'Fine-ally'

At last, NEA has gone into action to catch the litterbugs. The first to be caught was a teenager who 'accidentally' threw a cigarette butt & a tissue paper on the floor. He was fined $200. Another who was caught littering and spitting at Wheelock Place was fined $350. Also a 20 year old fella. It was a 'valuable' lesson for him as the fined amount is equivalent to half his salary.

As much as I'm happy that undercover agents are now more agressive at catching these bugs & people may think twice before allowing the litter to slip by their hands, I still believe that education is way to go. There has to be that sense of ownership.

We pride ourselves to be a clean & green country yet why are we taking such measures to nab those litterbugs? Why are we still seeing litters everywhere despite having so many dustbins around? & why are there always news report of the amount of rubbish that's left behind after each countdown celebrations? Where do these litters come from? Are they all being 'accidently slipped' from our hands?

If you notice, espcially at Orchard Road, every 10-15 steps you'll find a litter bin. Are we being too pampered so much so that if we can't find a bin nearby, we can simply litter as we wish? Since noone is watching.

If people in Japan can hold on to their litter until they find a bin or when they reach home, why can't Singaporeans do likewise?

I've tried to instil this habit to my cousins when they are young. I've also picked up litters & threw them into the bins. But now I'm doing it only when it posed as a potential danger to pedestrians cos there 'is' simply 'too much' litter around (to the extent that it has become uncountable). I've also shown my 'dispproval look' - ensuring that the litterbugs saw me shaking my head when I saw them spit or litter (& especially smoking in the lift) & had even told some of them off, which my husband always tells me not to overdo it else I might get punched someday. But what I hope is they'll feel embarrassed/ashamed & at least reconsider before they throw that piece of rubbish the next time.

So, are we empowered to report these litterbugs?

Read another article that talks about pets not being welcomed in most places here in Singapore & surprisingly, the zoo & most of the parks like Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Labrador Park etc. Reasons: Prevent the spread of diseases for the zoo & fear of destroying the flora and fauna of the parks.

My husband was telling me perhaps should ban humans to these nature places too since we would pose a threat to the flora & fauna of the place cos we litter, stepped on the grass, picked the flowers, kill the ants if they went onto our picnic mats...& I won't be surprised to find some human poos or wee wee there.

My colleague was sharing with my how her niece was taught not to litter in school & was glad that this sense of social responsibility has been instilled in her. She was saying it could take a generation to see the change & I hope too, the younger generation, being now more in tuned to environment issues, would have more sense of ownership & will pass it down to the next generation.

As for those who will only litter when they make sure noone is looking or won't get caught, please continue to do so & contribute to the economy. The cleaning companies & foreign workers need you people to ensure they have a job. & if you do get caught one day, well, I might get to see you one day at East Coast Park wearing the bright green uniform, doing CWO.

Wedding, Housewarming & Gathering

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year!!! Times flies and it's already 2008. 2007 is indeed a fruitful year for most people as I watched the news of the various celebrations in Singapore & all over the world. Fireworks, mass celebrations etc. At the back of my mind, there was also the nagging reminder how wasteful we are in using resources for these celebrations, not to mention the rubbish we've created.

Besides world peace, I wish that more people are more environmentally conscious & civics minded.

Had a busy yet fulfilling weekend last week where there was a wedding dinner of my JC classmate on Sat, a housewarming on Sun afternoon, followed by a Secondary school gathering.

The Wedding
It was a cosy wedding at Conrad. The food was good & so was the entertainment. I was touched seeing the photos of the couple's parents that was shown in the video presentation, done specially for their parents. This was the 2nd wedding that the married couples have done something to pay a tribute to their parents. I'm one of those who appreciate such gestures & it also seems to be a protocol to thank the parents during such dinner. Well, except for me as I had a panic attack which I thought was a pity as I had prepared an entertaining speech. By the time I muster enough courage, the dinner was almost coming to an end ;p

I enjoyed the bridegroom's song that was dedicated to his wife. Can't remember the title but it was a song from 'The Wedding Singer' which I find the words very meaningful. The groom sang along with the guitar played live by the emcee, who is also our JC classmate. So sweet!!! :)

At the wedding, I happen to meet one of his ex-colleagues who is now a recruitment consultant. He was sitting next to me & I've learnt more about a vegetarian's diet plus the news on future recuitment for the IR. Perhaps shall elaborate it on another entry. One of my pet topics.

Housewarming
Have posted some nice pics of the house for viewing pleasure. So nice yea, like a showroom. The lady of house, who is also my ex-colleague, did quite a few DIY stuff like the paintings on the wall & the curtains as well.




One of her collections.


Finally I've met Ms Christabel :)


And she loves the red polka-dot pillow.


Hmm...planning for a 2nd one? Hehe...


Mummy Ai Lin trying to introduce a girlfriend to Aden ;>


Ooh...they seem to have some chemistry......

Smile :) You're on camera!

Hmm....a penny for your tots?

O the flying kiss by the home owner


Iconic post of Baby Aden & Christabel - thumb sucking & flying kisses


Doing her infamous 'Beauty Pageant' waves ;D

Her 'umm umm' look...