pressure hit an high note a few days ago. After calming down a little, Im hit with this bug. Sneezing and blowing nose all the way. Not very impressive, to have taken two days of medical leave in one week. Dang!

What can I do? Rest more, drink more water, eat more fruits and vegs. Hear all. Done that. Still cannot fight against the bugs when they decided to invade your immune system. I need more exercises.

I need to rest... in peace. Cheers.

Happy Art Searching

While having that artyfart feeling lately, I wanna draw something. Went over to Dad's place and ransacked the storeroom to look for all my drawing materials. I also found some of my artwork which I had done during my days in the art college. Feeling very happy looking at them, I also done up one waterpaint on still life. Not that good but I like the colour. Shades of black and grey which are my favourite. This is waterpaint on cotton fiber sheet.

Lost My Voice

The trend has been going on at the workplace. People are losing their voices, in company with a sore throat. I was just waiting for my turn to get it. Flu and sore throat. These are the two that would hit me often when somebody close to me have it. So since I had taken the flu jab, its not so bad. For the sore throat, I just cannot control it. The bacteriea and the viruses in the air. Human body are getting weaker these days.

I had a slight sore throat on Sunday, followed by a slight fever in the evening. Then I ran out of Lorzenges. But I took the Panadol. Monday morning, I woke up with a sore throat, worsened. I dragged myself to work, thinking that I would feel better once I started my body engine going. Alas, I felt groggy when I reached there, so I headed to the clinic straight. I was already having fever. Damned. I was given one day medical leave, so I headed home to rest.

I did not sleep well last night. Turning and tossing and my throat was burning. It did not get better. I could not swallow or speak properly. I drank lots of water and sucked on the lorzenges. It did not helped any better. This morning, I went to my family physician. She gave me the antibiotics. Hopefully I would be better soon. Im feeling drowsy now. And Im going to sleep again.

CONFESSIONAL MEMOIR

Started on a new book, RUNNING WITH SCISSORS by AUGUSTEN BURROUGHS. It is a true story of a boy whose mother gave him away to be raised by her psychiatrist. The doctor himself has a bizarre family and a neighbour who is a pedophile. His childhood was completed with challenging events that brought him through the search of his own identity and sexuality. So far, I find the book has a degree of dark humour. The story starts with the title of the first chapter, SOMETHING ISN'T RIGHT, with the first line, MY MOTHER IS STANDING IN FRONT OF THE BATHROOM MIRROR SMELLING POLISHED AND READY... Read between lines for more comprehension. Whenever I read the book, somehow, my mind always flickers with images and similarities of people around me who might have been through this. I let my imagination runs wild. The writer has also other works and the latest is POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS. Chronologically, the writings evolve around his earlier books like DRY and MAGICAL THINKING until this.

Retreat Time

Many people would think that a retreat is boring. On the contrary, I just feel that its fun! Don't shoot me! We work like hell and so a retreat is a time that we share our experiences, happiness or unhappiness, ideas and wishes. Talk about team building and group work, I think my colleagues are a whole bunch who put effort to it and it shows that even we might be unhappy in some ways, we are also grateful in certain perspectives.

Human relationships are so important. A good listening ear and a supportive shoulder to lean on at times. Isn't it a way to make things work somehow? A few may not be able to tolerate in a certain degree. That's it! One would shout. Then think again, opportunities are all out there. If one way cannot be right, make that way to your advantage then. Twist and turn. Crash and burn. Alrighty, what am I saying here...

Anyways, I did not get to enjoy the early session of games. Yeah. Watersports and something adventurous. When was the last time I did that... Oh yeah... The paintball game! That was fun! I was really looking forward to some water games, the trust fall and some rock climbing... Too bad I was assigned to man the fort, so I joined my colleagues in the afternoon for lunch and followed by the main session of the retreat. We had skits and role-plays. Trying to put our concerns and some ideas across to our bosses. Hopefully to get some results in future.

Overall, it was fun. People are smart and sensitive. We are afterall, a whole bunch of lovely creatures who do care what you have got and what you would give! Treats or Tricks! What am I babbling again... Look forward to next year retreat. Am I the only person who enjoys this? Roll your eyes please!

Celebration Rantings !!!

The Blinking Lights

Chicken Rendang, Sambal Goreng and Serunding

Handmade Ketupat

Assorted handmade cookies

It has been a busy day. Although I only worked half-day and went back early, I helped out my mum-in-law and the maid to prepare the ingredients to cook the food for Hari Raya Puasa. Well, we managed to finish cooking by 11pm. Not too bad. The cookies were done at a much earlier date and they look so nice.

The house is also decorated with the blinking lights. Hub and I went to the bazaar at Geylang and bought those lights for $25. The place was so overwhelming. You got to be there to experience the crowds and the stuffs they sell. One visit for me is enough. Crowded places like this is not my cup of tea. I would not go unless Im there to buy something. Luckily I got the lights or else...

Honestly, I just want to get over and done with it. I do not know if there will be a lot of people visiting. Im not anti-social. My barrier is the language as I cannot speak proper Malay. Its very sad to say. Im really afraid that those relatives or friends start the conversation in Malay and Im always stuck with how to answer them. So for me, its better not to speak if you are not sure or do not understand much. But then, people may think Im unfriendly. So most of the time, I feel like Im smiling like an idiot. Anyways, enough of ranting... seems like going out of the topic here.

I miss my late father-in-law. Its going to be one year since the day he passed on. Im expecting sad moment when we are going to ask for forgiveness from my mum-in-law the next morning. I will never forget his wise and always right advice. A great man to remember. And I always respect him in my heart. What can I do... just got to go through it every year.

Miss my sister-in-law too. As she is expecting and experiencing morning sickness, Im just wondering how she is coping at Australia everyday. Well, she has a big guy to stand by her and make sure he takes care of her well. So, sis, if you are reading this, Im looking forward to meet you again, with your baby and big guy...

ALMOST

The fasting month is coming to an end. Tomorrow will be the last day of fasting. So far, I missed two days of fast because I was having terrible migraines in mid-day and I just gotta pop that pill. Hopefully, I can still hold on till the last day of Ramadhan. I need to remember to 'pay back' the two days that I have missed. Being a Chinese Muslim, Im not into the mood of what the Malay Muslims are here, celebrating the new month of Shawal. Many people, especially the non-muslims think that it is a new year celebration. Not true, the new Islamic year is not Shawal but Muharram. So people celebrate the first of Shawal because it signifies the break of fasting month, Ramadhan. Although its been six years, Im still not used to the Malay cultures. Im not really interested, honestly. But what other choices do I have since my husband is a Malay Muslim and I have to learn the ropes from my mother-in-law. Well, she has been very patient and nice to me. But I can feel that she seems to worry about me too. Most of the time, I will go with the flow, like monkey sees, monkey does. And I do asked whats and whys. The rationale cannot seems to etch onto my head. I would like to visit the Chinese Muslims in China. I know there are plenty of them there. I have watched the documentaries about them and still prefer the Chinese Muslim cultures. They are way too simple and easy to follow. Anyway, Im not complaining. Be it Chinese, Malay, Indian or any other races of Muslims, we have only one thing in common which is our love and faith in Islam. Other things are just minor. Our strength and to uphold the rights and stands of all Muslim beliefs should be taken. And most of all, I want to tell the world that we are not even close to terrorism.

Read About It !!!

My sister-in-law is pregnant! Oh yeah! Im happy for her and my mother-in-law too because she is now promoted to granny status. Maybe I should not be too overwhelmed by this piece of news. The old folks always say that its not good to make big announcement when a woman is at the early stage of pregnancy. I do not know how it really works. Most of my friends who were pregnant before, they did wait till they were at their third or forth month to announce to friends and relatives. Superstitious? Anyway, she is now far away from us, staying in Australia. So I just pray that she could cope well with her pregnancy. I would pity her in terms of food craving, my poor sis might not be able to get what she wants over at Australia. So my mother-in-law just send her a big box of dried food, spicies, whatever she asked for that and hopefully the stuff could pass through the custom. Well, Australia is very strict about sending or bringing food into the country. I would just wait for more news to come. And pray to God that she will be in good spirit and health!

The Memory Keeper's Daughter

Its been awhile since I updated. I have been busy reading. Frequent the library very often nowsaday. Suddenly I realised that there are so many good books lying around. Im reading one book now titled, THE MEMORY KEEPER'S DAUGHTER by KIM EDWARDS.

The stunning story happened in 1964, a cold winter night. A doctor delivered his pair of twins. His first born boy was perfectly healthy, but what struck him is his second born daughter which has Down's Syndrome. He made one decision that could change and haunt all their lives forever. He told his nurse to bring the baby away to an institution. Unexpectedly, she did not but moved away to another town to raise the child as her own.

Theres a secret of the doctor's childhood that explained his split-second decision of sending his daughter away. The painful memories of the past and the difficult circumstances of the present brought him to a stage which he was almost destroyed. Tormented and seeking solace through the lens of his camera of how he sees life would be.

A powerful combination of love and regret, truth and lies, and their redemptions. A story that is heart-breaking and heart-healing at the same time. Well, read it if you can. So Im going back to the last pages of the book. And hopefully I can start another title soon.

Healing Conversation

I was browsing with Hanzy at the bookshop today during lunchtime when I came across one book, "HEALING CONVERSATION". It is not just about what to say when you do not know what to say. I believe the content will be very interesting. As a matter of fact, it should offer great comfort for those who are dealing with or going through periods of sadness, loss, pain or anger. Its just like a first aid kit for times when words are hard to come by. When you need to speak with someone who is going through moments when things gone wrong or amiss and when matters of heart is concerned.

I could not wait till after office hour. Nope, Im not going to buy that book yet. I had done a search on the library website and found that the book is available at the library near my place. So I went to the library after work and am so glad that I managed to get it!

I will buy the book if its really helpful. I think it will be. For my jobscope, I meet people who are distressed everyday. Talking to these people need lots of patience and understanding because they are seeking assistance and advices. They are mostly stuck in their realm of uncertainties and desperations. It can be mentally exhausting everyday. I need detachment. I want to learn how to support others without fixing, rescuing or judging.

The Singapore Idol Moment

I was not into this initially. I did not even know who is who. Until the last 4 contestants were left, then I started to listen to their voices and songs. Pretty impressive I can say, my opinion. I like Paul Twohill. And was abit sad that he was voted out. I always prefer the male vocal compare to the female. I do not know why. Especially those husky voices, like Jonathan's. Hady is good that I feel that its OK that he is not going to win the Singapore Idol title. He has the performer's instinct born in him. So natural. Jonathan seems less expose, in my opinion. But his husky, unique voice won all over. While I am waiting for the results to announce... Thats it!

Hady Mirza is the winner of the Singapore Idol II... !!!

Check out this link http://www.singaporeidol.com

I will not forget to look for the Mee Rebus/Soto and Satay stall uncle very very soon... To send congrats to him that his son has made it to the title and Im going to ask him to belanja me satay!

A Slack Day

Oh Yeah. I spent the whole day sleeping. Its like not having to get my sleep for such a long time. Its not norm for me to sleep like that unless Im sick. Im just too tired. I thought of going back to office to clear some work but in my dream. You can see, I even dreamt about work. Isnt this horrible?!?

I was supposed to go out with Hanzy. To get our eyebrows trimmed at Little Indian, using the traditional threading method. Hanzy said that it was not very painful and the outcome has been good. I noticed that but I have not let anyone trimmed my brows before. I do it myself all the time. So as Im freakingly slack today, since last night after I came from the play, I was thinking not going to do it. Hanzy was tired too but unsure if he went on his own at the end. Melissa called me in the afternoon to ask me out. We had planned before to go to Marks and Spencers for shopping. I again turned her down. Oh my... what a day like that. Felt wasted and unaccomplished.

I just ordered KFC via phonecall. I needed to wait for about an hour for the delivery. Hmmm. Tummy groaning. Hungry and wasted.

...happenings!

Alright. So we cannot eat bread anymore because it contains too much preservatives. So what are we supposed to do? A friend told me to get the breadmaking machine. How many chances do I have to make my own bread, seriously! Oh Gosh! And another problem with SK II skincare products. Scientists and researchers claimed that their products contained some chemicals that are very harmful to our body. So is it a scare or for real? Im wondering how our local counterparts are responding. I must go to town and check out those SK II beauty counters. Recently I was just contemplating whether to try out their products. Hmmm. Thank God that I manage to save those money.

Anyway, Im looking forward to tomorrow night. Im going with Melissa and Verena to watch a play called FUNDAMENTALLY HAPPY. Its about Eric, a 30-year old social worker who returned to his childhood neighbourhood, visited the home of his old neighbour, Habiba, where the couple was still living there, older and with children. As Eric and his old neighbour Habiba reminisced about old days, a shocking secret was revealed that would forever change their lives.

FUNDAMENTALLY HAPPY takes an unflinching look at the personal and emotional issues surrounding paedophilia, without judgement or blame. Trusted neighbour or a family friend are often people we would entrust our children to without much of a second thought. As the play traces the emotional and personal issues that arised after a secret was revealed, the implications for a wife and a mother who was also a friend of the perceived 'victim', started to surface. Questions about trust, integrity and honesty that exists in a friendship, explores issues such as memory, justification, consent and possible legal implications of paedophilia.

So we will be watching the play at 8pm next night, probably get some dinner near our workplace before that. Also hopefully that I can clear some work before I go off. Yeah. Always about work. What can I say... ...