Until recently, I never knew there are so much details to look out for over a simple Chinese dinner. When Dentist Woo Woo told me about the subtle political moves, I didn't think much of it. Thankfully, I was brought up relatively proper, I knew my basic table manners for a Chinese dinner. Nerves still had a good hold of me but it was a mere fraction of what I went through when I first met with Moody Penguin's parents.
Upon reaching the venue, I immediately knew I was badly dressed even though there were no specific dress code. It was still Chinese New Year and the restaurant was looking like someone just spilled the same red paint all over their patrons. I came from work and had a meeting earlier that day. So a safe colour from my wardrobe would be all black. Without much colours in my closet, there was very little I could do to add more colours to myself even if I had wanted to. To be frank, I did put thought into it. I just couldn't find anything reasonable smart for work and they're not in black or white.
What are the right things to say became whole new knowledge. The general guidelines doesn't work here and the high level of superhuman powers to watch our language has just elevated itself. Nothing was safe to talk about and given the super ability to shoot off my mouth, I almost died trying to hold my tongue. Was told to be natural. It was 90% natural but the 10% was creeping forward as the dinner progressed and ironically, the more comfortable one gets, the more you find yourself watching over to avoid accidentally tripping over.
All in all, better be safe than sorry. A happy camper I am for now.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Kong Hei Fatt Choi
If you're wondering why I haven't posted for the past few days, it was public holiday over here in Singapore and a major festivity for Chinese all over the world. It's the Lunar New Year or the Chinese New Year. Celebrations in other parts of the worls can span over 2 weeks since technically, there are 15 days of Chinese New Year, 3 more than Christmas! All Chinese would rush home during this season to spend time with their family. The most eventful getogether would have to be the Reunion Dinner. As the name goes, it is a time when all family members return home to have dinner on New Year's Eve. In Singapore, most families would prepare hotpot (commonly known as steamboat in Singapore which would leave alot scratching their head thinking how does these Chinese serve a marine vessel on their dinner table..?) It has also become comfort food for many Singaporeans especially those living abroad. I can still fondly recall my last Christmas in New York in the middle of freezing winter, we were all seated around a little apartment stuffing our faces around the steamboat.
On the first day of Chinese New Year, we would visit and greet our elders and in return we receive a little token wrapped in red paper or envelopes called "Hong Bao" in Mandarin, "Ang Pow" in Singaporean terms due to our mostly Hokkien/Teo Chew heritage or "Lai See" in Cantonese. That was also part of the reason why most kids love Chinese New Year. On top of that, hosts would usually prepare a huge array of snacks and candies. A winner with the little ones. If you're unmarried, you still qualify to receive ang pows but you would probably have given the biggest one to your parents so that are substantially less attractive in terms of relative monetary gains. However, it is believed that the auspicious words/phrases you receive from your elders when you greet them would bring you good luck and whatever that they wish you, would have their likelihood to fulfil in the coming year. So the progression from greetings like "Kuai Gao Zhang Da" (grow up/taller fast) in the younger years, to "Xue Ye Jin Bu" (great improvements to one's studies), till "Shi Shi Shun Li" (sail through things with ease). To our elders, we would usually wish them great health like "Shen Ti Jian Kang".
The night before Chinese New Year which is the time after reunion dinner, the younger generations in the family would try to sleep as late as they can as this custom known as shou sui. I don't intentionally try to stay up late but it's a time of "serial gambling" with family or friends so that makes Dad happy.
This year wasn't that exceptional. Visitations were still done during the first 2 days albeit alot less gambling took place. Or shall I say, not yet! Coming weekend would be a continuation over the unwelcomed 3 days break from the festivities. It's been good so far. How was your Chinese New Year?
On the first day of Chinese New Year, we would visit and greet our elders and in return we receive a little token wrapped in red paper or envelopes called "Hong Bao" in Mandarin, "Ang Pow" in Singaporean terms due to our mostly Hokkien/Teo Chew heritage or "Lai See" in Cantonese. That was also part of the reason why most kids love Chinese New Year. On top of that, hosts would usually prepare a huge array of snacks and candies. A winner with the little ones. If you're unmarried, you still qualify to receive ang pows but you would probably have given the biggest one to your parents so that are substantially less attractive in terms of relative monetary gains. However, it is believed that the auspicious words/phrases you receive from your elders when you greet them would bring you good luck and whatever that they wish you, would have their likelihood to fulfil in the coming year. So the progression from greetings like "Kuai Gao Zhang Da" (grow up/taller fast) in the younger years, to "Xue Ye Jin Bu" (great improvements to one's studies), till "Shi Shi Shun Li" (sail through things with ease). To our elders, we would usually wish them great health like "Shen Ti Jian Kang".
The night before Chinese New Year which is the time after reunion dinner, the younger generations in the family would try to sleep as late as they can as this custom known as shou sui. I don't intentionally try to stay up late but it's a time of "serial gambling" with family or friends so that makes Dad happy.
This year wasn't that exceptional. Visitations were still done during the first 2 days albeit alot less gambling took place. Or shall I say, not yet! Coming weekend would be a continuation over the unwelcomed 3 days break from the festivities. It's been good so far. How was your Chinese New Year?
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Yacht For Sale
Some people's idea of a high life is probably like a jetsetter and there are many in this world who owns their very own jets. Take for example, John Travolta is a big fan of planes and he lives in a "fly-in" home with his own runway right at his doorstep called The Jumbolair. Others love to spend their free time cruising on the ocean. Saw this piece of news today and thought it would be nice to share. I had a bit of a giggle when I first saw this piece of news...
The Iraqi government's attempts to sell a luxury yacht that once belonged to Saddam Hussein have foundered.
Despite features including a missile launcher and operating theatre, no-one was willing to pay $30m for the 82m (270ft) Basrah Breeze.
The vessel, which will be towed back to Iraq from Europe, also has an escape tunnel leading to a mini-submarine.
Baghdad officials have blamed the global economic slump for their failure to find a buyer.
"The Iraqi government decision to bring the yacht home will spare Baghdad the possibility of facing other claims and saves it docking and crew costs," a government statement said.
"The Iraqi government will not be able to sell the yacht in the current circumstances with the world dealing with the financial crisis."
The yacht will now be towed from the Greek port of Piraeus back to Basra province, the government said.
Iraq decided to sell the yacht late last year after it won a legal battle with a Jordanian company over its ownership.
The vessel had been expected to sell for about $30m, but brokers warned that the "Arabesque" decor would not suit all tastes.
It had been decked out with mahogany carvings, gold tap fittings and brightly-coloured deep-pile carpets.
The yacht, originally called Qadissiyet Saddam after a historic Iraqi military victory, was built in a Danish shipyard in 1981 by workers who were sworn to secrecy.
But, despite its luxurious facilities, Saddam Hussein is never thought to have stayed on board himself, fearing political instability if he left Iraq.
So for most of its life the Basrah Breeze, which was also known as the Ocean Breeze, was moored in Saudi Arabia.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/middle_east/7842954.stm
Who the hell has got a missile launcher and operating theatre on their yacht? It's for sale though. So if you're keen... Just thinking aloud - What would the Singapore government think if this yacht is docked at Punggol Marina?
The Iraqi government's attempts to sell a luxury yacht that once belonged to Saddam Hussein have foundered.
Despite features including a missile launcher and operating theatre, no-one was willing to pay $30m for the 82m (270ft) Basrah Breeze.
The vessel, which will be towed back to Iraq from Europe, also has an escape tunnel leading to a mini-submarine.
Baghdad officials have blamed the global economic slump for their failure to find a buyer.
"The Iraqi government decision to bring the yacht home will spare Baghdad the possibility of facing other claims and saves it docking and crew costs," a government statement said.
"The Iraqi government will not be able to sell the yacht in the current circumstances with the world dealing with the financial crisis."
The yacht will now be towed from the Greek port of Piraeus back to Basra province, the government said.
Iraq decided to sell the yacht late last year after it won a legal battle with a Jordanian company over its ownership.
The vessel had been expected to sell for about $30m, but brokers warned that the "Arabesque" decor would not suit all tastes.
It had been decked out with mahogany carvings, gold tap fittings and brightly-coloured deep-pile carpets.
The yacht, originally called Qadissiyet Saddam after a historic Iraqi military victory, was built in a Danish shipyard in 1981 by workers who were sworn to secrecy.
But, despite its luxurious facilities, Saddam Hussein is never thought to have stayed on board himself, fearing political instability if he left Iraq.
So for most of its life the Basrah Breeze, which was also known as the Ocean Breeze, was moored in Saudi Arabia.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/middle_east/7842954.stm
Who the hell has got a missile launcher and operating theatre on their yacht? It's for sale though. So if you're keen... Just thinking aloud - What would the Singapore government think if this yacht is docked at Punggol Marina?
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Old Chang Kee - The Love & Hate Relationship
For the benefit of those of you who doesn't know Old Chang Kee, it is a chain of outlets in Singapore selling deep-fried snacks. The one thing that made them really famous must be their curry puff enveloping the most juicy mixture of potatoes and chicken (with a tiny slice of egg) ever. Needless to say, it is a guilty indulgence after it's been through the evil deep frying ritual having the puff soak in some super hot unhealthy oil. Still, many follow the smell religiously and before they know it, all the weight losing program will have no whatsoever effect on them anymore.
Curry puff is probably one of the favourite snacks of Singaporeans. The preference for different "types" of curry puffs vary from person to person. Some love the thick crust, some love it thin. Some love the super spicy ones, others love the tuna filled ones. For myself, the Old Chang Kee one is good enough for me. Although I must say, A1 curry puffs come a close second but because they do not have as many outlets and aren't as accessible, they are unable to share the trophy position with Old Chang Kee. On top of that, Old Chang Kee also has got a huge array of other "poisonous" choices. My personal favourite got to be the Deep Fried Squid Head. Absolutely heavenly. Sometimes I wish they are less oily but heck!
On bad days when I lose my appetite for lunch, my tea break will consist simply of 1 Old Chang Kee curry puff and 1 squid head. Nothing more nothing less. Anything more would be giving my heart the one big reason why it should die on me. Anything less is just unsatisfying. But one thing I really hate about them... Well, the fault lies in me actually. I'm totally useless when it comes to resisting temptation and even if I'm feeling bad, I'll succumb to it as if my knees are jelly. Nuff' said...
*Started to walk to Old Chang Kee
Curry puff is probably one of the favourite snacks of Singaporeans. The preference for different "types" of curry puffs vary from person to person. Some love the thick crust, some love it thin. Some love the super spicy ones, others love the tuna filled ones. For myself, the Old Chang Kee one is good enough for me. Although I must say, A1 curry puffs come a close second but because they do not have as many outlets and aren't as accessible, they are unable to share the trophy position with Old Chang Kee. On top of that, Old Chang Kee also has got a huge array of other "poisonous" choices. My personal favourite got to be the Deep Fried Squid Head. Absolutely heavenly. Sometimes I wish they are less oily but heck!
On bad days when I lose my appetite for lunch, my tea break will consist simply of 1 Old Chang Kee curry puff and 1 squid head. Nothing more nothing less. Anything more would be giving my heart the one big reason why it should die on me. Anything less is just unsatisfying. But one thing I really hate about them... Well, the fault lies in me actually. I'm totally useless when it comes to resisting temptation and even if I'm feeling bad, I'll succumb to it as if my knees are jelly. Nuff' said...
*Started to walk to Old Chang Kee
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
家后
I have never been emotionally close to my Mom since I was a kid. My grandma was my pillar of support and I'm quite obviously, a Daddy's girl. Recently, I begin to see so much of my Mom's flaws in myself and that isn't making my life any better. Realisation is only the beginning of a long journey ahead of me.
Throughout the years, especially during the bad times when Dad could barely support us (my hamper delivery experience would say alot but that's for another day), Mom never left the family. Having gone home one day to see them scream and shout at one another, makes me dread going home but that scene never quite appeared again. After that episode, they made the extra effort to not turn things ugly before the children's eyes. Only long after I grew up, I found out that the things that they argued about was even uglier. These belong to the past which I do not wanna dig out and launder.
My Dad is a traditional Chinese man and would want to do his best for his children which he rarely fail us. Even if it means he has to give us all he's got and left with nothing for himself, he would do just that. I have very great respect for this man who means the world to me and made me what I am today. Although I was forced to be independent, I'm still thankful every single day of my life that I was brought up that way.
Mom on the other hand was milder and more of the "educator" than "disciplinarian". By reasonable standards, considering that I was caned by Dad on a regular basis, I should be really close to my Mom and love her to bits, I still can't help but feel detached from her. In a way, I think I'm too defensive of my Dad. But in recent years, I can slowly see why she did certain things. That didn't made me love her more but made me see how much she loves my Dad. Even till today, my Mom is so emotionally attached to my Dad, you start to see the little sacrifices she made in her little life. We always say "Behind every successful man, there's a woman." In my parents' case, that sentence is a testimony.
Of all the bad things I picked up from my Mom, I also found myself to be really tolerant with things and issues around me over the past few years, with patience you can never imagine me to have. Hot temperament is one that I inherited from Dad and that never quite gone hand in hand with patience and tolerance. But circumstances does change someone and after observing my Mom, I doubt it came from the circumstances. I could see those traits in her that I see in myself. She can be a little short in her temperament and lacks tact in her words... Or am I describing myself? For almost 30 years, I know it hasn't been easy for them to walk together and I know had she wanted, she might already have abandoned us all too long ago. She hung on and insisted on holding onto the family because the last thing she wanted was to watch us grow up in a broken family.
I know she loves me just because she's Mom but I know, to my Dad, without her, life will never be the same again and he'll never find someone who will love him as much as my Mom did, does and will continue to do so until God calls for them.
有一日咱若老 找无人甲咱友孝 我会陪你
(有一天我们若是老了 找不到人来孝顺 我会陪着你)
坐惦椅寮 听你讲少年的时阵 你有外摮
(坐在长板凳 听你讲着年轻的时候 你有多厉害)
吃好吃丑无计较 怨天怨地嘛袂晓 你的手
(吃好吃歹无计较 怨天怨地嘛不会 你的手)
我会甲你牵条条 因为我是你的家后
(我会紧紧牵着不放 因为我是你的妻子)
阮将青春嫁置恁兜 阮对少年跟你跟甲老
(我将青春嫁给你家 我从年少跟你跟到老)
人情世事已经看透透 有啥人比你卡重要
(人情世事也已经看透了 还有谁比你还重要?)
阮的一生献乎恁兜 才知幸福是吵吵闹闹
(我的一生奉献给你家 才知道幸福是吵吵闹闹)
等待返去的时阵若到 我会让你先走
(等你回去的时候若到了 我会让你先走)
因为我会呒甘 放你为我目屎流
(因为我不忍心 看着你为我流眼泪)
有一日咱若老 有媳妇子儿友孝 你若无聊
(有一天我们若是老了 有媳妇儿子来孝顺 你若是无聊)
拿咱的相片 看卡早结婚的时阵 你外缘投
(拿我们的照片 看以前结婚的时候 你有多英俊)
穿好穿丑无计较 怪东怪西嘛袂晓
(穿好穿歹无计较 怪东怪西嘛不会)
你的心我会永远记条条 因为我是你的家后
(你的心我会永远的记住 因为我是你的妻子)
阮将青春嫁置恁兜 阮对少年就跟你跟甲老
(我将青春嫁给你家 我从年少就跟你跟到老)
人情世事嘛已经看透透 有啥人比你卡重要
(人情世事嘛已经看透了 还有谁会比你还重要?)
阮的一生献乎恁兜 才知幸福是吵吵闹闹
(我的一生奉献给你家 才知道幸福是吵吵闹闹)
等待返去的时阵若到 你着让我先走
(等你回去的时候若到了 我会让你先走)
因为我会呒甘 看你为我目屎流
(因为我舍不得 看着你为我流眼泪)
Throughout the years, especially during the bad times when Dad could barely support us (my hamper delivery experience would say alot but that's for another day), Mom never left the family. Having gone home one day to see them scream and shout at one another, makes me dread going home but that scene never quite appeared again. After that episode, they made the extra effort to not turn things ugly before the children's eyes. Only long after I grew up, I found out that the things that they argued about was even uglier. These belong to the past which I do not wanna dig out and launder.
My Dad is a traditional Chinese man and would want to do his best for his children which he rarely fail us. Even if it means he has to give us all he's got and left with nothing for himself, he would do just that. I have very great respect for this man who means the world to me and made me what I am today. Although I was forced to be independent, I'm still thankful every single day of my life that I was brought up that way.
Mom on the other hand was milder and more of the "educator" than "disciplinarian". By reasonable standards, considering that I was caned by Dad on a regular basis, I should be really close to my Mom and love her to bits, I still can't help but feel detached from her. In a way, I think I'm too defensive of my Dad. But in recent years, I can slowly see why she did certain things. That didn't made me love her more but made me see how much she loves my Dad. Even till today, my Mom is so emotionally attached to my Dad, you start to see the little sacrifices she made in her little life. We always say "Behind every successful man, there's a woman." In my parents' case, that sentence is a testimony.
Of all the bad things I picked up from my Mom, I also found myself to be really tolerant with things and issues around me over the past few years, with patience you can never imagine me to have. Hot temperament is one that I inherited from Dad and that never quite gone hand in hand with patience and tolerance. But circumstances does change someone and after observing my Mom, I doubt it came from the circumstances. I could see those traits in her that I see in myself. She can be a little short in her temperament and lacks tact in her words... Or am I describing myself? For almost 30 years, I know it hasn't been easy for them to walk together and I know had she wanted, she might already have abandoned us all too long ago. She hung on and insisted on holding onto the family because the last thing she wanted was to watch us grow up in a broken family.
I know she loves me just because she's Mom but I know, to my Dad, without her, life will never be the same again and he'll never find someone who will love him as much as my Mom did, does and will continue to do so until God calls for them.
有一日咱若老 找无人甲咱友孝 我会陪你
(有一天我们若是老了 找不到人来孝顺 我会陪着你)
坐惦椅寮 听你讲少年的时阵 你有外摮
(坐在长板凳 听你讲着年轻的时候 你有多厉害)
吃好吃丑无计较 怨天怨地嘛袂晓 你的手
(吃好吃歹无计较 怨天怨地嘛不会 你的手)
我会甲你牵条条 因为我是你的家后
(我会紧紧牵着不放 因为我是你的妻子)
阮将青春嫁置恁兜 阮对少年跟你跟甲老
(我将青春嫁给你家 我从年少跟你跟到老)
人情世事已经看透透 有啥人比你卡重要
(人情世事也已经看透了 还有谁比你还重要?)
阮的一生献乎恁兜 才知幸福是吵吵闹闹
(我的一生奉献给你家 才知道幸福是吵吵闹闹)
等待返去的时阵若到 我会让你先走
(等你回去的时候若到了 我会让你先走)
因为我会呒甘 放你为我目屎流
(因为我不忍心 看着你为我流眼泪)
有一日咱若老 有媳妇子儿友孝 你若无聊
(有一天我们若是老了 有媳妇儿子来孝顺 你若是无聊)
拿咱的相片 看卡早结婚的时阵 你外缘投
(拿我们的照片 看以前结婚的时候 你有多英俊)
穿好穿丑无计较 怪东怪西嘛袂晓
(穿好穿歹无计较 怪东怪西嘛不会)
你的心我会永远记条条 因为我是你的家后
(你的心我会永远的记住 因为我是你的妻子)
阮将青春嫁置恁兜 阮对少年就跟你跟甲老
(我将青春嫁给你家 我从年少就跟你跟到老)
人情世事嘛已经看透透 有啥人比你卡重要
(人情世事嘛已经看透了 还有谁会比你还重要?)
阮的一生献乎恁兜 才知幸福是吵吵闹闹
(我的一生奉献给你家 才知道幸福是吵吵闹闹)
等待返去的时阵若到 你着让我先走
(等你回去的时候若到了 我会让你先走)
因为我会呒甘 看你为我目屎流
(因为我舍不得 看着你为我流眼泪)
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Happiness and Smiles - So Nice
I might have wrote on this song before but given my current frame of mind, I might have different things to blog about. Titled "So Nice", this bossa nova number definitely has more than one available rendition but my personal favourite is that of Stacey Kent's. To me, you know when you have found the one when you can relate to what the song has to say. Very simple things in life yet tough to seek. Here's how the song goes...
Someone to hold me tight
That would be very nice
Someone to love me right
That would be very nice
Someone to understand
Each little dream in me
Someone to take my hand
And be a team with me
So nice, life would be so nice
If one day I'd find
Someone who would take my hand
And samba through life with me
Someone to cling to me
Stay with me right or wrong
Someone to sing to me
Some little samba song
Someone to take my heart
And give his heart to me
Someone who's ready to
Give love a start with me
Oh yes, that would be so nice
Shouldn't we, you and me?
I can see it will be nice...
As human beings, we're not perfect as much as we aim to be better than the person we are today to be the person we will be tomorrow. It's through difficulties and tough times when people cling to one another for support and just by having the other person hold your hand and walk down the trees of fall with leaves falling in shades of sepia. We could choose to see it as dying leaves or picture perfect. It was definitely a moment that could determine a lifetime. It's the willingness to be there for one another whether if times are good or bad which brings us to the marriage vow - "To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part." Very simple words, in the most layman terms, holds the most complex and hardest to grasp and fathom, the meanings of life.
The constant doubts rooting from the many evils of life cast onto whatever that may seem like a strong bond may just destroy what essentially is, but a happy concrete block of human connection. Solution is something I do not have because doubt is one I cannot rid of. When in doubt, we seek perfection. In absence of perfection, we crumble. Often, we fail to see, there's no such thing as perfection in human nor in their connections. We may err but may we forgive or forget. That is actually a choice, one we often deprive ourselves from.
Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. Henry David Thoreau
Many ran the rat race hoping to achieve smiles but little do they know, they have lost more along the way. It is quintessential for us to know that smiles not only brightens your day but they are your eventual goal. Do not run away from it for you will live a life less fulfilled.
Too much thoughts... Too much.
我这幸运儿合着眼睛只得你沉重的身影
如果这记忆非爱情连天都不会太高兴
莫非可终身美丽才值得勾勾手指发誓
对你不止感激敬礼当你知己才是虚伪
我这幸运儿幸运到一转身找到你来为我打气
如果可抱起这爱情连天都会替我高兴
因有自信所以美丽使我自卑都放低
在半空之中亲你不管身世
Bits of the song I've been listening to these couple of days...
With my inadequate language translation, I will not attempt to translate but if you get it, then you do. If not, you're not missing out. Go search for your smiles.
Someone to hold me tight
That would be very nice
Someone to love me right
That would be very nice
Someone to understand
Each little dream in me
Someone to take my hand
And be a team with me
So nice, life would be so nice
If one day I'd find
Someone who would take my hand
And samba through life with me
Someone to cling to me
Stay with me right or wrong
Someone to sing to me
Some little samba song
Someone to take my heart
And give his heart to me
Someone who's ready to
Give love a start with me
Oh yes, that would be so nice
Shouldn't we, you and me?
I can see it will be nice...
As human beings, we're not perfect as much as we aim to be better than the person we are today to be the person we will be tomorrow. It's through difficulties and tough times when people cling to one another for support and just by having the other person hold your hand and walk down the trees of fall with leaves falling in shades of sepia. We could choose to see it as dying leaves or picture perfect. It was definitely a moment that could determine a lifetime. It's the willingness to be there for one another whether if times are good or bad which brings us to the marriage vow - "To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death us do part." Very simple words, in the most layman terms, holds the most complex and hardest to grasp and fathom, the meanings of life.
The constant doubts rooting from the many evils of life cast onto whatever that may seem like a strong bond may just destroy what essentially is, but a happy concrete block of human connection. Solution is something I do not have because doubt is one I cannot rid of. When in doubt, we seek perfection. In absence of perfection, we crumble. Often, we fail to see, there's no such thing as perfection in human nor in their connections. We may err but may we forgive or forget. That is actually a choice, one we often deprive ourselves from.
Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after. Henry David Thoreau
Many ran the rat race hoping to achieve smiles but little do they know, they have lost more along the way. It is quintessential for us to know that smiles not only brightens your day but they are your eventual goal. Do not run away from it for you will live a life less fulfilled.
Too much thoughts... Too much.
我这幸运儿合着眼睛只得你沉重的身影
如果这记忆非爱情连天都不会太高兴
莫非可终身美丽才值得勾勾手指发誓
对你不止感激敬礼当你知己才是虚伪
我这幸运儿幸运到一转身找到你来为我打气
如果可抱起这爱情连天都会替我高兴
因有自信所以美丽使我自卑都放低
在半空之中亲你不管身世
Bits of the song I've been listening to these couple of days...
With my inadequate language translation, I will not attempt to translate but if you get it, then you do. If not, you're not missing out. Go search for your smiles.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Love Of Her Life
There's this email that I rarely access due to the massive amount of junk I have in them but I did this morning. One of the email was titled Sad News and I was reluctant to open it since I saw the name of the sender because I know I might not be able to take the news.
Just a little foreground - I met this elderly Australian couple on Star Cruise some years back and got along very well with them. There's also a very touching love story behind this. Lorraine and Peter started out as friends in a club of elderly friends. Peter had a sickly wife who later on passed away. Lorraine had a hard life. Her husband left her with her kids. She had to sell flowers on the streets to earn a living. She had a hard life and her knees were constantly giving her problems. She could hardly walk because during her younger days, she spent too much time standing while selling flowers. But after Peter's wife passed away, he took on the responsibility to look after Lorraine. He loved her like no one else did or would. He would cook for her and as much as she hated veggie, he would mash brocolli with mashed potatoes so that she would take some veggie. He brought her on cruises after cruises because she couldn't walk much and all they really enjoyed, was going out on a cruise and let the world pass them by. Needless to say, he spent loads of money to bring her to such trips and still continue to work backstage at a university. Life was good.
Whenever they come to Singapore, I would try to bring them out or have a meal with them. They call me their little princess, the daughter that they'd never have and to me, they were like my godparents.
They got married about a year or 2 back...
When I saw the title of the email, my first thought was "something must have happened to Lorraine..." until I read the entire mail...
Dear XXX,
I am a friend of Lorraine’s and assisting her with accessing Peter’s emails. Sadly Peter passed away on November 22 after suffering a massive heart attack. Peter was in the garden when he suffered the attack and although he never regained consciousness Lorraine was able to say her goodbyes during the 48 hours after the attack.
Lorraine has asked me to send this email as she knows you would want to know and would have wanted to know sooner unfortunately email was her only way of contacting you. She has tried your phone several times to no avail.
Lorraine’s phone number is Australia XXX.
On behalf of Lorraine Burrows,
Yours sincerely,
XXX
Peter has left Lorraine and frankly, I would rather truth be the other way around. Now, there's no one to look after Lorraine and to love her like Peter did. Thankfully, she did experience this beautiful love story which actually happened to herself. I can only pray hard that she will be strong and laugh like the way she did when Peter was around. Life without Peter would be very hard for her I would imagine.
Right now, I can only blame myself for procrastinating endlessly to visit them in their Esperance home and not being able to see Peter for the very last time. I know he's in God's good hands and I can only pray...
Peter, I love you for the man you were and the man you were for Lorraine. Thanks for all the love you showered on me even though I wasn't your very own and made all those trips to visit me whenever you could. I'll miss all the smiles and emails telling me that you're going to be here for yet another vacation, just another excuse to pay me a visit. I miss you dearly.
PS. After speaking to Lorraine, I'm ashamed that all I could was to sob with her and did nothing much to console her. She's been losing sleep and is on sleeping pills but she knows Peter is watching her from above.
Just a little foreground - I met this elderly Australian couple on Star Cruise some years back and got along very well with them. There's also a very touching love story behind this. Lorraine and Peter started out as friends in a club of elderly friends. Peter had a sickly wife who later on passed away. Lorraine had a hard life. Her husband left her with her kids. She had to sell flowers on the streets to earn a living. She had a hard life and her knees were constantly giving her problems. She could hardly walk because during her younger days, she spent too much time standing while selling flowers. But after Peter's wife passed away, he took on the responsibility to look after Lorraine. He loved her like no one else did or would. He would cook for her and as much as she hated veggie, he would mash brocolli with mashed potatoes so that she would take some veggie. He brought her on cruises after cruises because she couldn't walk much and all they really enjoyed, was going out on a cruise and let the world pass them by. Needless to say, he spent loads of money to bring her to such trips and still continue to work backstage at a university. Life was good.
Whenever they come to Singapore, I would try to bring them out or have a meal with them. They call me their little princess, the daughter that they'd never have and to me, they were like my godparents.
They got married about a year or 2 back...
When I saw the title of the email, my first thought was "something must have happened to Lorraine..." until I read the entire mail...
Dear XXX,
I am a friend of Lorraine’s and assisting her with accessing Peter’s emails. Sadly Peter passed away on November 22 after suffering a massive heart attack. Peter was in the garden when he suffered the attack and although he never regained consciousness Lorraine was able to say her goodbyes during the 48 hours after the attack.
Lorraine has asked me to send this email as she knows you would want to know and would have wanted to know sooner unfortunately email was her only way of contacting you. She has tried your phone several times to no avail.
Lorraine’s phone number is Australia XXX.
On behalf of Lorraine Burrows,
Yours sincerely,
XXX
Peter has left Lorraine and frankly, I would rather truth be the other way around. Now, there's no one to look after Lorraine and to love her like Peter did. Thankfully, she did experience this beautiful love story which actually happened to herself. I can only pray hard that she will be strong and laugh like the way she did when Peter was around. Life without Peter would be very hard for her I would imagine.
Right now, I can only blame myself for procrastinating endlessly to visit them in their Esperance home and not being able to see Peter for the very last time. I know he's in God's good hands and I can only pray...
Peter, I love you for the man you were and the man you were for Lorraine. Thanks for all the love you showered on me even though I wasn't your very own and made all those trips to visit me whenever you could. I'll miss all the smiles and emails telling me that you're going to be here for yet another vacation, just another excuse to pay me a visit. I miss you dearly.
PS. After speaking to Lorraine, I'm ashamed that all I could was to sob with her and did nothing much to console her. She's been losing sleep and is on sleeping pills but she knows Peter is watching her from above.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Simple Birthday Trip & Treat
Just when I thought birthday was going to be a quiet one since my parents are going to be away, I was asked to go on the Royal Caribbean with my parents. Although the Legend of the Seas wasn't one of the biggest ship in their fleet, it was quite a decemt luxuriuous cruise. To be able to go on the cruise with my favourite cousin, XiaoMeiren and her 2 girls on board, I couldn't have asked for more. Doing silly stuffs like taking endless pictures and putting out of whatever rules you can think of on the mini golf turf, I got to momentarily leave the stressful thoughts at home. In fact, our schedules were so packed, I didn't had time for the pool despite packing in 2 sets of swim wear nor the mahjong game my nieces were looking forward to play.
Our first port of call was Penang. Believe it or not, this was my first time in Penang. When we were planning to sign up for tours, we had a rather long discussion on where we wanted to go which essentially was between a "makan (eating)" tour and a heritage trail to check out on the Peranakan culture as well. Thinking democracy is the best way out, we had to vote. Eventually, it wasn't the voting that mattered. Long story short, we went for the "makan" tour because the other tour was cancelled. It couldn't have been more boring than to visit tourist shopping shops for local delights and a batik factory where the batiks are hand-made. Over priced batiks drove us out of the shop pretty darn quick. By the end of the tour, we were too eagar to go back to the ship for a repeat of our scrumptious dinner the night before. Needless to say, food was endless and amazingly, it was good. Friends would know me as someone who's very picky about my beef and I'll have it no other way than medium rare. It was done very nicely and the quality of beef was better than expectations. The array of starters also provided the right waist widening tools. I think "overdosing on escargots" is an understatement altogether.
The next stop was Kuala Lumpur where our free & easy tour brought us to shopping haven, Bukit Bintang and the next few hours were crazy shopping. It was a relieve to be buying things in ringgit after a few days on board where everything is priced in USD. To be fair, we didn't need to spend those money because everything was taken care of but we just got to fork out the gratuities and whatever extras we wanted. As for me, Coke deprivation was serious business.
On the last night, my cousin organised a cake for me and to my surprise (horror at times due to the embarrassment), the entire crew of waiters came over to my table to sing the birthday song for me. I'm really thankful to have a cousin like her. It's not about the gifts or money but the effort. She was the one who remembered the day. I would imagine my parents to forget that it was my birthday although over the past years, we did try to arrange dinners within my immediate family whenever there's a birthday to celebrate. Over the years, I just paid lesser and lesser attention and didn't even felt like it was a special day. Maybe because I'm getting old...
Lunch today was with 2 of the SBW, namely Daftbitch and Road Planner. Bster was with us in spirit because the poor boy's stuck in reservist. It was just our usual lunch until Daftbitch said it was time for dessert. At that point, I was contemplating between chin chow or cheng tng. Then Road Planner took out 3 slices of cake. My face was red and not because of the chemical peel I did yesterday, it was utterly embarrassingly. It was a very simple act and we didn't had like mega celebration but it was fun and definitely memorable. Thanks guys...
Our first port of call was Penang. Believe it or not, this was my first time in Penang. When we were planning to sign up for tours, we had a rather long discussion on where we wanted to go which essentially was between a "makan (eating)" tour and a heritage trail to check out on the Peranakan culture as well. Thinking democracy is the best way out, we had to vote. Eventually, it wasn't the voting that mattered. Long story short, we went for the "makan" tour because the other tour was cancelled. It couldn't have been more boring than to visit tourist shopping shops for local delights and a batik factory where the batiks are hand-made. Over priced batiks drove us out of the shop pretty darn quick. By the end of the tour, we were too eagar to go back to the ship for a repeat of our scrumptious dinner the night before. Needless to say, food was endless and amazingly, it was good. Friends would know me as someone who's very picky about my beef and I'll have it no other way than medium rare. It was done very nicely and the quality of beef was better than expectations. The array of starters also provided the right waist widening tools. I think "overdosing on escargots" is an understatement altogether.
The next stop was Kuala Lumpur where our free & easy tour brought us to shopping haven, Bukit Bintang and the next few hours were crazy shopping. It was a relieve to be buying things in ringgit after a few days on board where everything is priced in USD. To be fair, we didn't need to spend those money because everything was taken care of but we just got to fork out the gratuities and whatever extras we wanted. As for me, Coke deprivation was serious business.
On the last night, my cousin organised a cake for me and to my surprise (horror at times due to the embarrassment), the entire crew of waiters came over to my table to sing the birthday song for me. I'm really thankful to have a cousin like her. It's not about the gifts or money but the effort. She was the one who remembered the day. I would imagine my parents to forget that it was my birthday although over the past years, we did try to arrange dinners within my immediate family whenever there's a birthday to celebrate. Over the years, I just paid lesser and lesser attention and didn't even felt like it was a special day. Maybe because I'm getting old...
Lunch today was with 2 of the SBW, namely Daftbitch and Road Planner. Bster was with us in spirit because the poor boy's stuck in reservist. It was just our usual lunch until Daftbitch said it was time for dessert. At that point, I was contemplating between chin chow or cheng tng. Then Road Planner took out 3 slices of cake. My face was red and not because of the chemical peel I did yesterday, it was utterly embarrassingly. It was a very simple act and we didn't had like mega celebration but it was fun and definitely memorable. Thanks guys...
Monday, January 12, 2009
Birthday Cruise
Went on a few days cruise on the Legend of the Seas, Royal Caribbean and it was absolutely fun. Will post more details and pictures soon. Be patient. Be very patient...
For those of you who sms-ed, emailed, PM-ed me the well wishes, thank you so much.
For those of you who sms-ed, emailed, PM-ed me the well wishes, thank you so much.
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Tribute to Shandy Sim
Some time ago, I was going through the obituary and remembered pointing out to someone that the girl in the picture looked so young and so pretty and she was only 30. In my mind, I was thinking, this is another sad story and I wonder what would it be. Not long after, I chanced upon the blog of Shandy Sim from newspaper articles and other blogs. After reading the way she stayed so positive and could joke about the pains and the way life was torturing her, I was terribly moved and motivated to do something about my life which should have always been the case but we tend to all take things too easy and life for granted. As much as I'm all teary and encouraged at the point of typing this article, I know I'll revert to a slop of nothing sooner than I would like. However, my point being, all of us should look back and be thankful for what we have got. I don't even think I can ever live through the kind of pain. It also scares me that the occassional pain and aches I feel on my hip/butt joint, could be something I'd rather not want to to related to.
Her views on motherhood and kids were similar to mine. It's part and parcel of being a woman that you experience childbirth once in your lifetime. I understand not everyone agrees with me but that is solely my view. I do know of people who are happy without kids and I wouldn't see them with one either. Yes, RS4Cab Xiaohong, I'm talking about you. At some point in time, I would want to fulfil my duties as a wife and a mother.
She wrote in one of her articles named 4 Days of Crying -
"When I was diagnosed, I cried everyday. 4 days to be exact.
On the first day, I cried because there was a huge mass on my pelvic.
I hoped that it would not be cancerous.
On the second day, I cried because it was cancerous.
I hoped that it has nothing to do with my womb.
On the third day, I cried because it was cervical cancer.
I hoped that I could still have children.
On the fourth day, I cried because I was told to forget about fertility.
I stopped hoping. "
If I were her, I'd be devastated.
Taken from her first post on her blog -
"On 4 June 2008, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Cervical Cancer.
I was 29 years, 10 months and 9 days old."
Her battle lasted for about half a year till Boxing Day when the Lord decided to bring her closer to him so he could take all the pain away from this cheery girl. I know she's in good hands now and what she left us is greater strength to press forward in life and not give up.
"Just do it..."
Her views on motherhood and kids were similar to mine. It's part and parcel of being a woman that you experience childbirth once in your lifetime. I understand not everyone agrees with me but that is solely my view. I do know of people who are happy without kids and I wouldn't see them with one either. Yes, RS4Cab Xiaohong, I'm talking about you. At some point in time, I would want to fulfil my duties as a wife and a mother.
She wrote in one of her articles named 4 Days of Crying -
"When I was diagnosed, I cried everyday. 4 days to be exact.
On the first day, I cried because there was a huge mass on my pelvic.
I hoped that it would not be cancerous.
On the second day, I cried because it was cancerous.
I hoped that it has nothing to do with my womb.
On the third day, I cried because it was cervical cancer.
I hoped that I could still have children.
On the fourth day, I cried because I was told to forget about fertility.
I stopped hoping. "
If I were her, I'd be devastated.
Taken from her first post on her blog -
"On 4 June 2008, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Cervical Cancer.
I was 29 years, 10 months and 9 days old."
Her battle lasted for about half a year till Boxing Day when the Lord decided to bring her closer to him so he could take all the pain away from this cheery girl. I know she's in good hands now and what she left us is greater strength to press forward in life and not give up.
"Just do it..."
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Auld Lang Syne
New Year's resolution has never been part of my life. I never believed in them because I can never remember them. Recently received a Christmas resolution mitten from Zouk with some fill in the blanks stuffs. Here's mine and feel free to replace your own in the "blanks" I've highlighted.
1. I will not worry myself unnecessarily again, ever.
2. I will make enough money to mod my car.
3. I will love and hate less.
4. I will finally get my "to do" list active again.
5. I will quit spending to much money, start to save some, and eat cheaper food.
6. I will go to have my teeth fixed and smile brighter.
7. No more extravagent lunches and huge dinners.
8. I want to meet more clients and bring in more businesses to my company.
9. I will try to make time for family gatherings.
The above are not my new year's resolution but an activity I thought would be fun to share with those of you out there. I know I will continue to procrastinate doing things like washing my car but I want to be making more money so i can send it for professional grooming more often. Just love more and hate less.
1. I will not worry myself unnecessarily again, ever.
2. I will make enough money to mod my car.
3. I will love and hate less.
4. I will finally get my "to do" list active again.
5. I will quit spending to much money, start to save some, and eat cheaper food.
6. I will go to have my teeth fixed and smile brighter.
7. No more extravagent lunches and huge dinners.
8. I want to meet more clients and bring in more businesses to my company.
9. I will try to make time for family gatherings.
The above are not my new year's resolution but an activity I thought would be fun to share with those of you out there. I know I will continue to procrastinate doing things like washing my car but I want to be making more money so i can send it for professional grooming more often. Just love more and hate less.
Friday, January 02, 2009
2009
Ushered in the new year with the usual Texas Hold'Em people, nothing glamourous. 2009 isn't quite the year we would look forward to given the gloomy outlook. Only our perspective remains positive. With a good 4 months ahead that I'm going to be spending alone and probably worse when the year end draws near, it's still a little too premature for me to worry at this point in time. Taking things step at a time, I'm actually quite enjoying my life excluding the part whereby I worry myself sick about not having much achievements at work so far. The bear market is an excuse but if one can make some light out of this darkness, one can make light anywhere.
New Year's Day was quiet. It happened to also be my Chinese birthday. No celebrations. In fact, I didn't even know until Mom told me. Was sleeping on and off, recuperating from the late eve's night and the morning "chauffeur service" for Moody Penguin. The day before, he had gone to have someone peel open his eyes and "burn" them before "brushing" the eye back into place. Not being able to see properly, he wasn't a good candidate to be found behind the wheel. But to be able to spend the day together is all that's enough to make me happy.
Another work dayand the weekend comes again. After this weekend, it'd be time to fight some war... Very quiet war.
New Year's Day was quiet. It happened to also be my Chinese birthday. No celebrations. In fact, I didn't even know until Mom told me. Was sleeping on and off, recuperating from the late eve's night and the morning "chauffeur service" for Moody Penguin. The day before, he had gone to have someone peel open his eyes and "burn" them before "brushing" the eye back into place. Not being able to see properly, he wasn't a good candidate to be found behind the wheel. But to be able to spend the day together is all that's enough to make me happy.
Another work dayand the weekend comes again. After this weekend, it'd be time to fight some war... Very quiet war.
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