In my gloom, I still found some of the things taking place around me relatively humourous especially, the going-ons in the Elections. To think that we, humans would learn from past lessons, yet committing the same exact errors. Now, I'm really laughing. Here's how I see it.
We, the post-independence generation, have been clamouring for more freedom, more options and choices and a greater say in how the society we live in is shaped and moulded. We have been dreaming of the day where we could say what we want without reprisals, though that's a long time to come yet. I mean, let's be real, where else in the world could you find opposition politicians either bankrupted or serving time?
No, I'm not pointing fingers at anyone here, least of all, the ruling party. It's not their fault that these politicians have nothing else better to do than defame the powers that be. This happens, oh-so-often, too often, in fact. It makes me disillusioned like many young Singaporeans. It's like the same old song and dance being replayed at every General Elections. Opposition says somethings, ruling party not happy, lawsuits starts and someone is forced to apologise or else, made a bankrupt.
A decade ago, it was JB Jeyaratnam or JBJ as we affectionately call him. Here was a forceful personality with the heart of a lion. I liked him. Then, he began mouthing off and landed in the docks and made a bankrupt. Only time I met him eye to eye was at Golden Shoe, Raffles Place where he mugged me. Actually, he was trying to sell his book, or autobiography. Then i thought to myself, is this what happens to opposition politicians when the dust settles? The last time round it was Dr Chee Soon Juan, he mouth off too much and he is still a bankrupt now that he can't contest this time, or so I thought.
Just when it was thought to be a clean election this time, I mean no defamatory lawsuits, Dr Chee mouthed off again despite not being able to contest this time. As if that weren't enough, he brought his whole party into the mud. I mean, after 40 years of independence and a whole new generation of young leaders breaking through, one would think that the opposition has evolved and grown competent. I guess, perhaps not. I am no longer intrigued by the opposition, it will take more than just an alternative voice in Parliament to make me more interested.
Going by the antics and shennanigans going on like a circus everytime a General Election is called, it aint happening anytime soon. If anyone says the opposition are making waves, I'd just say that they don't qualify as waves, heck, they are not even causing a ripple.
Wednesday, April 26, 2006
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Being judged
I think you are just being petty.
It's a nomal masochistic thing for you isn't it?
If you give a particular advice yet you do the opposite, what kind of message are you sending?
Ever had words such as those above thrown your way? I have. I bear no grudge or residual ill-feelings. I mean, at a low ebb, you pour your heart out to someone, you have to expect mud-slinging out in the open. There's just something about us, humans, being judgemental with one another. Hey, I do that myself. I guess subconciously we are all like that, hard wired into us that we have to judge one another no matter how hard we try to deny that fact.
I won't deny that I deserved that last riposte. I mean like I said in my previous posts, while I can give advice or points of view to those who asks for it, I have this innate inability to see things from other angles when it comes to my own problems. I think a lot of us have this one-dimensional problem. We tend to see things from a certain angle - the angle which we perceive to be correct at the expense at all others. Which is why we share our problems with close confidants in a bid to see things from a different perspective.
Sometimes, we don't get what we are looking for and there are times when we get more than what we bargained for. Good advice normally comes from those who have experienced it and resolved it. We normally try to draw parallels between the problems being confided to us and the experiences we have had. Then, we dish out the advice depending on what we think is the right thing to do, which may or may not be the right words the friend may want to hear, but we do it anyway, perceiving it to be the right thing to do. But is it?
It's not as easy as it seems. I guess, on one hand, not sharing your problems and keeping to yourself would self-detrimental. People have committed suicide just because they can't deal with their problem. At the same time, when we open our hearts out to some, we get judged and worse, stigmatised, especialy if the person you are confiding with, is facing similar problems themselves. It's a double-edged sword really. It all depends on how mentally strong we are. Had I been weak-minded, I'd have had myself shot or jumped of the top of DBS Tower.
As it stands, I'm not weak-minded, just that some problems really does wreak havoc within me. Especially the chronic ones.
It's a nomal masochistic thing for you isn't it?
If you give a particular advice yet you do the opposite, what kind of message are you sending?
Ever had words such as those above thrown your way? I have. I bear no grudge or residual ill-feelings. I mean, at a low ebb, you pour your heart out to someone, you have to expect mud-slinging out in the open. There's just something about us, humans, being judgemental with one another. Hey, I do that myself. I guess subconciously we are all like that, hard wired into us that we have to judge one another no matter how hard we try to deny that fact.
I won't deny that I deserved that last riposte. I mean like I said in my previous posts, while I can give advice or points of view to those who asks for it, I have this innate inability to see things from other angles when it comes to my own problems. I think a lot of us have this one-dimensional problem. We tend to see things from a certain angle - the angle which we perceive to be correct at the expense at all others. Which is why we share our problems with close confidants in a bid to see things from a different perspective.
Sometimes, we don't get what we are looking for and there are times when we get more than what we bargained for. Good advice normally comes from those who have experienced it and resolved it. We normally try to draw parallels between the problems being confided to us and the experiences we have had. Then, we dish out the advice depending on what we think is the right thing to do, which may or may not be the right words the friend may want to hear, but we do it anyway, perceiving it to be the right thing to do. But is it?
It's not as easy as it seems. I guess, on one hand, not sharing your problems and keeping to yourself would self-detrimental. People have committed suicide just because they can't deal with their problem. At the same time, when we open our hearts out to some, we get judged and worse, stigmatised, especialy if the person you are confiding with, is facing similar problems themselves. It's a double-edged sword really. It all depends on how mentally strong we are. Had I been weak-minded, I'd have had myself shot or jumped of the top of DBS Tower.
As it stands, I'm not weak-minded, just that some problems really does wreak havoc within me. Especially the chronic ones.
Monday, April 24, 2006
is it worth it anymore?
I had this sense of deja vu; it's like troubles dun seem to end, they seem to pile up. More problems? What's new? Let's just wallow in self-pity. Times like these really did make the barrel of a loaded gun seems like a nice propects. At least with a squeeze of the trigger, my troubles would end, then again, so would my life.
I'm not elaborating the all the juicy details but it's suffice to say that it really tore me to pieces. Hurt so bad I thought of just leaving everything behind and go away for a little while. Fact is I didn't. Stayed back and tried to work it out. It wasn't pretty though. How could a relationship that lasted for so long suddenly go awry?
People say, and I believe that you must love the one you marry. Simply because you made that choice. Yeah, I made that choice and I don't regret it. I mean there were the good times to cherish but there were the bad ones to go with it. Honestly, though, ours wasn't rosy from the beginning. I still remember the day I was invited over to her elder brother's house when we first started dating, thinking it was gonna be nice since he invited me, he could only want to get to know me. So there I was in his house, on the receiving end of a lecture about not riding a motorbike when going out with my then-girlfriend. I mean, had I taken notes, I could have completed a thesis.
Of course, there was the dad. I mean which father wouldn't be sceptical of any guy who wants to date his daughter. Boy, I had a torrid time. Anyone who's tried making sceptical future father-in-law like you can attest to that. But it happened, how, I have no idea. Then there was the episode where we nearly broke up during engagement because she could not get along with my family, not because my family didn't welcome her, which they did, but more because she felt like a lesser person in the company of my family. That took a lot of talking and coaxing.
A friend said to me it could be just me over-reacting and that it could be possible that I didn't appreciate her enough or gave her enough emotional support. Then, I asked myself if I have done enough or have done too little to make her happy. I was tired of having to pick up the pieces of the tantrums that was being thrown. I was beginning to ask if I had the mental capacity to take more, to keep on picking up the pieces.
For now, I think I have.
I'm not elaborating the all the juicy details but it's suffice to say that it really tore me to pieces. Hurt so bad I thought of just leaving everything behind and go away for a little while. Fact is I didn't. Stayed back and tried to work it out. It wasn't pretty though. How could a relationship that lasted for so long suddenly go awry?
People say, and I believe that you must love the one you marry. Simply because you made that choice. Yeah, I made that choice and I don't regret it. I mean there were the good times to cherish but there were the bad ones to go with it. Honestly, though, ours wasn't rosy from the beginning. I still remember the day I was invited over to her elder brother's house when we first started dating, thinking it was gonna be nice since he invited me, he could only want to get to know me. So there I was in his house, on the receiving end of a lecture about not riding a motorbike when going out with my then-girlfriend. I mean, had I taken notes, I could have completed a thesis.
Of course, there was the dad. I mean which father wouldn't be sceptical of any guy who wants to date his daughter. Boy, I had a torrid time. Anyone who's tried making sceptical future father-in-law like you can attest to that. But it happened, how, I have no idea. Then there was the episode where we nearly broke up during engagement because she could not get along with my family, not because my family didn't welcome her, which they did, but more because she felt like a lesser person in the company of my family. That took a lot of talking and coaxing.
A friend said to me it could be just me over-reacting and that it could be possible that I didn't appreciate her enough or gave her enough emotional support. Then, I asked myself if I have done enough or have done too little to make her happy. I was tired of having to pick up the pieces of the tantrums that was being thrown. I was beginning to ask if I had the mental capacity to take more, to keep on picking up the pieces.
For now, I think I have.
Friday, April 21, 2006
Think politics
Elections are here!! Parliament has been dissolved and we are voting on 6th May. Just what he hell am I so excited about. Smart move by the government to declare Election Day on a Saturday, companies would not have to compensate for the public holiday.
Anyway, this recent uproar about young Singaporeans being rude and ungrateful really has been a major talking point. It all stemmed from that dialogue with our MM Lee Kuan Yew. 10 young adults were on TV the other day shooting questions at the old man, and boy, they asked some really hot questions. I mean here was a man, who is practically the founding father of modern Singapore, the man who led Singapore from a backwater island-nation to one of the most respected in the world and they were questioning, hounding him like a pack of hungry wolves as a radio deejay put it this morning.
I, for one, didn't think they were rude, aggressive, yes, rude was a bit rough to label them. Think of it this way, all of the panelist were born after independence and most didn't go through the tough formative years of the nation, then again, neither did I. I mean the old man was a tiger back then, he had to be. Almost everyone wanted him to fail. The older generations were respectful to the point of fearful of the politcal power he held. Those born in the 70s and 80s saw a more mellow side of him as most political opponents were bankrupt (JB Jeyaratnam) or in jail. I would not say he was a despot though he did rule with an iron fist and I understand why.
While it was refreshing seeing the young taking on the founding father, it did ruffle some feathers in the way they approached the whole episode. In fact, some have even gone as far as labeling them as rude. Well, as some of the ministers who spoke out have highlighted, it is sign of the change in mindset and how the young are now more open and dare to bring up and debate issues which affect their lives. Compare this with the mindset of yesteryears of confirmity and obedience without questioning, I'd rather be able to have my say than follow the herd. Think wildebeest.
Anyway, this recent uproar about young Singaporeans being rude and ungrateful really has been a major talking point. It all stemmed from that dialogue with our MM Lee Kuan Yew. 10 young adults were on TV the other day shooting questions at the old man, and boy, they asked some really hot questions. I mean here was a man, who is practically the founding father of modern Singapore, the man who led Singapore from a backwater island-nation to one of the most respected in the world and they were questioning, hounding him like a pack of hungry wolves as a radio deejay put it this morning.
I, for one, didn't think they were rude, aggressive, yes, rude was a bit rough to label them. Think of it this way, all of the panelist were born after independence and most didn't go through the tough formative years of the nation, then again, neither did I. I mean the old man was a tiger back then, he had to be. Almost everyone wanted him to fail. The older generations were respectful to the point of fearful of the politcal power he held. Those born in the 70s and 80s saw a more mellow side of him as most political opponents were bankrupt (JB Jeyaratnam) or in jail. I would not say he was a despot though he did rule with an iron fist and I understand why.
While it was refreshing seeing the young taking on the founding father, it did ruffle some feathers in the way they approached the whole episode. In fact, some have even gone as far as labeling them as rude. Well, as some of the ministers who spoke out have highlighted, it is sign of the change in mindset and how the young are now more open and dare to bring up and debate issues which affect their lives. Compare this with the mindset of yesteryears of confirmity and obedience without questioning, I'd rather be able to have my say than follow the herd. Think wildebeest.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
I am thinking.....
I have been thinking a lot lately. Thinking too much it's driving me nuts. No, it's not some problem with the in-laws or anything like that. Fact is, I can't be bothered with them anymore, I just let it be. I know somethings bothering me, but I can't just figure out what. Peace of mind is a commodity which I lack right now. I honestly don't know what is bothering me.
Anyway, the supposedly long weekend flashed by so quickly, I didn't know it was there. Well, Friday was full of nothingness, just stayed home, doing a bit of spring cleaning, played my new game - The Battle for Middle Earth. Went to visit my FIL at his work place. He's a security guard in Tuas, working the night shift and thru the weekends that wifey and me never get a chance to see him unless we go there. Then, we went to a BBQ at East Coast, organised by some friends. Sunday, went for our usual classes in the morning followed by going to 2 friends house who were having a cukur rambut ceremony for the newborns. For the uninitiated, that means, literally, hair shaving ceremony.
Something happened over the weekend which really ruffled me up. I was having a good time at the BBQ. I'm the kind of person who loves to work the grill. I'm at the grill at almost every BBQ I go to. In fairness, my wife did warn me against leaving her by herself, knowing how I'd get so engrossed from working the grill. Suffice to say, I heeded the warning only initially. Hey, I was enjoying myself. So, she left and waited in the car at the car park. While I thought she was socialising with the gals, she conveniently left the BBQ and sat in the car, reading the newspapers. I understood why she did that, and honestly, I felt terrible.
Now, most people would say, Why on earth did u leave ur wife by herself, knowing she's not the most sociable person around?. Yeah, I admit it was foolish of me to think a leopard could change it's spots. And it becomes my fault for wanting to get my wife to learn to be more sociable. Well, she left the party and stayed in the car, without telling me. Next thing I knew she wasn't there and saw an SMS from her that she's in the car. An SMS! I only saw that SMS 30mins after it was sent, meaning that she's been there for that long.
You'd think I'd have no right to be pissed. Consider this though, if something were to happen to a wife while she was out with the husband, who'd be responsible then? I don't have a problem if she can't get along and she wants to leave, what I had a problem with was for her to leave without telling me first.
Anyway, the supposedly long weekend flashed by so quickly, I didn't know it was there. Well, Friday was full of nothingness, just stayed home, doing a bit of spring cleaning, played my new game - The Battle for Middle Earth. Went to visit my FIL at his work place. He's a security guard in Tuas, working the night shift and thru the weekends that wifey and me never get a chance to see him unless we go there. Then, we went to a BBQ at East Coast, organised by some friends. Sunday, went for our usual classes in the morning followed by going to 2 friends house who were having a cukur rambut ceremony for the newborns. For the uninitiated, that means, literally, hair shaving ceremony.
Something happened over the weekend which really ruffled me up. I was having a good time at the BBQ. I'm the kind of person who loves to work the grill. I'm at the grill at almost every BBQ I go to. In fairness, my wife did warn me against leaving her by herself, knowing how I'd get so engrossed from working the grill. Suffice to say, I heeded the warning only initially. Hey, I was enjoying myself. So, she left and waited in the car at the car park. While I thought she was socialising with the gals, she conveniently left the BBQ and sat in the car, reading the newspapers. I understood why she did that, and honestly, I felt terrible.
Now, most people would say, Why on earth did u leave ur wife by herself, knowing she's not the most sociable person around?. Yeah, I admit it was foolish of me to think a leopard could change it's spots. And it becomes my fault for wanting to get my wife to learn to be more sociable. Well, she left the party and stayed in the car, without telling me. Next thing I knew she wasn't there and saw an SMS from her that she's in the car. An SMS! I only saw that SMS 30mins after it was sent, meaning that she's been there for that long.
You'd think I'd have no right to be pissed. Consider this though, if something were to happen to a wife while she was out with the husband, who'd be responsible then? I don't have a problem if she can't get along and she wants to leave, what I had a problem with was for her to leave without telling me first.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Let's stamp out idiotic parkers!
Those of you who have followed my blog since its inception, a whole 3 mths ago, would know by now that my pet peeve is inconsiderate bahaviour. Like the inconsiderate drivers, inconsiderate people yapping on their phones loudly and the ones in front of you on the escalator going up who purposely fart in your face when your mouth is open. If that doesn't leave a bad taste in your mouth, I don't wanna know what would.
Well, I have been visiting this particular blog, and I must say, the owner is doing a hell of a job, so I thought I'd be a little helpful and mention his blog in mine so that my current readership of 3 could pass it on to their friends. Perhaps, we could spread the joy and the word of this valiant deed to rid the world, or at least our little red dot of one such inconsiderate behaviour. Lo and behold, parkingidiots.blogspot.com.
First time I saw this blog, I had a hard time pulling a straight face, it's just so damn funny how some people who have the mental capacity to work out the moolah need to own a car in Singapore but lack the social grace to park properly causing a great deal of inconvenience to other road users. Quite simply, inconsiderate. It's a very perplexing issue, to own a car in Singapore you do need quite a bit of cash seeing how expensive it is to be driving, and moolah doesn't come easily. Put it simply, the ones who own a car are those who have a good job and/or a good education.
Strange isn't it that we strive so hard to improve our social standing and our financial clout but we fail to improve on basic courtesy and social grace even after our government has been preaching this for years. With better education and a dash of public-spiritedness, it might happen, but being Singaporeans bred on the mantra, "Do what you want, just don't get caught", it'd take probably another generation for this to sink in. It's a sad situation, they are smart enough to learn how to drive but stoop to such lows in parking.
Personally, I have come across such indiscrimiate parking countless times, too many for me to count anymore. With this site, My K750i will come in handy to snap photos such as those featured and post it in that blog. The Parking Idiot labels would come in handy should I be in a mood to slap it on the errant vehicle. This ought to be fun.
Well, I have been visiting this particular blog, and I must say, the owner is doing a hell of a job, so I thought I'd be a little helpful and mention his blog in mine so that my current readership of 3 could pass it on to their friends. Perhaps, we could spread the joy and the word of this valiant deed to rid the world, or at least our little red dot of one such inconsiderate behaviour. Lo and behold, parkingidiots.blogspot.com.
First time I saw this blog, I had a hard time pulling a straight face, it's just so damn funny how some people who have the mental capacity to work out the moolah need to own a car in Singapore but lack the social grace to park properly causing a great deal of inconvenience to other road users. Quite simply, inconsiderate. It's a very perplexing issue, to own a car in Singapore you do need quite a bit of cash seeing how expensive it is to be driving, and moolah doesn't come easily. Put it simply, the ones who own a car are those who have a good job and/or a good education.
Strange isn't it that we strive so hard to improve our social standing and our financial clout but we fail to improve on basic courtesy and social grace even after our government has been preaching this for years. With better education and a dash of public-spiritedness, it might happen, but being Singaporeans bred on the mantra, "Do what you want, just don't get caught", it'd take probably another generation for this to sink in. It's a sad situation, they are smart enough to learn how to drive but stoop to such lows in parking.
Personally, I have come across such indiscrimiate parking countless times, too many for me to count anymore. With this site, My K750i will come in handy to snap photos such as those featured and post it in that blog. The Parking Idiot labels would come in handy should I be in a mood to slap it on the errant vehicle. This ought to be fun.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
Stumbled? Dust yourself off and get on with it
I'm so sleepy and groggy from lack of sleep, cough syrup and flu tablets. Then again, there's a job that remains to be done. My blog needed some attenton, so here I am, eyebags, runny nose, itchy throat and all.
Why the lack of sleep? Attended to a small emergency yesterday night. A friend called me up needing to talk, tears notwithstanding. She was having some problems at home. It's kinda complicated, you see, her husband also happens to be one of my best buddies, she, I treat like a sister. Thing is, I've known both for a long time, my buddy for over a decade, the wife almost a deacde, way back while we were all in school. In fact, it was my big-mouth which hooked them up. Not that they were protesting. Well, I had good intentions and their well-being at heart. I mean, knowing how they were and the fact that they did like each other, made it easy for them to hook up.
Anyway, she was in tears yesterday when she SMSed me, so I called and heard her practically in tears. So, I met up with her, she lived only a few blocks away. As usual, I gave her a listening ear, I'm pretty good at this, and offered my views, but it seemed a bit futile knowing that the source of the problem was not her. In order to solve a problem, it has to be nipped in the bud. In the end, I sent her home to her younger sister's place, whose husband is another buddy of ours, yeap my 2 best buddies married sisters. Her husband walked out of their home and did not leave a message and did not bring his handphone, rendering him uncontactable for the night. So, I thought it best that she have some company for the night.
I went home thinking about this whole thing - this whole marriage thing. It's not the easiest thing to do, but everyone wants a a shot at it. Some work, others fail. But the one thing that separates success and failure in any relationship is the desire and commitment to make it work. Without it, a couple might as well call it quits. Then, the question arises, What do you do then, if your partner is unwilling to put in as much commitment and desire to make it work?
Honestly, I am not trained to handle such questions, I'm not a professional counsellor but, every so often, we find ourselves faced with such problems befalling our colleagues, friends or relatives. Speaking from the little experience I have, it's all up to the individual, when and how to end a relationship is a desicion best taken without coercion. Third party views, more often than not, only stirs up the mud in an already murky water. The ASEAN policy of non-intervention, is a good policy to adhere to in such situations.
As much as we want to help our friends, the best help we can give them is the peace of mind to handle such problems. Life is all about the journey, sometimes we stumble and fall flat on our face. If we keep depending on others to help us up all the time, when the time comes to pick ourselves up, without any help, we might be found wanting. I'm always there for my friends to lend a listening ear, a helping hand and a shoulder to cry on, but I will never point them the direction they have to take - that's up to them.
Why the lack of sleep? Attended to a small emergency yesterday night. A friend called me up needing to talk, tears notwithstanding. She was having some problems at home. It's kinda complicated, you see, her husband also happens to be one of my best buddies, she, I treat like a sister. Thing is, I've known both for a long time, my buddy for over a decade, the wife almost a deacde, way back while we were all in school. In fact, it was my big-mouth which hooked them up. Not that they were protesting. Well, I had good intentions and their well-being at heart. I mean, knowing how they were and the fact that they did like each other, made it easy for them to hook up.
Anyway, she was in tears yesterday when she SMSed me, so I called and heard her practically in tears. So, I met up with her, she lived only a few blocks away. As usual, I gave her a listening ear, I'm pretty good at this, and offered my views, but it seemed a bit futile knowing that the source of the problem was not her. In order to solve a problem, it has to be nipped in the bud. In the end, I sent her home to her younger sister's place, whose husband is another buddy of ours, yeap my 2 best buddies married sisters. Her husband walked out of their home and did not leave a message and did not bring his handphone, rendering him uncontactable for the night. So, I thought it best that she have some company for the night.
I went home thinking about this whole thing - this whole marriage thing. It's not the easiest thing to do, but everyone wants a a shot at it. Some work, others fail. But the one thing that separates success and failure in any relationship is the desire and commitment to make it work. Without it, a couple might as well call it quits. Then, the question arises, What do you do then, if your partner is unwilling to put in as much commitment and desire to make it work?
Honestly, I am not trained to handle such questions, I'm not a professional counsellor but, every so often, we find ourselves faced with such problems befalling our colleagues, friends or relatives. Speaking from the little experience I have, it's all up to the individual, when and how to end a relationship is a desicion best taken without coercion. Third party views, more often than not, only stirs up the mud in an already murky water. The ASEAN policy of non-intervention, is a good policy to adhere to in such situations.
As much as we want to help our friends, the best help we can give them is the peace of mind to handle such problems. Life is all about the journey, sometimes we stumble and fall flat on our face. If we keep depending on others to help us up all the time, when the time comes to pick ourselves up, without any help, we might be found wanting. I'm always there for my friends to lend a listening ear, a helping hand and a shoulder to cry on, but I will never point them the direction they have to take - that's up to them.
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Mouthing off....
I hate it when I'm under the weather. Now I'm hvaing a terrible cough and really bad bout of flu. The cough's been bugging me for a week now. Been holding back from taking MC - not such a good thing to do when you work under someone else. You never know when the MC will haunt you back.
Well, I had a company retreat, way out in Malacca - Hotel Equatorial. Not the most ideal of locations, but hey, the company's paying. I decided to take a road trip rather than take the company provided transport - read, bus. A colleague of mine wanted to tag along, well, I wasn't about to say no, any company for the 200km trip is welcome. There's just something about roadtrips that really gets me going. Something about long drives that challenges me. Makes it a whole lot of fun to go thru.
Guess what? Some of my friends were so intrigued by the Air Papan Beach that they wanted to go there, with me leading the convoy. Wow, that's a first. I'm not complaining..... another road trip? Honey, let's start packing. Dates not confirmed yet.
I commented to my wife that I am beginning to develop an acid tongue when it comes to my BILs. Just yesterday my MIL came over with my niece in tow. She left at 10.20pm. Well, me and my wife decided to send her home, seeing how late it was. Then, she said to drop her off at this particular bus stop and she'll take the bus home from there. Then it happened, I mouthed off!
MIL: Just drop me off at the bus stop outside, I'll take service XXX home.
Me: Mom, if I were my bro-in-law, then I'd do that or probably just give you enough money to cover your cab fare. As it is, I'm not, so I'm sending you home.
Her home was just a 10mins drive from my place. So to drop her off in the middle of nowehere was the last thing on my mind. On the way back, I said to my wife, I had half a mind to continue what I said and say that if I were my 2nd BIL, I would have asked her to buy some food for me and my wife while she's on the way there. But I am not them. No, I'm not blowing my own trumpet, I just wanted to let my MIL know that in spite of what her own sons are doing to her, I won't allow her to be neglected as long as I am alive and married to her daughter. Well, my wife whipped up a delicious meal of fried bee hoon yesterday.
Well, I know I am not exactly the best husband or son-in-law, at least I have shown that I will not fall to the depths of ineptitude as shown by those who should be setting a good example. While humility has never been one of my greatest attributes, it's not the worst either.
Well, I had a company retreat, way out in Malacca - Hotel Equatorial. Not the most ideal of locations, but hey, the company's paying. I decided to take a road trip rather than take the company provided transport - read, bus. A colleague of mine wanted to tag along, well, I wasn't about to say no, any company for the 200km trip is welcome. There's just something about roadtrips that really gets me going. Something about long drives that challenges me. Makes it a whole lot of fun to go thru.
Guess what? Some of my friends were so intrigued by the Air Papan Beach that they wanted to go there, with me leading the convoy. Wow, that's a first. I'm not complaining..... another road trip? Honey, let's start packing. Dates not confirmed yet.
I commented to my wife that I am beginning to develop an acid tongue when it comes to my BILs. Just yesterday my MIL came over with my niece in tow. She left at 10.20pm. Well, me and my wife decided to send her home, seeing how late it was. Then, she said to drop her off at this particular bus stop and she'll take the bus home from there. Then it happened, I mouthed off!
MIL: Just drop me off at the bus stop outside, I'll take service XXX home.
Me: Mom, if I were my bro-in-law, then I'd do that or probably just give you enough money to cover your cab fare. As it is, I'm not, so I'm sending you home.
Her home was just a 10mins drive from my place. So to drop her off in the middle of nowehere was the last thing on my mind. On the way back, I said to my wife, I had half a mind to continue what I said and say that if I were my 2nd BIL, I would have asked her to buy some food for me and my wife while she's on the way there. But I am not them. No, I'm not blowing my own trumpet, I just wanted to let my MIL know that in spite of what her own sons are doing to her, I won't allow her to be neglected as long as I am alive and married to her daughter. Well, my wife whipped up a delicious meal of fried bee hoon yesterday.
Well, I know I am not exactly the best husband or son-in-law, at least I have shown that I will not fall to the depths of ineptitude as shown by those who should be setting a good example. While humility has never been one of my greatest attributes, it's not the worst either.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Much ado about nothing....
Sometimes I just hate the world I live in. Yesterday, on the way home, was another example. My wife and I were listening to our favourite program on the evening drive home. As usual, we looked forward to the normal banter and, inevitable, wisecracks the deejays would, errr, crack. Somehow, the mood was slightly subdued with one deejay having to hold back his words and usual demeanour in the name of good broadcasting.
It all started the day before when he remarked that he could make a killing by selling condoms at night along that stretch of driveway along East Coast Park, I'm sure most locals would know where. Then, there was some more remarks about the extra-curricular activities going on there. Well, a civic-minded listener concerned at what was perceived by him/her as distasteful shennanigan wrote in a letter/email speaking up against those comments made by the deejay. This is what I have an issue with.
I'm pretty sure the deejays here in Singapore are mature, responsible adults. With the many government agencies regulating the dos and don'ts, there is as much chance as something vulgar hitting the airwaves as Singapore winning the FIFA World Cup. A few years ago, a deejay was fired for saying something racy on air and talked about some very personal issues which shouldn't be on air. I'd assume the deejays and the radio stations are very much aware of their responsibilities.
I mean, c'mon, it's entertainment after all. Don't tell me that you believe everything you see on TV to be real. That would be naive, nay, I'd call that ignorance. In any case, we are spoilt for choice in terms of radio channels, just change the channel and get on with your hermit of a life. Let's be real, every radio channel in Singapore has it's target audience. This particular station has the young, working adults who grew up on the 80s and 90s music as it's base audience, who are now matured 20-somethings. I'm pretty sure we all know where that stretch of road is and what goes on at night. There is no need to protect us.
It's never about what you see or hear that matters anyway, it's what you choose to believe. If you want to have entertainment in your life, take it with a pinch of salt. Not everything you see or hear is real or to be taken at face value.
It all started the day before when he remarked that he could make a killing by selling condoms at night along that stretch of driveway along East Coast Park, I'm sure most locals would know where. Then, there was some more remarks about the extra-curricular activities going on there. Well, a civic-minded listener concerned at what was perceived by him/her as distasteful shennanigan wrote in a letter/email speaking up against those comments made by the deejay. This is what I have an issue with.
I'm pretty sure the deejays here in Singapore are mature, responsible adults. With the many government agencies regulating the dos and don'ts, there is as much chance as something vulgar hitting the airwaves as Singapore winning the FIFA World Cup. A few years ago, a deejay was fired for saying something racy on air and talked about some very personal issues which shouldn't be on air. I'd assume the deejays and the radio stations are very much aware of their responsibilities.
I mean, c'mon, it's entertainment after all. Don't tell me that you believe everything you see on TV to be real. That would be naive, nay, I'd call that ignorance. In any case, we are spoilt for choice in terms of radio channels, just change the channel and get on with your hermit of a life. Let's be real, every radio channel in Singapore has it's target audience. This particular station has the young, working adults who grew up on the 80s and 90s music as it's base audience, who are now matured 20-somethings. I'm pretty sure we all know where that stretch of road is and what goes on at night. There is no need to protect us.
It's never about what you see or hear that matters anyway, it's what you choose to believe. If you want to have entertainment in your life, take it with a pinch of salt. Not everything you see or hear is real or to be taken at face value.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
The weekend that passed.
I was reading through my previous posts, and it occured to me, I was beginning to turn into a psuedo socio-geopolitical expert trying to solve the world's problem. Honestly, I was just venting my frustrations at what I see. Yeah, I am passionate about these things. Oh well, ablog ain't enough to solve the problems afflictuing us all.
I brought dear wifey to a place she has been pestering me to go to eversince we got the car - Air Papan Beach. Where?? It's about 5km after the Mersing, just follow the road that goes to Kuantan after passing by the Mersing roundabout and you'll find a right turn into Air Papan. We almost went there during last December but somehow, we went to Cherating instead with a couple of my friends. The reason why I have been putting off her requests was because I didn't think too much of the place - I just didn't rate it. I had this vision of a really kampung setting with lots of fishing boats - really quaint, sort of, and a not-so-spectacular beach.
Anyway, I decided to take her there on Saturday after we went to service our car. The trip was uneventful, except for the heavy rain that fell part of the way. After the right turn past Mersing, we were greeted by paddy fields on the left and beautiful kampung scenery, ah, the fresh air. I just had to wind down the windows and let the fresh air envelope us, instead of the air-conditioning. After another 2-3km of winding kampung road, we reached the beach. The scenery preceeding the beach did little in giving me clues of the scenery which awaited us both. Best part of it all, my wife has never been there nor seen pictures of it, but was quite adamant that we make our way there after listening to some colleagues who could not stop talking about it. It was spectacular!!
We spent about 3hrs there, from 3pm to 6pm, before the rain we thought we had left behind en route, caught up with us. She had some fun playing in the waters, while I stayed dry and took some beautiful photos of the place. She couldn't resist it, the waves were not strong, compared to Cherating, partly because of the many islands protecting that little stretch of beach. All in all, it was a pleasant surprise. Now, I can't stop thinking of that place. Planning to go there again sometime this month and staying there for 1 night.
We stopped over at the new Tebrau City shopping mall. This is a nice place. Very modern and chic, unlike those normal warehouse-like shopping malls like JB Southern City aka Extra or the various Giant malls. This was a multi-storey complex, complete with various foodie joints and other shops, plus the Jusco Hypermart at one end. Well, enjoy the photos below......
Raining on the way there
The paddy fields, I think..
The beach...
I brought dear wifey to a place she has been pestering me to go to eversince we got the car - Air Papan Beach. Where?? It's about 5km after the Mersing, just follow the road that goes to Kuantan after passing by the Mersing roundabout and you'll find a right turn into Air Papan. We almost went there during last December but somehow, we went to Cherating instead with a couple of my friends. The reason why I have been putting off her requests was because I didn't think too much of the place - I just didn't rate it. I had this vision of a really kampung setting with lots of fishing boats - really quaint, sort of, and a not-so-spectacular beach.
Anyway, I decided to take her there on Saturday after we went to service our car. The trip was uneventful, except for the heavy rain that fell part of the way. After the right turn past Mersing, we were greeted by paddy fields on the left and beautiful kampung scenery, ah, the fresh air. I just had to wind down the windows and let the fresh air envelope us, instead of the air-conditioning. After another 2-3km of winding kampung road, we reached the beach. The scenery preceeding the beach did little in giving me clues of the scenery which awaited us both. Best part of it all, my wife has never been there nor seen pictures of it, but was quite adamant that we make our way there after listening to some colleagues who could not stop talking about it. It was spectacular!!
We spent about 3hrs there, from 3pm to 6pm, before the rain we thought we had left behind en route, caught up with us. She had some fun playing in the waters, while I stayed dry and took some beautiful photos of the place. She couldn't resist it, the waves were not strong, compared to Cherating, partly because of the many islands protecting that little stretch of beach. All in all, it was a pleasant surprise. Now, I can't stop thinking of that place. Planning to go there again sometime this month and staying there for 1 night.
We stopped over at the new Tebrau City shopping mall. This is a nice place. Very modern and chic, unlike those normal warehouse-like shopping malls like JB Southern City aka Extra or the various Giant malls. This was a multi-storey complex, complete with various foodie joints and other shops, plus the Jusco Hypermart at one end. Well, enjoy the photos below......
Raining on the way there
The paddy fields, I think..
The beach...
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