我， 病了。
世界还 在旋转，而我的步伐
放 慢 了。
想了很多， 听了很多，
反思了很多， 也体会了许多。
害怕，恐惧，焦虑，担忧
失望，感伤，无奈，接受
过程中有许多感触。
看到了家人的爱与关怀， 是无私， 无条件的。
明白了朋友的鼓励与慰问，不是理所当然的。
无声的责怪，厌烦，懊恼,恐惧...
我了解.
我还在学习如何放得下，看得开。
走着，走着，
复杂的思绪随着慢慢的脚步逐渐清晰了。
原来自己其实也可以安慰自己。
回家的路，虽然自己走, 但还是开心的。
Showing posts with label Thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Thoughts. Show all posts
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Monday, 4 January 2010
Unforgetable 2009
Eve of New Year's eve -- I was waiting at the A&E at TTSH. Waiting for my turn to be examined by the doctor to confirm if I had contracted TB.
I caught a flu about 3 weeks ago, followed a cough. It didn't occur to me that I had been coughing for quite some time as it did not disturb my sleep. The only inconvenience was the inability to converse without being punctuated by the intermittent coughs.
My colleagues and boss suggested I should go for an x-ray just to elimate the possibility of other diseases. The x-ray showed some unknown patchy stuff, indicating "suspected pulmonary tubercolosis" on the report and advised further clinical assessment and followup. I wasn't that anxious yet as previously my mum also experienced similar case but was cleared when a 2nd x-ray was done. All was calm until when I see my GP.
"I think this can be quite serious." How would he know when he only listened to my description and hadn't even looked at my x-ray ? "I don't think we can handle this....I think you should go to TTSH now for a thorough check...I'll write a referral letter and you can go to the A&E at TTSH and they will refer you to the TB dept".
Now I partly understand why A&E is such a busy dept. And I also feel strongly that doctors should also be trained in having EQ or to be specific, "The Art of Communicating With Your Patients".
Doctors' words can really freak you out and scare the hell out of you.
At this moment, you'll realise suddenly that the support from your family, your friends & even colleagues make a difference. I can now imagine the fear and anxiety faced by people who have been told they had contracted an incurable disease. the fear I felt was probably 1/100 of their fear.
I was texting my thoughts and feelings into my mobile phone - to distract myself and to remind myself of the fear and the importance of health. My heart was probably beating fast as I was texting. What if I really were to contract the disease? Though curable, the thought of the long treatment and even the thought of the diagnostic tests I may have to go through already worries me. Gosh and those people who have been in contact with me...
A song in Alice In Wonderland that goes like this:
"I give myself very good advice but I very seldom follow it. That explains, the trouble that I'm always in..."
Indeed. I should have listened to my own advice and sleep early. I should have exercised more, avoid last minute shopping at crowded places. I should have stuck to one trusted doctor instead of conveniently going to whichever doctor that was near and still opened. I should have looked after myself better......
"Will I ever learn to do the things I should?"
One hour had passed...the wait was killing me. I didn't want to be admitted. Better still, I hope it was a false alarm and that my GP was just overly anxious and wanted to play it safe.
Finally my name was called. I was examined by a nurse. Afterwhich I was told to sit and wait for the doctor.
Security was quite strict. Only one person was allowed to accompany the patient. The rest of the family had to wait outside the tentage. And only the patient is allowed into the waiting zone. I thought that was a good way to prevent the spread of diseases. Unfortunately, there were some who keep testing the boundary, not wearing the mask they were given and tried to enter the area whilst the security was not around. I was also wondering how a sexily-dressed lady who could still take cold drinks be one of the patients waiting at the A&E.
When I finally saw the doctor, she was busy typing whatever I was describing to her into her pc as she asked the questions. She examined my throat, x-ray and somehow gave me the feeling that it wasn't as bad as it seems. She told me to wait at the waiting zone whilst she sought clearance from her boss. This should sound familiar to those in the civil service.
I signalled to my family that I had to wait and told my poor brother who hasn't had his dinner to go and look for food as it'd be a long wait. Indeed, it took about 3 hours - from about 8.30pm to 11.30pm for the whole process which includes medicine collection, to end.
The doctor said they did not think that it is TB but suggested me to visit the TB dept just to make sure as the doctors there are more specialised in that field. So I was given a week's MC, and strangely, they called me later to fix the appointment date on 7 Jan.
So from now to 7 Jan, I'm home, trying to take whatever stuff to strenghten my lungs and TRY to stick to a healthier routine. Am trying to get to bed by 10.30pm which is pretty tough...
Humans...the moment they know they are not in that critical moment, they somehow will lax into the unhealthy habits again......
To my family and friends, which also includes my colleagues whom I already consider them as friends, thank you for your concern, your assurance and your encouragement. Ah Kin is really grateful and will try to look after myself better =)
I caught a flu about 3 weeks ago, followed a cough. It didn't occur to me that I had been coughing for quite some time as it did not disturb my sleep. The only inconvenience was the inability to converse without being punctuated by the intermittent coughs.
My colleagues and boss suggested I should go for an x-ray just to elimate the possibility of other diseases. The x-ray showed some unknown patchy stuff, indicating "suspected pulmonary tubercolosis" on the report and advised further clinical assessment and followup. I wasn't that anxious yet as previously my mum also experienced similar case but was cleared when a 2nd x-ray was done. All was calm until when I see my GP.
"I think this can be quite serious." How would he know when he only listened to my description and hadn't even looked at my x-ray ? "I don't think we can handle this....I think you should go to TTSH now for a thorough check...I'll write a referral letter and you can go to the A&E at TTSH and they will refer you to the TB dept".
Now I partly understand why A&E is such a busy dept. And I also feel strongly that doctors should also be trained in having EQ or to be specific, "The Art of Communicating With Your Patients".
Doctors' words can really freak you out and scare the hell out of you.
At this moment, you'll realise suddenly that the support from your family, your friends & even colleagues make a difference. I can now imagine the fear and anxiety faced by people who have been told they had contracted an incurable disease. the fear I felt was probably 1/100 of their fear.
I was texting my thoughts and feelings into my mobile phone - to distract myself and to remind myself of the fear and the importance of health. My heart was probably beating fast as I was texting. What if I really were to contract the disease? Though curable, the thought of the long treatment and even the thought of the diagnostic tests I may have to go through already worries me. Gosh and those people who have been in contact with me...
A song in Alice In Wonderland that goes like this:
"I give myself very good advice but I very seldom follow it. That explains, the trouble that I'm always in..."
Indeed. I should have listened to my own advice and sleep early. I should have exercised more, avoid last minute shopping at crowded places. I should have stuck to one trusted doctor instead of conveniently going to whichever doctor that was near and still opened. I should have looked after myself better......
"Will I ever learn to do the things I should?"
One hour had passed...the wait was killing me. I didn't want to be admitted. Better still, I hope it was a false alarm and that my GP was just overly anxious and wanted to play it safe.
Finally my name was called. I was examined by a nurse. Afterwhich I was told to sit and wait for the doctor.
Security was quite strict. Only one person was allowed to accompany the patient. The rest of the family had to wait outside the tentage. And only the patient is allowed into the waiting zone. I thought that was a good way to prevent the spread of diseases. Unfortunately, there were some who keep testing the boundary, not wearing the mask they were given and tried to enter the area whilst the security was not around. I was also wondering how a sexily-dressed lady who could still take cold drinks be one of the patients waiting at the A&E.
When I finally saw the doctor, she was busy typing whatever I was describing to her into her pc as she asked the questions. She examined my throat, x-ray and somehow gave me the feeling that it wasn't as bad as it seems. She told me to wait at the waiting zone whilst she sought clearance from her boss. This should sound familiar to those in the civil service.
I signalled to my family that I had to wait and told my poor brother who hasn't had his dinner to go and look for food as it'd be a long wait. Indeed, it took about 3 hours - from about 8.30pm to 11.30pm for the whole process which includes medicine collection, to end.
The doctor said they did not think that it is TB but suggested me to visit the TB dept just to make sure as the doctors there are more specialised in that field. So I was given a week's MC, and strangely, they called me later to fix the appointment date on 7 Jan.
So from now to 7 Jan, I'm home, trying to take whatever stuff to strenghten my lungs and TRY to stick to a healthier routine. Am trying to get to bed by 10.30pm which is pretty tough...
Humans...the moment they know they are not in that critical moment, they somehow will lax into the unhealthy habits again......
To my family and friends, which also includes my colleagues whom I already consider them as friends, thank you for your concern, your assurance and your encouragement. Ah Kin is really grateful and will try to look after myself better =)
Monday, 7 December 2009
Monday Blues
Today’s a blue Monday. A very blue one indeed. Not because weekend was too short, not because I wanted to have more sleep, not because I had to go to work.
I bumped into my old neighbour in the lift. We shared the usual greetings. She then started talking about the pain on her knee which had kept her grounded at home for the past 3 months. No wonder we didn’t see her as often but it didn’t occur to us that she was unwell.
She’s a typical Teochew Ah Mah and we always addressed her as “Aunty”. She spoke only Teochew and understood only Teochew. She’s a devout Buddhist who will go to the temple to pray and usually goes for strolls after breakfast or dinner. We were happy when we learnt that our neighbour is an elderly lady. Somehow we have an affinity with older folks. Kind ones of course.
There were occasions when we couldn’t understand totally what she was trying to say, neither could she understand fully what we are trying to tell her. But we still do simple exchanges when we see each other. She would make her Teochew kuehs and share some with us and I too would pass her some stuff that I’ve bought or made.
I was late for work but I stood and listened. I could have disengaged the conversation and rush off for work. But I didn’t. To give someone else your time is something that we urban beings can hardly give now. Moreover, I have a soft spot for elderly folks. Perhaps because I was brought up by my grandparents.
The unbearable pain on her knee had made her tear but that was nothing when compared to the pain in her heart. I empathized with her when she shared how her youngest daughter tried to make her sign a contract to will the current flat to her. Her youngest daughter is 45 now and single, after 2 failed marriages. Thankfully, no children. And fortunately, Aunty did not sign the contract. Relationship with her daughter turned sour.
I can’t imagine the hurt she felt when she shared how her own daughter is waiting for her to die so that she then could sell off the flat for money. My heart ached when she said if not because of the knee pain, she would have just jumped off the building.
I knew how it feels and I just listened. Before the end of our conversation, I tried assuring her with my limited Teochew vocabulary that she could look for us if she needed any help and kept telling her “hua yi jiu hor” – as long as you’re happy. I wanted to her not to think too much and just concentrate on getting well, but with my little pool of lexis, I gave her a soft rub on her shoulders and repeated the liner.
The walk to the office was a long one. A lot of thoughts went through my head and emotions swell whenever it reached the sore spot. It was strange that the emotion that took over was sadness and empathy for Aunty, instead of anger towards her youngest daughter. I was also thinking what else can I do and the most immediate was to learn a few more Teochew terms so that I could communicate with her better.
It’s a blue Monday today but I hope I have made Aunty’s Monday less blue today.
I bumped into my old neighbour in the lift. We shared the usual greetings. She then started talking about the pain on her knee which had kept her grounded at home for the past 3 months. No wonder we didn’t see her as often but it didn’t occur to us that she was unwell.
She’s a typical Teochew Ah Mah and we always addressed her as “Aunty”. She spoke only Teochew and understood only Teochew. She’s a devout Buddhist who will go to the temple to pray and usually goes for strolls after breakfast or dinner. We were happy when we learnt that our neighbour is an elderly lady. Somehow we have an affinity with older folks. Kind ones of course.
There were occasions when we couldn’t understand totally what she was trying to say, neither could she understand fully what we are trying to tell her. But we still do simple exchanges when we see each other. She would make her Teochew kuehs and share some with us and I too would pass her some stuff that I’ve bought or made.
I was late for work but I stood and listened. I could have disengaged the conversation and rush off for work. But I didn’t. To give someone else your time is something that we urban beings can hardly give now. Moreover, I have a soft spot for elderly folks. Perhaps because I was brought up by my grandparents.
The unbearable pain on her knee had made her tear but that was nothing when compared to the pain in her heart. I empathized with her when she shared how her youngest daughter tried to make her sign a contract to will the current flat to her. Her youngest daughter is 45 now and single, after 2 failed marriages. Thankfully, no children. And fortunately, Aunty did not sign the contract. Relationship with her daughter turned sour.
I can’t imagine the hurt she felt when she shared how her own daughter is waiting for her to die so that she then could sell off the flat for money. My heart ached when she said if not because of the knee pain, she would have just jumped off the building.
I knew how it feels and I just listened. Before the end of our conversation, I tried assuring her with my limited Teochew vocabulary that she could look for us if she needed any help and kept telling her “hua yi jiu hor” – as long as you’re happy. I wanted to her not to think too much and just concentrate on getting well, but with my little pool of lexis, I gave her a soft rub on her shoulders and repeated the liner.
The walk to the office was a long one. A lot of thoughts went through my head and emotions swell whenever it reached the sore spot. It was strange that the emotion that took over was sadness and empathy for Aunty, instead of anger towards her youngest daughter. I was also thinking what else can I do and the most immediate was to learn a few more Teochew terms so that I could communicate with her better.
It’s a blue Monday today but I hope I have made Aunty’s Monday less blue today.
Friday, 17 July 2009
A simple happiness
I didn't know a simple act of washing face can bring such smiles. I'd never be able to feel the sense of contentment of living a simple life.
The trailer on TV prompted me to watch the first episode. It's one of the best things that I get from watching TV - I get to see what's going on the outside world, and realise how fortunate we are...and how poor we are.
We are fortunate, especially Singaporeans, where we have no natural calamities. The most would be the haze from Indonesia or the flooding during rainy seasons. Other than that, it's the usual complains on the ungracious acts, people get caught eating in the trains, buses not arriving on time, toilets are dirty, dustbins not enough etc. We are the pampered and sheltered lot.
I'm a city kid, although I'm glad I grew up having real masak masak and self-invented toys to play with. Now I'm hooked on games in Facebook and Pop Caps, and that was partly the reason why I had sort of neglected updating my blog besides trying to catch up with my work.
Because of that programme, it has somewhat changed my mindset of Ah Tiongs. At least some of them. They can be the simple and nice folks without the air of arrogance, without the scheming minds that their richer counterparts have. It's sad to see that prosperity somehow is inversely related to the values people have.
I knew the programme will make me go teary, but I had to watch it, I had to remind myself there's more to life, I wanted to tell myself how minute our problems are compared to theirs. Humans are forgetful beings, we need to be reminded.
The first episode brings us to the earthquake zone in Sichuan. The journey was arduous and on route, the sight of massive destruction of roads and buildings showed the prowess of nature, as if it was angry with how we have willfully wasted what it has given us.
The first task was to help build a house from scratch and they helped a school to build a library filled with books. They also taught the children basic hygiene such as washing their hands and face and brushing their teeth. Seeing the faces that brimmed with joy made me envy the simple happiness they have. We have taken many things for granted and we have become too complicated be easily satisfied.
They featured a girl whose mother died of complications after giving birth to her. She stayed with her maternal grandparents as her dad had remarried and lived in another village. My heart went out to her grandma as she carried a bagful of branches as that she had gathered for the day. It was heavy certainly. Her grandma started crying as she shared about the teasing by her granddaughter's classmates - that she is an orphan. She was sad that her daughter was not able to watch her own child grow up. The girl wept quietly as she comforted her grandmother. I realised that regardless of wealth status, humans instinctively can't seem to accept very well things that are different from them.
The other was a deaf-mute girl who was unable to attend a normal school because of her condition. She was a pretty little girl full of optimism. The volunteers tried to convince her parents to send her to a special school so that she could continue her education. She was lucky to have met these volunteers as education, transportation and living expenses were taken care of. The parents were unwilling at first as they couldn't bear to live apart with her, but eventually agreed for the sake of her future. The host couldn't hold back his tears as the girl tried to call his name in her husky little voice. I was happy for her.
Life was tough and the harsh weather made it harder. Perhaps that is how they learn to be resilient and I admired their tenacity and strength.
Oh, the programme is called "Stars for a Cause", aired on every Thurs, 8pm on Ch U. I shan't elaborate more, catch it and I hope it will make a little difference in your life.
The trailer on TV prompted me to watch the first episode. It's one of the best things that I get from watching TV - I get to see what's going on the outside world, and realise how fortunate we are...and how poor we are.
We are fortunate, especially Singaporeans, where we have no natural calamities. The most would be the haze from Indonesia or the flooding during rainy seasons. Other than that, it's the usual complains on the ungracious acts, people get caught eating in the trains, buses not arriving on time, toilets are dirty, dustbins not enough etc. We are the pampered and sheltered lot.
I'm a city kid, although I'm glad I grew up having real masak masak and self-invented toys to play with. Now I'm hooked on games in Facebook and Pop Caps, and that was partly the reason why I had sort of neglected updating my blog besides trying to catch up with my work.
Because of that programme, it has somewhat changed my mindset of Ah Tiongs. At least some of them. They can be the simple and nice folks without the air of arrogance, without the scheming minds that their richer counterparts have. It's sad to see that prosperity somehow is inversely related to the values people have.
I knew the programme will make me go teary, but I had to watch it, I had to remind myself there's more to life, I wanted to tell myself how minute our problems are compared to theirs. Humans are forgetful beings, we need to be reminded.
The first episode brings us to the earthquake zone in Sichuan. The journey was arduous and on route, the sight of massive destruction of roads and buildings showed the prowess of nature, as if it was angry with how we have willfully wasted what it has given us.
The first task was to help build a house from scratch and they helped a school to build a library filled with books. They also taught the children basic hygiene such as washing their hands and face and brushing their teeth. Seeing the faces that brimmed with joy made me envy the simple happiness they have. We have taken many things for granted and we have become too complicated be easily satisfied.
They featured a girl whose mother died of complications after giving birth to her. She stayed with her maternal grandparents as her dad had remarried and lived in another village. My heart went out to her grandma as she carried a bagful of branches as that she had gathered for the day. It was heavy certainly. Her grandma started crying as she shared about the teasing by her granddaughter's classmates - that she is an orphan. She was sad that her daughter was not able to watch her own child grow up. The girl wept quietly as she comforted her grandmother. I realised that regardless of wealth status, humans instinctively can't seem to accept very well things that are different from them.
The other was a deaf-mute girl who was unable to attend a normal school because of her condition. She was a pretty little girl full of optimism. The volunteers tried to convince her parents to send her to a special school so that she could continue her education. She was lucky to have met these volunteers as education, transportation and living expenses were taken care of. The parents were unwilling at first as they couldn't bear to live apart with her, but eventually agreed for the sake of her future. The host couldn't hold back his tears as the girl tried to call his name in her husky little voice. I was happy for her.
Life was tough and the harsh weather made it harder. Perhaps that is how they learn to be resilient and I admired their tenacity and strength.
Oh, the programme is called "Stars for a Cause", aired on every Thurs, 8pm on Ch U. I shan't elaborate more, catch it and I hope it will make a little difference in your life.
Monday, 9 March 2009
Entering into the number "3" + 1
The HR lady must have been amused by me when I went to sign my appointment letter last week. Somehow I forgot my Uncle Tan's ID number, his title and......our wedding date. I remembered the customary date but the ROM date is something that it's there but needed greater effort to retrieve the info from a certain section of the brain.
I called Uncle Tan. His advice - refer to the wedding ring. Aha, so it's good to imprint dates afterall. But I had a hard time trying to decipher the imprint and, a hard time trying to believe that I've been officially married for 5 years! OMG!!!
I guess the number '3' has some effect on women in terms of memory and behaviour...ok or maybe just me...as I can literally see some of you raising your eyebrows already.
I did something finally that I have been wanting to do for some time - perming my hair. Partly because I wanted to do something different while I still can and partly because of laziness as it's easier to bun up a permed hair and and more versatile to do different style. But then I forgot my weakness - laziness.
The frown between my eyes simply stayed locked from the moment the curlers were removed till I went back home. It was different from the curl I had 2 weeks ago at my bro's ROM. I looked like those baby dolls with those super fluffed up hairdo.
The stylist says big curls doesn't last very long and suggested a mixture of medium and small curls so that by the time the hair 'settles', it'd look more natural.
So for the next few weeks, Auntie Kin will have her hair bun up or pin up until the hair decides to settle, if it ever. Ok, so it's one thing tried.
And from now on, I would be contented to have my hair curled just for the moment than wanting the curls to stay with me longer.
I called Uncle Tan. His advice - refer to the wedding ring. Aha, so it's good to imprint dates afterall. But I had a hard time trying to decipher the imprint and, a hard time trying to believe that I've been officially married for 5 years! OMG!!!
I guess the number '3' has some effect on women in terms of memory and behaviour...ok or maybe just me...as I can literally see some of you raising your eyebrows already.
I did something finally that I have been wanting to do for some time - perming my hair. Partly because I wanted to do something different while I still can and partly because of laziness as it's easier to bun up a permed hair and and more versatile to do different style. But then I forgot my weakness - laziness.
The frown between my eyes simply stayed locked from the moment the curlers were removed till I went back home. It was different from the curl I had 2 weeks ago at my bro's ROM. I looked like those baby dolls with those super fluffed up hairdo.
The stylist says big curls doesn't last very long and suggested a mixture of medium and small curls so that by the time the hair 'settles', it'd look more natural.
So for the next few weeks, Auntie Kin will have her hair bun up or pin up until the hair decides to settle, if it ever. Ok, so it's one thing tried.
And from now on, I would be contented to have my hair curled just for the moment than wanting the curls to stay with me longer.
Sunday, 1 February 2009
2008......2009...CNY
Woh, it's almost over a month since I last updated my blog and some have been telling me I've been 'slacking' since I came back. Well, many things have happened over the past few weeks and CNY is early this year so everything is like a mad rush. Fortunately I need not rush to buy new clothes since I'm a keeper of new clothes :) and this year, I've finally decided to get some domestic help from my colleague's contact to do a spring cleaning to my house. Of course I still need to do some re-organizing especially my wardrobe.
2008 Christmas had passed pretty quietly for me. No count down, no parties...except the feast held at my grands place and a post-Christmas game session with my cousins. I LOVE games and I relish the times when we had the gift exchange and games on Christmas eves when I was young. I hope to give such memories to my cousins as well, before they grow up eventually and have their own parties to attend. In fact, I could see that I don't have many more years to play such games with them for long...
2009 New Year Resolutions
I don't usually set new year resolutions as I don't like to have long term plans because I don't think I can fulfill most of them and I dislike disappointments. But I guess no harm to make a few and see how far I can stick to them :)
Resolution No. 1
To spend more time with my family, particularly with my grands. They seemed to have aged very quickly recently...
Each time when I see them getting older, the heart aches...Lost of that sparkle in their eyes, their white hair in full bloom, shrinking height, slower response to our conversations, less agile and sometimes, shaky movements...I know these are the usual signs of ageing but noticing these changes happening to your loved ones...a sense of sorrow somehow overwhelms me. I always hope to see the same old grands full of energy and humour. I'm still at the denial stage...
Resolution No. 2
To learn mahjong. I guess I have to follow with the times and start learning the real thing. Even my cousins in their teens know how to do the 'counting' while I'm still at the novice stage of identifying the consecutive tiles and the 2 'eyes' despite growing up listening to the sound of mahjongs as my lullaby. I'll try to learn to like the game thou I still think it gets quite boring after a few rounds. I prefer boggle, scrabble, Pictionary or even Mad Magazine. Well fortunately, we have a common liking for Black Jack which has since become our tradition to play during CNY with my cousins who have since grown up. I've also earned a reputation on gambling with small denominations - five cents coins ;p
Resolution No. 3
Exercise, exercise, exercise. It keeps my cramps away and hopefully the stress as well. With less stress, I should be able to eat better and with better appetite, it would mean more weight to be gained :)
Thou shall not be overly ambitious and this should be the list :)
2008 Christmas had passed pretty quietly for me. No count down, no parties...except the feast held at my grands place and a post-Christmas game session with my cousins. I LOVE games and I relish the times when we had the gift exchange and games on Christmas eves when I was young. I hope to give such memories to my cousins as well, before they grow up eventually and have their own parties to attend. In fact, I could see that I don't have many more years to play such games with them for long...
2009 New Year Resolutions
I don't usually set new year resolutions as I don't like to have long term plans because I don't think I can fulfill most of them and I dislike disappointments. But I guess no harm to make a few and see how far I can stick to them :)
Resolution No. 1
To spend more time with my family, particularly with my grands. They seemed to have aged very quickly recently...
Each time when I see them getting older, the heart aches...Lost of that sparkle in their eyes, their white hair in full bloom, shrinking height, slower response to our conversations, less agile and sometimes, shaky movements...I know these are the usual signs of ageing but noticing these changes happening to your loved ones...a sense of sorrow somehow overwhelms me. I always hope to see the same old grands full of energy and humour. I'm still at the denial stage...
Resolution No. 2
To learn mahjong. I guess I have to follow with the times and start learning the real thing. Even my cousins in their teens know how to do the 'counting' while I'm still at the novice stage of identifying the consecutive tiles and the 2 'eyes' despite growing up listening to the sound of mahjongs as my lullaby. I'll try to learn to like the game thou I still think it gets quite boring after a few rounds. I prefer boggle, scrabble, Pictionary or even Mad Magazine. Well fortunately, we have a common liking for Black Jack which has since become our tradition to play during CNY with my cousins who have since grown up. I've also earned a reputation on gambling with small denominations - five cents coins ;p
Resolution No. 3
Exercise, exercise, exercise. It keeps my cramps away and hopefully the stress as well. With less stress, I should be able to eat better and with better appetite, it would mean more weight to be gained :)
Thou shall not be overly ambitious and this should be the list :)
Friday, 12 December 2008
Moral courage
I was travelling in the subway, when I heard someone spit. He was seated at the back of the train and when I turned around, he did that again and on the seat this time. I commented loudly on his incivility.
The other commuters were equally irritated by his behaviour but none went up to tell him off. I was tempted to head to the front and tell the driver, but hubby gave me a nudge and advised against blowing the matter up. "You'll never know what he'll do to you." This comment his resonates, even in my dreams,
Out of my dreamland, would I have the moral courage to tell him off? Would I, like the other commuters, merely grumble under my breath? Or would I simply put up with the behaviour and not do anything to avoid trouble?
I had my fair share of “reminding” people against spitting on floors, smoking in lifts, littering, forcing their way into trains before commuters alight etc. Some of them pretended not to hear it, some simply ignored and fortunately, some felt ashamed of their ungracious acts.
Today, I managed to make a litterbug picked up his own litter via my “2-sec icy stare”. He thought no one noticed him “naturally dropping” a crushed Old Chang Kee paper bag and tissue while standing. I was just walking past and caught the act. I stared at him. He saw me, 2 seconds…and he bent down to pick them up.I hope he did that because he knew it wasn’t right to litter or he realised that the litter had actually slipped his hands…and not because he was worried I could be one of those undercover NEA officer who catches litterbugs and send them for CWO (Corrective Work Order). But I’m glad the litter was no longer a litter.
I don’t have to wait for “the relevant authorities” to empower me to correct such acts. We can, in our own little ways, make things better. It’s not that difficult but it takes courage and…practice? I used to be the one type who would rather keep quiet and tolerate such behaviours. I used to be hesitant in offering my seat to those who need, not because I’m contemplating whether this person needs the seat or I’m not willing to give up my seat, but because I’m shy to do so and what happens if the person rejects my offer?
As for the working execs, I know you have a hard day at work. Well who doesn’t? But seriously, I don’t think you would be that lucky to meet an elderly or a pregnant lady every time you commute. Don't forget you too, will grow old one day.
To my morally courageous comrades, my advice is to depend on your judgement on the appropriateness of the time, place and type of audience before you "do your thing". I wouldn’t recommend doing that to a group of tattooed fellas at a void deck when you're alone. That’s as good as inviting trouble.
A drop hollows out a stone. Albeit these are very little gestures, they make a difference.
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Learn learn learn
I appreciate my friends and colleagues’ concern when they read my last entry and I thought perhaps the entry may have sounded too emo. Actually it was just a grouse but after hearing comments from some my colleagues and re-reading the entry, I decided to remove the entry to prevent any damage. Definitely it wasn’t meant to be a gossip or a blaming entry.
Seriously, I thought it might turn out to be a positive thing since this might spur me to move out of my comfort zone. I've colleagues coming to me and advise me against making impulsive decision simply because of a funny character. I really appreciate that. Well that person might be part of the reason, but definitely not the entire reason.
I’m feeling much better now really and thanks for all your concern :) I guess learning how to manage and work with someone needs time and adjustments. I should get rid of my personal baggage and biasness and try to see more of the person's positive traits rather than be influenced by previous incidences. It’s not easy after having heard so much thou ;p but if I don’t learn, I may feel even more miserable.
Hmm…I think for future entries that are meant to ventilate, I should save it as draft and read it a few days later to make sure that it is as objective as possible before hitting the "Publish" button. The purpose of my blog is to share my personal thoughts and feelings and not meant to hurt anyone. Even my biasness towards Ah Tiongs has reduced ok!
So pls don’t guess who I’m talking about as it’s a summary of the not-so-nice people I’ve met over the years. I’m sure most companies have these funny characters as well right? I can imagine seeing a smile on the faces of my ex ex ex colleagues :)
In any case, for those who don't know what's going on, it's ok. It's over and let's move on :)
Seriously, I thought it might turn out to be a positive thing since this might spur me to move out of my comfort zone. I've colleagues coming to me and advise me against making impulsive decision simply because of a funny character. I really appreciate that. Well that person might be part of the reason, but definitely not the entire reason.
I’m feeling much better now really and thanks for all your concern :) I guess learning how to manage and work with someone needs time and adjustments. I should get rid of my personal baggage and biasness and try to see more of the person's positive traits rather than be influenced by previous incidences. It’s not easy after having heard so much thou ;p but if I don’t learn, I may feel even more miserable.
Hmm…I think for future entries that are meant to ventilate, I should save it as draft and read it a few days later to make sure that it is as objective as possible before hitting the "Publish" button. The purpose of my blog is to share my personal thoughts and feelings and not meant to hurt anyone. Even my biasness towards Ah Tiongs has reduced ok!
So pls don’t guess who I’m talking about as it’s a summary of the not-so-nice people I’ve met over the years. I’m sure most companies have these funny characters as well right? I can imagine seeing a smile on the faces of my ex ex ex colleagues :)
In any case, for those who don't know what's going on, it's ok. It's over and let's move on :)
Sunday, 30 November 2008
No time to say goodbye...
I believe most of you were saddened by the news on Sat. I was still holding to that a ray of hope when I heard about one Singaporean had been taken hostage. Somehow I had the faith in our government would be able to do something about it. But we are talking about terrorism, they they don't give a damn to anything, there's no second chance.
Bali, New York, London, Mumbai...these places are the places where you and I might have been to. The threat is very real, it can jolly well happen at our doorstep . As I read today's news,
I felt the pain, sadness, despair and grief even thou they were or are not related to me. The fear faced by the victims is unimaginable. The courage of the hotel staff and the commandos shown are admirable. I sympathise with the victims' families who had to face such tragedies. Their loved ones didn't have a chance to say goodbye......
I was angry with the mass killing of innocent people, and was saddened to see how mankind has scarily evolved. It's frightening to think that people have used religion as a means to justify "righteousness".
This reminded me of the seminar I attended yesterday where one of the topics was on work life and family. We know family is important and most of the time we may think we treasure our family. However, our actions somehow show otherwise. I'm definitely one of the guilty ones. When my grandparents commented that they hadn't seen me for quite some time, I told them that I was busy with work. They are nice folks, they didn't nag, just concerned. But I do felt guilty for not visiting them as often as I wished to. But I know they are always in my thoughts...still that doesn't give me the excuse of visiting them often huh :p
I had a taste of how it feels when I tried to arrange an outing with my cousins during their school holidays. It was tougher to book their time than to book my boss'. They have all grown up and their schedules are packed. Sometimes, I think they are even busier than the working adults.
A simple test to see how we value our family - try observing your friends/colleagues when they talk to their spouse or family members (maybe excluding the very young kids as baby language are used by most parents), the tone is somewhat less polite. Why so? It's because they are our family. They don't judge us, they forgive us for the silly mistakes we make, they tolerate our most ridiculous behaviours...we know they'll be there for us no matter what happens.
Maybe your parents will always be there for you. But for spouse, I wouldn't say the same. Relationship needs constant effort to maintain. It's easier said than done, but better to try than none. It's a journey of discovering for me still with lots of trial and error and of course, quarrels and petty bickering.
We are fortunate that we still have our loved ones with us. We wake up every morning having our loved one beside us, we still have someone to nag at and bicker with. We still have a roof over our heads, a job to bring in the bread and butter...
My sincerest condolences to all the victims' families. I grieve for the sudden loss of your loved ones. As the lyrics of the song goes "It breaks my heart in two, to say 'Goodbye' to you..."
For the rest of us, this also serves as a reminder for us appreciate and cherish the people we love and be grateful for what we have or not have. We'll never know whether we have the chance to say goodbye...
Bali, New York, London, Mumbai...these places are the places where you and I might have been to. The threat is very real, it can jolly well happen at our doorstep . As I read today's news,
I felt the pain, sadness, despair and grief even thou they were or are not related to me. The fear faced by the victims is unimaginable. The courage of the hotel staff and the commandos shown are admirable. I sympathise with the victims' families who had to face such tragedies. Their loved ones didn't have a chance to say goodbye......
I was angry with the mass killing of innocent people, and was saddened to see how mankind has scarily evolved. It's frightening to think that people have used religion as a means to justify "righteousness".
This reminded me of the seminar I attended yesterday where one of the topics was on work life and family. We know family is important and most of the time we may think we treasure our family. However, our actions somehow show otherwise. I'm definitely one of the guilty ones. When my grandparents commented that they hadn't seen me for quite some time, I told them that I was busy with work. They are nice folks, they didn't nag, just concerned. But I do felt guilty for not visiting them as often as I wished to. But I know they are always in my thoughts...still that doesn't give me the excuse of visiting them often huh :p
I had a taste of how it feels when I tried to arrange an outing with my cousins during their school holidays. It was tougher to book their time than to book my boss'. They have all grown up and their schedules are packed. Sometimes, I think they are even busier than the working adults.
A simple test to see how we value our family - try observing your friends/colleagues when they talk to their spouse or family members (maybe excluding the very young kids as baby language are used by most parents), the tone is somewhat less polite. Why so? It's because they are our family. They don't judge us, they forgive us for the silly mistakes we make, they tolerate our most ridiculous behaviours...we know they'll be there for us no matter what happens.
Maybe your parents will always be there for you. But for spouse, I wouldn't say the same. Relationship needs constant effort to maintain. It's easier said than done, but better to try than none. It's a journey of discovering for me still with lots of trial and error and of course, quarrels and petty bickering.
We are fortunate that we still have our loved ones with us. We wake up every morning having our loved one beside us, we still have someone to nag at and bicker with. We still have a roof over our heads, a job to bring in the bread and butter...
My sincerest condolences to all the victims' families. I grieve for the sudden loss of your loved ones. As the lyrics of the song goes "It breaks my heart in two, to say 'Goodbye' to you..."
For the rest of us, this also serves as a reminder for us appreciate and cherish the people we love and be grateful for what we have or not have. We'll never know whether we have the chance to say goodbye...
To Say Goodbye to You
Wish I could whistle down the Northern Lights
And send them dancing all across the night
Maybe then when all the sky was blazing
Maybe then Id feel you somewhere
gazing at a star,
And you could feel me too
as I say goodbye to you
It breaks my heart in two, to say goodbye to you
Wish time could turn us back to yesterday
The gods above would look the other way
Maybe then we still could laugh together
Maybe then it could be spring forever and a day
But I must face the truth and say goodbye to you
It breaks my heart in two, to say goodbye to you
Wish I could whistle down the Northern Lights
And send them dancing all across the night
Maybe then in my memories for saving
One last time youre on the hill waving from afar
One last glance or two and Ill say goodbye to you
It breaks my heart in two, to say goodbye to you
Wish I could whistle down the Northern Lights
And send them dancing all across the night
Maybe then when all the sky was blazing
Maybe then Id feel you somewhere
gazing at a star,
And you could feel me too
as I say goodbye to you
It breaks my heart in two, to say goodbye to you
Wish time could turn us back to yesterday
The gods above would look the other way
Maybe then we still could laugh together
Maybe then it could be spring forever and a day
But I must face the truth and say goodbye to you
It breaks my heart in two, to say goodbye to you
Wish I could whistle down the Northern Lights
And send them dancing all across the night
Maybe then in my memories for saving
One last time youre on the hill waving from afar
One last glance or two and Ill say goodbye to you
It breaks my heart in two, to say goodbye to you
Monday, 27 October 2008
The Last Lecture
I've seen this from one of my friend's blog and wanted to share this inspirational clip with you.
One of the things he mentioned that struck me was the example he has cited on the incident about his nephew puking in his car. This reminded me of an article I've read where the author wonders why Singaporeans won't allow their maids to drive their cars (that is assuming if their maids know driving), yet entrust their maids to look after their children almost 24/7. It's strange how we prioritize.
Sometimes I wonder too if the maid is the mistress instead. Preparing breakfasts for the family, handles the housework, staying at home to look after the kids while "Sir" and "Mdm" are slogging away in the office.
One of the things he mentioned that struck me was the example he has cited on the incident about his nephew puking in his car. This reminded me of an article I've read where the author wonders why Singaporeans won't allow their maids to drive their cars (that is assuming if their maids know driving), yet entrust their maids to look after their children almost 24/7. It's strange how we prioritize.
Sometimes I wonder too if the maid is the mistress instead. Preparing breakfasts for the family, handles the housework, staying at home to look after the kids while "Sir" and "Mdm" are slogging away in the office.
Friday, 24 October 2008
Dedicated to my Ah Dear
To the guy who...
kisses me goodnight before bedtime,
kisses me goodbye before going off to work,
closes the windows every morning to keep away the traffic noises so that wifey can continue to sleep,
waits for me at the void deck whenever I go home late,
helps with most of the housework and is an expert @ ironing,
is good at packing luggages,
blows warm air into my hands to keep them warm,
always somehow manages to find my misplaced items,
forgives readily when I make mistakes,
nags @ me endlessly,
listens willingly to my grouses, complaints, views...
supports me in whatever decisions I make,
isn't stingy with his hugs (exclusively to me of course ;p),
sings nonsensical 'opera' with me,
is sensitive to my feelings most of the time,
tolerates my mood swings,
tries his best to answer all my odd or hypothetical questions,
has made me see the best and worst in myself,
has adapted to my messiness,
gets tickled at my little tantrums,
is patient with my impatience,
makes me laugh with his @$#%^ acts haha ;D
shares his thoughts and feelings with me (thou needed some prompting @ times),
has strong faith in our relationship...
Thank you Ah Dear, for these little acts of love and for accepting who I am despite my many repeated FAQ on "Why choose me?" hehe :p
Wishing you a Happy 3rd year anniversary and thanks for the little gesture :)
Think these clips might bring back some fond memories of our stay in Zurich ;>
kisses me goodnight before bedtime,
kisses me goodbye before going off to work,
closes the windows every morning to keep away the traffic noises so that wifey can continue to sleep,
waits for me at the void deck whenever I go home late,
helps with most of the housework and is an expert @ ironing,
is good at packing luggages,
blows warm air into my hands to keep them warm,
always somehow manages to find my misplaced items,
forgives readily when I make mistakes,
nags @ me endlessly,
listens willingly to my grouses, complaints, views...
supports me in whatever decisions I make,
isn't stingy with his hugs (exclusively to me of course ;p),
sings nonsensical 'opera' with me,
is sensitive to my feelings most of the time,
tolerates my mood swings,
tries his best to answer all my odd or hypothetical questions,
has made me see the best and worst in myself,
has adapted to my messiness,
gets tickled at my little tantrums,
is patient with my impatience,
makes me laugh with his @$#%^ acts haha ;D
shares his thoughts and feelings with me (thou needed some prompting @ times),
has strong faith in our relationship...
Thank you Ah Dear, for these little acts of love and for accepting who I am despite my many repeated FAQ on "Why choose me?" hehe :p
Wishing you a Happy 3rd year anniversary and thanks for the little gesture :)
Think these clips might bring back some fond memories of our stay in Zurich ;>
My first meal in Switzerland prepared by Uncle Tan
The Aftermath...
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Am I the only one?
A walk down to pack lunch back on a weekday.
People, people and more people. Is it a Central thing or has Singapore become overly crowded?
At night I went down to pack dinner back. I had to meander my ways though before I can get to the food court.
And worse, everywhere I go be it NTUC, food court, shopping malls, crossing the streets...I can see and hear Ah Tiongs everywhere.
I know I shouldn't 一竹竿打翻整船人 and I may have biased views. But why so? Why them and not the rest? And no, I'm definitely not jealous of their wealth or their intelligence.
They have not done anything to me (yet) but I've heard many stories where my friends and their friends were the victims. I have read enough in the news of the scams.
The lip-singing saga at the Olympics, the fake goods, the tainted food items, the on-going corruption even at official level, the scams, the 'crows' and 'dragon ladies', the table tennis team saga......
Yet, they still feel righteous about it. And some of the victims, especially the old men, still thought they were not being cheated and claim to have lent them the money willingly. Yet we still have to accept the fact that more of them are coming here to stay. Does being the next super power nation give them the right to behave in this manner? That no matter what they do, we still have to treat them nice for we depended on them for the survival of our economy?
I was told to forgive them for they have suffered much in their homeland. But that doesn't justify such immoral acts. I do not despise them for being poor, for not being sophisticated...but I've lost respect for them. They feel they are so 'self-righteous', so full of themselves and what I detest most is the lack of morals and resorting to dishonest ways just to get what they want.
Where has the Confucius teachings gone? My friend, Donna, has highlighted that our forefathers were from there too but they came here, worked hard and earn an honest day's living. What has happened?
I may sound a agitated and perhaps some might think I'm a little extreme in my views. But from the conversations I've had with my friends and family, I could sense the dissatisfactions too. Just that like what most typical Singaporeans would choose to do - just keep quiet and live with it. Mind your own business and don't get into trouble.
I'm not trying to stir up any anti-Chinese sentiments. But looking at the rate they are flocking in, it's a matter of time strong emotions will erupt if this is not managed properly. I want to have my say, this is the place where I grow up, where I have my friends and families and I really hate to see it becoming like another China.
I know no matter where I go, they'll be everywhere. But right now, I just feel that Singapore is really getting ridiculously populated. I just hope the officials know what they are in for by attracting so many so-called foreign talents.
If any Chinese happen to be reading this, I know you might feel offended. But please understand my frustrations. I'm trying my best to cope. I'm just worried that I might just let it all out one day if all my grievances have no avenues to let off steam.
People, people and more people. Is it a Central thing or has Singapore become overly crowded?
At night I went down to pack dinner back. I had to meander my ways though before I can get to the food court.
And worse, everywhere I go be it NTUC, food court, shopping malls, crossing the streets...I can see and hear Ah Tiongs everywhere.
I know I shouldn't 一竹竿打翻整船人 and I may have biased views. But why so? Why them and not the rest? And no, I'm definitely not jealous of their wealth or their intelligence.
They have not done anything to me (yet) but I've heard many stories where my friends and their friends were the victims. I have read enough in the news of the scams.
The lip-singing saga at the Olympics, the fake goods, the tainted food items, the on-going corruption even at official level, the scams, the 'crows' and 'dragon ladies', the table tennis team saga......
Yet, they still feel righteous about it. And some of the victims, especially the old men, still thought they were not being cheated and claim to have lent them the money willingly. Yet we still have to accept the fact that more of them are coming here to stay. Does being the next super power nation give them the right to behave in this manner? That no matter what they do, we still have to treat them nice for we depended on them for the survival of our economy?
I was told to forgive them for they have suffered much in their homeland. But that doesn't justify such immoral acts. I do not despise them for being poor, for not being sophisticated...but I've lost respect for them. They feel they are so 'self-righteous', so full of themselves and what I detest most is the lack of morals and resorting to dishonest ways just to get what they want.
Where has the Confucius teachings gone? My friend, Donna, has highlighted that our forefathers were from there too but they came here, worked hard and earn an honest day's living. What has happened?
I may sound a agitated and perhaps some might think I'm a little extreme in my views. But from the conversations I've had with my friends and family, I could sense the dissatisfactions too. Just that like what most typical Singaporeans would choose to do - just keep quiet and live with it. Mind your own business and don't get into trouble.
I'm not trying to stir up any anti-Chinese sentiments. But looking at the rate they are flocking in, it's a matter of time strong emotions will erupt if this is not managed properly. I want to have my say, this is the place where I grow up, where I have my friends and families and I really hate to see it becoming like another China.
I know no matter where I go, they'll be everywhere. But right now, I just feel that Singapore is really getting ridiculously populated. I just hope the officials know what they are in for by attracting so many so-called foreign talents.
If any Chinese happen to be reading this, I know you might feel offended. But please understand my frustrations. I'm trying my best to cope. I'm just worried that I might just let it all out one day if all my grievances have no avenues to let off steam.
Friday, 17 October 2008
Adjusting
3 weeks after I'm back, I am slowly getting used to...
the crowded and claustrophobic environment,
the many high rise buildings,
the traffic noises,
the strong food court smell and local food,
the soft bread,
the dusty environment due to all the on-going construction works,
the low toilet seats in my home,
not having greetings from people on the streets,
seeing ungracious and non-civic conscious acts i.e. pushing to go up the bus, standing in front of the MRT doorways, smoking the lifts, spitting, littering...
Still trying to...
adjust to the humid weather,
de-clutter the clutter in my house,
get used to Singaporeans' non-punctual habits,
adjust to Uncle Tan's coming home later due to work (darn Lehman Bros' senior management),
lessen my skepticism towards certain issues,
not to think too much of the green pastures, crisp air, soft comfy bed, fluffy pastries, fragrant bread, gentle cows, curious sheep, friendly Swiss......
I have managed to...
adjust to Singapore timing,
tune back to the local TV channels after months of overseas online dramas, although still trying to get used to the many advertisements,
reconnect with some friends and colleagues...
6 months isn't a long time away and some of my colleagues said it felt as if I didn't leave SG for a long time. But I felt displaced when I first arrived - the fast pace, the people, the surrounding...despite a mere 6 mths, several things have changed and perhaps some of you might not have noticed since you grew with these changes. I suddenly felt old seeing the rapid changes taking place around me.
- new buses
- new announcements on MRT trains which are louder now
- more Ah Tiongs and Caucasians in the neighbourhood
- higher food prices, some with reduced amount or quality
- more Ah Tiongs working in food courts besides beauty centres
- new shop face for some shops and major face lift for Orchard Road
- changes in the layout and paper size for Straits Times and TODAY paper
- new NTUC logo
Being 6 mths away out from home somehow opens up my senses. Perhaps I have less things to cram in my little mind. More opportunity to listen since there's no one to talk to most of the time. More time to explore, discover and appreciate. Uncle Tan was wondering why we could afford to go hiking on most weekends without having to worry what we have yet to do or what we need to do. Partly because we don't have to do much housework except the laundry, cooking and dish washing. But even if we were to do the housework, there wouldn't be much cleaning either for the place has less dust since most of the time the windows were not opened fully nor were there many cars to cause any pollution.
Over here, we have tonnes of things to do where housework is one major task other than the bills to pay and file, errands to run, sieving unwanted mails and flyers, visit in-laws, grandparents...the list seems endless...imagine having a kid...that would suck out most of the time...
Perhaps that was one of the reasons why we were drawn to want to stay and work there...but eventually these miscellaneous stuff will come to look for us once we settled there.
I'm supposed to be cleaning and de-clutter my house but just do not have the mood to do it somehow. Or rather I don't know how to start...if only I can have a man's brain for now and able to part with some of the very old things I've kept for years thinking I might need it some day or keeping them for sentimental reasons. I want to live simply but I want to also have things I could keep some items of sentimental value to reminisce the good old times when I'm old.
So perhaps it's time for my friends not to give me any more presents from now on. A card, a non-MIC chocolate or just spending time together is what I would appreciate :) In a way, this is also more environmentally friendly :) Ang Paos sound so practical but of course are welcomed nevertheless hehe ;p
Ok, still gotta go and clear some stuff before Uncle Tan nags at me subtly again...
the crowded and claustrophobic environment,
the many high rise buildings,
the traffic noises,
the strong food court smell and local food,
the soft bread,
the dusty environment due to all the on-going construction works,
the low toilet seats in my home,
not having greetings from people on the streets,
seeing ungracious and non-civic conscious acts i.e. pushing to go up the bus, standing in front of the MRT doorways, smoking the lifts, spitting, littering...
Still trying to...
adjust to the humid weather,
de-clutter the clutter in my house,
get used to Singaporeans' non-punctual habits,
adjust to Uncle Tan's coming home later due to work (darn Lehman Bros' senior management),
lessen my skepticism towards certain issues,
not to think too much of the green pastures, crisp air, soft comfy bed, fluffy pastries, fragrant bread, gentle cows, curious sheep, friendly Swiss......
I have managed to...
adjust to Singapore timing,
tune back to the local TV channels after months of overseas online dramas, although still trying to get used to the many advertisements,
reconnect with some friends and colleagues...
6 months isn't a long time away and some of my colleagues said it felt as if I didn't leave SG for a long time. But I felt displaced when I first arrived - the fast pace, the people, the surrounding...despite a mere 6 mths, several things have changed and perhaps some of you might not have noticed since you grew with these changes. I suddenly felt old seeing the rapid changes taking place around me.
- new buses
- new announcements on MRT trains which are louder now
- more Ah Tiongs and Caucasians in the neighbourhood
- higher food prices, some with reduced amount or quality
- more Ah Tiongs working in food courts besides beauty centres
- new shop face for some shops and major face lift for Orchard Road
- changes in the layout and paper size for Straits Times and TODAY paper
- new NTUC logo
Being 6 mths away out from home somehow opens up my senses. Perhaps I have less things to cram in my little mind. More opportunity to listen since there's no one to talk to most of the time. More time to explore, discover and appreciate. Uncle Tan was wondering why we could afford to go hiking on most weekends without having to worry what we have yet to do or what we need to do. Partly because we don't have to do much housework except the laundry, cooking and dish washing. But even if we were to do the housework, there wouldn't be much cleaning either for the place has less dust since most of the time the windows were not opened fully nor were there many cars to cause any pollution.
Over here, we have tonnes of things to do where housework is one major task other than the bills to pay and file, errands to run, sieving unwanted mails and flyers, visit in-laws, grandparents...the list seems endless...imagine having a kid...that would suck out most of the time...
Perhaps that was one of the reasons why we were drawn to want to stay and work there...but eventually these miscellaneous stuff will come to look for us once we settled there.
I'm supposed to be cleaning and de-clutter my house but just do not have the mood to do it somehow. Or rather I don't know how to start...if only I can have a man's brain for now and able to part with some of the very old things I've kept for years thinking I might need it some day or keeping them for sentimental reasons. I want to live simply but I want to also have things I could keep some items of sentimental value to reminisce the good old times when I'm old.
So perhaps it's time for my friends not to give me any more presents from now on. A card, a non-MIC chocolate or just spending time together is what I would appreciate :) In a way, this is also more environmentally friendly :) Ang Paos sound so practical but of course are welcomed nevertheless hehe ;p
Ok, still gotta go and clear some stuff before Uncle Tan nags at me subtly again...
Friday, 10 October 2008
When will we ever have a say?
I remembered Uncle Tan mentioning earlier that his company wanted to build a stadium cum a shopping mall near a residential area in Zurich. The project didn't materialise because most of the residents voted against it. First, it would mean a lot of construction work, which will result in a lot of noise and air pollution. Secondly, they prefer the peace and quiet they enjoy in the neighbourhood and wouldn't like the place to be flooded with people and cars, not to mention the tall building might obstruct their precious sunshine. Their voices are heard. They made the decision.
The building of casino was one classic example where despite the numerous consultations and protests from various groups, our "gar-ment" still went ahead to build not one, but two casinos. I am not against this idea for I see the economic value it can bring to Singapore. Yeah, I too, am a practical Singaporean. But what frustrates me is that what we say don't seem to influence the final decision. A typical reply from a Singaporean, "No point lah."
It is not easy to work in a place far away from home alone. Let us try not to let our biasness cloud our perceptions (thou for me I'd be selective, you know who i meant lah haha). Well, I've recently met one polite and considerate lady whom I've reciprocated her kind gestures graciously.
To a Singaporean: Stadium and mall? Good ah! So convenient. My house property value also sure go up! "Tan Dio" leh! (gain something good)
The building of casino was one classic example where despite the numerous consultations and protests from various groups, our "gar-ment" still went ahead to build not one, but two casinos. I am not against this idea for I see the economic value it can bring to Singapore. Yeah, I too, am a practical Singaporean. But what frustrates me is that what we say don't seem to influence the final decision. A typical reply from a Singaporean, "No point lah."
Another example below - a news article from CNA on the building of a dormitory in Serangoon Gardens.
Channel NewsAsia - Saturday, October 4
Dormitory decision upsets some Serangoon Gardens residents
The dormitory will be at the former Serangoon Garden Technical School site, just right across the road from the residents.
There is going to be additional fencing to keep workers in as well as planters to screen the site. But is this a satisfactory compromise for residents?
"I am fed up!" a woman screamed from her car.
"I am thinking of moving out," said a resident.
"We are living with people; they move around. If you fence them up, and say ’this is your area, this is my area’, I don’t think it is going to work," said Angela Yeo, a resident at Burghley Drive.
Although the dormitory is for foreign workers in the manufacturing and services sectors, residents said it does not mean security is less of a concern.
Although the dormitory is for foreign workers in the manufacturing and services sectors, residents said it does not mean security is less of a concern.
Chen Sung Sheng, a resident at Burghley Drive, said: "I think it is the same, isn’t it? It all boils down to the same... foreign workers, regardless of what they are working as. Of course, we can’t say that all foreign workers are bad. But majority of us are not very happy about it."
The other issue that irks residents — the way the decision was made.
"The whole consultation process, while it was useful, it kind of makes the residents feel ’what was the point?’" said Lim Chia Joo, a resident at Burghley Drive.
However, some felt the proposed measures have helped allay their concerns.
Rose Tan, a Serangoon Gardens resident, said: "If, after that study, they think that it is feasible to go ahead with the project, I am sure they would have taken steps to address the many concerns that were raised by the residents."
Residents are asking the police to step up patrols in the area. They also want the police post, which operates from noon to 10pm, to extend its opening hours.
=============================================================
I can understand the concerns of some residents especially on the safety issues although I would say that not all foreign workers are trouble makers. They too come here to earn an honest living to make life better for their families back home. (At least most of them don't con or cheat people like SOME...)
However, I can't empathize with those who 'make noise' just because the existence of the dorm would depreciate their property values.
We often associate foreign workers with rowdiness, hygienic issues, unsafe etc. Hence, it would pose some difficulty in trying to sell the house near such a dorm to any locals who share the same perception of the foreign workers. Imagine building an apartment to house foreigners, who are working professionals. That doesn't sound like an issue to anyone right? Perhaps engaging someone like John Hancock's PR consultant might help to change their image and the misconceptions people have on them.
=============================================================
I can understand the concerns of some residents especially on the safety issues although I would say that not all foreign workers are trouble makers. They too come here to earn an honest living to make life better for their families back home. (At least most of them don't con or cheat people like SOME...)
However, I can't empathize with those who 'make noise' just because the existence of the dorm would depreciate their property values.
We often associate foreign workers with rowdiness, hygienic issues, unsafe etc. Hence, it would pose some difficulty in trying to sell the house near such a dorm to any locals who share the same perception of the foreign workers. Imagine building an apartment to house foreigners, who are working professionals. That doesn't sound like an issue to anyone right? Perhaps engaging someone like John Hancock's PR consultant might help to change their image and the misconceptions people have on them.
To be honest, some of us still hold the archaic "colonial" mentality where the caucasians are more "atas" (upper class). I'm sure some of you have experienced the different treatments given to an ang moh vs an asian. The same goes for renumeration packages. An ang moh expat would be given an apartment in prime town locations like Orchard, Raffles Place etc. An Asian expat would be given an apartment in the subprime areas like Eunos, Simei etc. Well, some are even given "hardship allowance" for coming to a place like Singapore to work.
Having no choice but to live with 4.8 million people, guess we have to learn to be more tolerant and understanding. Being a resident of another country for 6 mths, I am thankful that I was treated with respect most of the time and didn't receive too many unfriendly glares or slighted looks.
Having no choice but to live with 4.8 million people, guess we have to learn to be more tolerant and understanding. Being a resident of another country for 6 mths, I am thankful that I was treated with respect most of the time and didn't receive too many unfriendly glares or slighted looks.
It is not easy to work in a place far away from home alone. Let us try not to let our biasness cloud our perceptions (thou for me I'd be selective, you know who i meant lah haha). Well, I've recently met one polite and considerate lady whom I've reciprocated her kind gestures graciously.
Monday, 6 October 2008
I've Survived :)
For the past 6 months,
I've survived the cold weather;
I've survived on having bread for breakfast everyday (no fried beehoon, no fried carrot cake, no wanton mee, no yong tao fu...);
I've survivied on eating my own cooked meals almost everyday;
I've survived with a small kitchen with limited utensils;
I've survived eating lunch alone most of the time;
I've survived not talking for more than 8 hours a day (To my friends, thank you for tolerating my yakking be it when you have visited me or via email or msn :>);
I've survived watching their German channels;
I've survived living in a country where I do not understand their national language - German or Swiss German;
I've survived eating chocolates without having any pimples haha :D ;
I've survived climbing numerous stairs and elevated hikes;
I've survived tolerating the garbage which is only cleared once a week;
I've survived in a place where shops close at 6pm and on Sundays and...
I've survived two 12-hour flights!
Actually no big deal lah, cos Zurich is quite similar to Singapore - it's a cosmopolitan city, generally safe and shares similar standard of living as (or maybe higher than) Singapore.
We're still trying to orientate ourselves for the past 5 days. Unpacking, retrieving our luggages from our friends, cleaning the house, meeting families to pass chocolates and souvenirs, getting the basic groceries and toiletries...
Uncle Tan said our noses and armpits have been telling us to go back to Zurich ;p We've been sneezing for the past few days and Ah Kin has been feeling sticky throughout the day. She doesn't shiver after the shower, nor does she need to put on a cardi on an air-con bus or in a shopping mall :) But once the body adjusts back to the tropical climate, everything would be back to normal. Which, may not be a bad thing especially when you think about the underams hahaha ;D
My bowel system has gone a little haywire where the urge can come at 1am. I couldn't sleep until it's past 12am. I have to readjust to the food here which both of us found it weird that we do not have any cravings for the food here. I was pretty turned off by the smell in the food court though that happened even before I left for Switzerland. And no, I'm NOT preggy. I have a keen sense of smell so I don't like a mixture of strong food smells in a confined space.
I still have the problem of "what to eat for breakfast". I realised that our breakfast are kinda unhealthy - chwee queh, fried carrot cake, fried bee hoon...the oil in them somehow didn't whet my apetitte. I've been eating soupy stuff for the past few days. We've also noticed that for those stalls whose prices didn't increase, the amount they give seem to dwindle. We were disappointed with the famous roasted meat stall at Lor 1 coffeeshop. When I opened up my packet of char siew rice, the amount of meat was miserable, not to mention that most were fatty meat, which I think Ms Sui would be a happier customer :)
A visit to the nearest confectionary shop - Cake History. How I wish they could be simpler breads. I hardly can find a simple piece of sausage bread without any other condiments. There's one at Bread Talk which apparently, the price has increased from $1.20 to $1.40.
A visit to NTUC - the selection of fruits is limited. Now with Fuji apples from China out of my marketing list, I have even less fruits to choose from. I wonder if I still have any vegetables to buy if I were to leave vegetables from China out from my marketing list.
With food becoming scarce, what those companies in China have done is utterly a waste of resources.
I've survived the cold weather;
I've survived on having bread for breakfast everyday (no fried beehoon, no fried carrot cake, no wanton mee, no yong tao fu...);
I've survivied on eating my own cooked meals almost everyday;
I've survived with a small kitchen with limited utensils;
I've survived eating lunch alone most of the time;
I've survived not talking for more than 8 hours a day (To my friends, thank you for tolerating my yakking be it when you have visited me or via email or msn :>);
I've survived watching their German channels;
I've survived living in a country where I do not understand their national language - German or Swiss German;
I've survived eating chocolates without having any pimples haha :D ;
I've survived climbing numerous stairs and elevated hikes;
I've survived tolerating the garbage which is only cleared once a week;
I've survived in a place where shops close at 6pm and on Sundays and...
I've survived two 12-hour flights!
Actually no big deal lah, cos Zurich is quite similar to Singapore - it's a cosmopolitan city, generally safe and shares similar standard of living as (or maybe higher than) Singapore.
We're still trying to orientate ourselves for the past 5 days. Unpacking, retrieving our luggages from our friends, cleaning the house, meeting families to pass chocolates and souvenirs, getting the basic groceries and toiletries...
Uncle Tan said our noses and armpits have been telling us to go back to Zurich ;p We've been sneezing for the past few days and Ah Kin has been feeling sticky throughout the day. She doesn't shiver after the shower, nor does she need to put on a cardi on an air-con bus or in a shopping mall :) But once the body adjusts back to the tropical climate, everything would be back to normal. Which, may not be a bad thing especially when you think about the underams hahaha ;D
My bowel system has gone a little haywire where the urge can come at 1am. I couldn't sleep until it's past 12am. I have to readjust to the food here which both of us found it weird that we do not have any cravings for the food here. I was pretty turned off by the smell in the food court though that happened even before I left for Switzerland. And no, I'm NOT preggy. I have a keen sense of smell so I don't like a mixture of strong food smells in a confined space.
I still have the problem of "what to eat for breakfast". I realised that our breakfast are kinda unhealthy - chwee queh, fried carrot cake, fried bee hoon...the oil in them somehow didn't whet my apetitte. I've been eating soupy stuff for the past few days. We've also noticed that for those stalls whose prices didn't increase, the amount they give seem to dwindle. We were disappointed with the famous roasted meat stall at Lor 1 coffeeshop. When I opened up my packet of char siew rice, the amount of meat was miserable, not to mention that most were fatty meat, which I think Ms Sui would be a happier customer :)
A visit to the nearest confectionary shop - Cake History. How I wish they could be simpler breads. I hardly can find a simple piece of sausage bread without any other condiments. There's one at Bread Talk which apparently, the price has increased from $1.20 to $1.40.
A visit to NTUC - the selection of fruits is limited. Now with Fuji apples from China out of my marketing list, I have even less fruits to choose from. I wonder if I still have any vegetables to buy if I were to leave vegetables from China out from my marketing list.
With food becoming scarce, what those companies in China have done is utterly a waste of resources.
Monday, 29 September 2008
Made in Switzerland
Ok, this topic is NOT on baby making, so don't get too excited.
I've had some weird requests to get some "made in Switzerland" souvenirs just before going back to SG. Somehow, these requests came pretty last minute when I had no more time to shop and look around. I've requests like 'just buy any watch' from Switzerland, getting a winter jacket and another was to get any nice jacket below $200.
So given such a short time frame to get cheap and good deals is really testing my shopping ability given that I'm not a shopping queen. So I couldn't accede to all requests.
Once, we overheard a an officer working in the tourism office telling 2 tourists that "Switzerland is an expensive country". We thought that was rather direct if not, haughty. But it's the truth.
Switzerland isn't a shopping paradise nor is it known to be one even though it has the world's most expensive shopping street - the Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich. You can still get cheap and good deals when certain items are on sale, if you can find your sizes. It's interesting to note items that are in black and white hardly go on sale and sometimes could cost more than other colours as they are the 2 most favoured colours among the Europeans.
Well, I thought it might be a good opportunity to clear some misconceptions on items "Made in Switzerland" since I've discovered some interesting facts whilst hunting for MIS souvenirs.
Q: Are all watches in Switzerland are made in Switzerland?
Well, I can safely say that all milk in Switzerland are from the Swiss cows as the government do not allow the import of milk in order to protect the Swiss farmers. To side track a little, Switzerland is the country that invented milk chocolate (if you happen to read the "Travellers" section of the paper TODAY on 9 Oct).
However, this isn't the case for watches.
Even if they carry the "Swiss Made" or "Made in Switzerland" logos, it doesn't mean they are truly made in Switzerland. A good example is the Swiss Military Watch. It has so many fake versions thou it carries the swiss logo.
Q: Are watches cheaper in Switzerland?
Depends. If you are talking about those high end watches made in Switzerland, maybe. But the price itself can take you from SG to Zurich a couple of times.
Swatch watches are cheaper only if the exchange rate is favourable. And even so, it's just a few dollars' difference.
They have those "pasar malam looking" watches in Switzerland too (some look worse than the pasar malams ones to be honest) and they cost from CHF 19 onwards. It is sold in Switzerland no doubt about it, but it may not be made in Switzerland or the parts may not be from Switzerland.
Extracted from Wikipedia:
You can read this if you're keen to find out more: Swiss Made
Even the famous Swiss souvenir - the cuckoo clocks, do not originate from Switzerland. The Black Forest region in southern Germany is it's birthplace. In fact, many of the cheap quartz clocks that you see in souvenir shops are made in China, South Korea and Japan (ok I don't mind from Japan thou). You can read this for more info which I find it quite interesting:
Swiss Info
So next time when you see the Swiss cross or the "Made in Switzerland" label, it doesn't necessarily mean they originate from the country it has indicated on the label.
I've had some weird requests to get some "made in Switzerland" souvenirs just before going back to SG. Somehow, these requests came pretty last minute when I had no more time to shop and look around. I've requests like 'just buy any watch' from Switzerland, getting a winter jacket and another was to get any nice jacket below $200.
So given such a short time frame to get cheap and good deals is really testing my shopping ability given that I'm not a shopping queen. So I couldn't accede to all requests.
Once, we overheard a an officer working in the tourism office telling 2 tourists that "Switzerland is an expensive country". We thought that was rather direct if not, haughty. But it's the truth.
Switzerland isn't a shopping paradise nor is it known to be one even though it has the world's most expensive shopping street - the Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich. You can still get cheap and good deals when certain items are on sale, if you can find your sizes. It's interesting to note items that are in black and white hardly go on sale and sometimes could cost more than other colours as they are the 2 most favoured colours among the Europeans.
Well, I thought it might be a good opportunity to clear some misconceptions on items "Made in Switzerland" since I've discovered some interesting facts whilst hunting for MIS souvenirs.
Q: Are all watches in Switzerland are made in Switzerland?
Well, I can safely say that all milk in Switzerland are from the Swiss cows as the government do not allow the import of milk in order to protect the Swiss farmers. To side track a little, Switzerland is the country that invented milk chocolate (if you happen to read the "Travellers" section of the paper TODAY on 9 Oct).
However, this isn't the case for watches.
Even if they carry the "Swiss Made" or "Made in Switzerland" logos, it doesn't mean they are truly made in Switzerland. A good example is the Swiss Military Watch. It has so many fake versions thou it carries the swiss logo.
Q: Are watches cheaper in Switzerland?
Depends. If you are talking about those high end watches made in Switzerland, maybe. But the price itself can take you from SG to Zurich a couple of times.
Swatch watches are cheaper only if the exchange rate is favourable. And even so, it's just a few dollars' difference.
They have those "pasar malam looking" watches in Switzerland too (some look worse than the pasar malams ones to be honest) and they cost from CHF 19 onwards. It is sold in Switzerland no doubt about it, but it may not be made in Switzerland or the parts may not be from Switzerland.
Extracted from Wikipedia:
Swiss watch
A watch is considered Swiss, according to the Swiss law if:
- its movement is Swiss and,
- its movement is cased up in Switzerland and;
- the manufacturer carries out the final inspection in Switzerland
Swiss watch movement
A watch movement is considered Swiss if:
- the movement has been assembled in Switzerland and,
- the movement has been inspected by the manufacturer in Switzerland and;
- the components of Swiss manufacture account for at least 50 percent of the total value, without taking into account the cost of assembly.
If a watch movement is intended for export and will not be cased-up in Switzerland, but it otherwise meets the criteria to be considered a Swiss movement, the watch may say "Swiss Movement" but it may not say Swiss Made on the watch case or dial.
“It is not generally known that quite a few Swiss companies have watches assembled in China for export to North America, Asia and even Europe, where the brand name is more important that the “Swiss made” label. Such watches may consist of a Chinese case and a Chinese crystal, a Taiwan-made dial and metal bracelet and Japanese hands. If the movement is to be considered Swiss, 51% of its value must be Swiss and at least the last wheel must be added in Switzerland. Swiss watch brands without the “Swiss made” label are usually equipped with a Japanese movement. The “Swiss parts” label means that the movement is assembled in Asia using kits consisting at least partially of Swiss made components.”You can read this if you're keen to find out more: Swiss Made
Even the famous Swiss souvenir - the cuckoo clocks, do not originate from Switzerland. The Black Forest region in southern Germany is it's birthplace. In fact, many of the cheap quartz clocks that you see in souvenir shops are made in China, South Korea and Japan (ok I don't mind from Japan thou). You can read this for more info which I find it quite interesting:
Swiss Info
So next time when you see the Swiss cross or the "Made in Switzerland" label, it doesn't necessarily mean they originate from the country it has indicated on the label.
Auf Wiedersehn
Time to say goodbye...
to the awesome alps and good friends made,
to the cows, sheep and goats that graze the day away...
to the flowers that have bloomed beautifully in Spring,
and the warmth of the sun that summer brings...
to the lustrous grass that I lay on,
to the charming lakes I've grown fond of...
Just as I was learning to adjust to the cold weather...
Just as I was getting used to the little inconvenience of shops closing on Sundays...
Just as I was beginning to enjoy the train rides a little more...
Just as I was changing to like the freshly baked breads...
Just as I was growing to like you even more...
It's time to go.
Every breath that I take, I feel it's a blessing.
Each step that I take, it imprints in my memory.
Each person that I met, I believe it's destiny. (That also includes the animals I've met especially the cows, swans, ducks and goats which I've grown attached to :>)
Every little discoveries made, I see it as a gift we receive.
You've subtly inched your way to my heart, which, makes it even more difficult to part.
I can almost see autumn coming near, as I try hard to hold back my tears.
The fallen leaves tell me that it is time,
that I could no longer hear the familiar church bells chime.
...it is time to be back, to my city life.
Like the lyrics of the first song, I wish that time could turn us back to yesterday. Maybe then, I would have laughed more, I would have seen you more, I would have experienced and known you more. Now, I can't take my eyes off you anymore.
I'll take home with me the fond memories.
I'll miss the early church bells chime. I'll miss the weekend hikes. I'll miss the beautiful lakes, awe-inspiring sceneries and vast greenland. I'll miss the smell of spring and summer. I'll miss my friends here. I'll miss the kind and friendly Swiss. I'll miss the swans, ducks, cows, goats, sheep, horses, dogs, donkeys, little birdies, hens, the gorillas in the zoo, the lamas, the cats, the pigeons...
This place will always be, like a second home to me.
to the cows, sheep and goats that graze the day away...
to the flowers that have bloomed beautifully in Spring,
and the warmth of the sun that summer brings...
to the lustrous grass that I lay on,
to the charming lakes I've grown fond of...
Just as I was learning to adjust to the cold weather...
Just as I was getting used to the little inconvenience of shops closing on Sundays...
Just as I was beginning to enjoy the train rides a little more...
Just as I was changing to like the freshly baked breads...
Just as I was growing to like you even more...
It's time to go.
Every breath that I take, I feel it's a blessing.
Each step that I take, it imprints in my memory.
Each person that I met, I believe it's destiny. (That also includes the animals I've met especially the cows, swans, ducks and goats which I've grown attached to :>)
Every little discoveries made, I see it as a gift we receive.
You've subtly inched your way to my heart, which, makes it even more difficult to part.
I can almost see autumn coming near, as I try hard to hold back my tears.
The fallen leaves tell me that it is time,
that I could no longer hear the familiar church bells chime.
...it is time to be back, to my city life.
Like the lyrics of the first song, I wish that time could turn us back to yesterday. Maybe then, I would have laughed more, I would have seen you more, I would have experienced and known you more. Now, I can't take my eyes off you anymore.
I'll take home with me the fond memories.
I'll miss the early church bells chime. I'll miss the weekend hikes. I'll miss the beautiful lakes, awe-inspiring sceneries and vast greenland. I'll miss the smell of spring and summer. I'll miss my friends here. I'll miss the kind and friendly Swiss. I'll miss the swans, ducks, cows, goats, sheep, horses, dogs, donkeys, little birdies, hens, the gorillas in the zoo, the lamas, the cats, the pigeons...
This place will always be, like a second home to me.
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Need I say more?
Sorry to be mean, but in a way I'm glad that it's the babies in China have gotten it first. Otherwise, the rest of the world would be accused of 'boycotting' China's products as in the previous cases.I can't imagine I've been having these White Rabbit Milk Sweets since young...if I were to develop any illness as a result of the accumulation of such chemicals in my body, can I sue the manufacturers then? Nay, I'll end up wasting my time and money. They can refute you with a 101 reasons and excuses.
As consumers, we just have to be more careful and read the labels. Then again, we also have to trust the suppliers that the raw materials are obtained from trusted sources. Even Nestle has gotten it.
Extracted from CNA:
Major supermarkets recall over 15 brands of China—made food products
SINGAPORE: Over 15 brands of China—made products have been taken off the shelves, amid growing consumer concern in Singapore over the tainted milk scandal. Major supermarkets such as Cold Storage and NTUC FairPrice are also playing it safe by checking that items made in other countries do not contain dairy from China.
Since Friday, boxes of China—made food items have been piling up in a storage area at Sheng Siong supermarket.The chain has removed over 20 products as a precautionary measure, including bread and biscuits. These include Want Want Crunchy Wafer, Oreo Wafer Sticks, Snickers Peanut snack—sized bars, and Dove Hazelnut Milk Chocolate.
Cold Storage and NTUC FairPrice have also recalled items such as condensed milk, crackers and butter.
Said one customer: "We’re very worried. My friends and I are trying to refrain from buying China products which involve milk."
"We should be careful in selecting our brands. We must be very careful about those concerning milk powder," said another customer.
Some retailers said the affected items constitute a relatively small portion of their inventory. They’re now stocking up on products from alternative sources to ensure shelves don’t remain empty.
Chong Nyet Chin, director, Food Safety and Quality, NTUC FairPrice, said: "We also take some precautionary measure on our end. We see whether there are other products which may not be made in China but the source of the raw material was purchased from China."
Some distributors here have been assured by their suppliers in China that their products have not been contaminated. Others will also provide laboratory test results to verify that their items are safe.
However, major supermarkets like NTUC FairPrice and Sheng Siong said that until Singapore’s food safety authority gives the green light, many of the affected items will remain off the shelf. — CNA/vmSaturday, 20 September 2008
Made in China products
China's Yili products ordered to be taken off shelves - CNA
AVA has ordered China’s Yili products to be taken off the shelves of supermarkets on Wed as the brand of yoghurt ice bar test turned out to be similar to the melamine—laced variety sold in Hong Kong.
This is why I try to avoid MIC products as far as possible. However, we are so dependent on them for many things and unfortunately, food as well. Even here in Switzerland, we found a lot of "Made in China" stuff even though they have Swiss logos on them. Speaking of which, I still find "Ma Ling"canned luncheon meat in the Asian supermart here.
Do we have a choice?
AVA has ordered China’s Yili products to be taken off the shelves of supermarkets on Wed as the brand of yoghurt ice bar test turned out to be similar to the melamine—laced variety sold in Hong Kong.
This is why I try to avoid MIC products as far as possible. However, we are so dependent on them for many things and unfortunately, food as well. Even here in Switzerland, we found a lot of "Made in China" stuff even though they have Swiss logos on them. Speaking of which, I still find "Ma Ling"canned luncheon meat in the Asian supermart here.
Do we have a choice?
Monday, 15 September 2008
Then and Now
It feels like opening the fridge door again as I opened the door sending hubby off to work.
Summer seems to be ending soon.
Now, time flies...too fast in fact, I thought.
Now, the tears flowed just by the watching the Zurich lake from the train.
Now, I have a second place to call home.
I have grown attached to this place it seems. It’s strange how one’s feelings and thoughts can change overtime.
What we miss much would be the weekend hikes we’ve had here. Switzerland has so many places to explore, so it’s not a wasted trip for me even though I didn’t travel to other parts of Europe like what others said I should have. I can always travel to Europe anytime as a tourist, but I’ll never be able experience much of Switzerland as I had as a resident.
I suppose it’s just human nature to long for things that are of no permanence and perhaps this makes us cherish and appreciate them more.
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