I guess the big news this past day or so has been the PM's speech at the National Day Rally. Admittedly, I have never been one to watch the Rally on TV, often preferring other programs, or playing games on my PC if there are no other more interesting shows. Since I started working, that changed. I, as do many Singaporeans, wait with bated breath, all the while hoping for more handouts and goodies to be announced.
We Singaporeans are a strange bunch. We clap our hands at the announcements made by the PM on the various plans they have in place for us. We nod our heads in apparent agreement at the slides and the graphs, trying to make sense of the facts and figures being put before us and yet, at the same time, we dismiss the policies being put forth as money politics from the government. I admit, I'm one of them. I'm happy at the measures that affect me and my family directly (extended maternity leave, more child-care leave, more child-care centers and more subsidy for them). However, I cringe when it is put to us that in fact we are saving more than we think with all the policies already in place.
While I agree that the reduction in road tax covers the increase in ERP, more for some than for others, they are 2 totally different things. Road-tax is paid yearly or half-yearly. Many car owners, set aside a part of their AWS or bonus for this purpose. As such we don't feel the savings when we do pay the road tax. But any increase in ERP is immediately felt as we pay as we use.
Then again, personally, I feel that if one gripes too much about the increasing ERP, it probably means he or she shouldn't be driving especially if the $100 or so increase in ERP really does affect his monthly budget. Yes, I'm unhappy about the ERP increase, but I'm not changing my driving habits just so that I could save $0.50 here and $0.20 there. Heck, I'm not about to skip a "McHappy Meal" like Hitler does and neither would I switch to a BMX any time in future.
Enough griping from me for now. It won't changed the fact that we, as consumers will always be at the mercy of the producers. It's all politics.
Talking about politics, the stories coming out from across the causeway is really making me have a good laugh. Where else would you get religion, politics and sleaze all rolled into one soap opera for the masses? All the talk of reformasi reform if you'd prefer is thoroughly overshadowed by charges of sodomy. 10 years on since the last sodomy charge levelled against Anwar Ibrahim, nothing much has changed. Personally, I find it hard to believe that a 23 year old man can succumb and allow himself to be sodomised by a 61 year old man. I mean it does take some force, if indeed the act did take place, to strip a young physically able man down without his consent and make him bend over, especially if the one doing the forcing is 61 years old. Anwar must have been working out real good.
For all the talk of change by the Malaysian government to appease the populace, nothing has really improved. Really. What change is there when the traffic cops on the north south highway still ask for RM50 to settle what they claimed was speeding by predominanly Singapore cars? More on that at another time. There are more important things in life and I think one of them is that Izzati needs a younger sibling........
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The resuscitation
CLEAR!!!!
TEEEEEEETTTTT !!! Flatline.....
That's how my blog is right now. Barely alive. No thanks to my PC which died on me. Oh well, luckily I know CPR. Been 2 months since I rambled - too long for my imaginary loyal fanbase.
In that 2 months, my PC died a horrible death (power supply failed on me and I had to look for the authorised distributor to get it replaced, since it's a custom PC), I celebrated my 5th wedding anniversary and prices all around us shows no signs of abating. Another long rant from me about ever-increasing prices, maybe.
My princess is now 9 mths old, getting more and more cheeky, not to mention more and more active. She's crawling all over the place - no more letting her out of our sight for more than 2 minutes. The fact that she likes to taste things she can touch and hold necessitates this. If it's something that she can grab, it definitely is worth a bite. Give her the teether toys we bought for her and 30 second later, she'd off to find something else more interesting. So far, she has been doing well, apart from that week during our anniversary when she had her first real illness. That bronchitis really took a lot out of her and she lost a bit of weight as a result. She's doing fine now though.
On a separate note, I read with incredulity the words of our Finance Minister, on his views about increasing our pay to fight off inflation. The words NO PAY HIKE really struck a chord, or should I say nerve, with many Singaporeans. Another report also mentioned that the average Singaporean earns $4000 monthly and is well-equipped to handle the current inflation. Instead of raising salaries, the only way to stave of inflation is through continuous upgrading of our skills so as to command a higher pay.
You know, I agree on the last point. To get an increment, we have to prove to our employers that we are productive and add value to them. In order to do so, we need to keep ourselves relevant. However, to upgrade our skills to command a better pay, we first need to pay to enrol in such improvement classes. I think many of those who are in need of upgrading are already living hand-to-mouth leaving precious little for upgrading courses. In order to avoid the vicious price-wage cycle, the government left us in a different cycle - the upgrading vs necessity expenditures. Money not enough?
Like many of us, I wish I am just an average Singaporean. However, going by the reports mentioned, I'm a long way off the $4000 monthly average. It doesn't look like I'll get there anytime soon. Plus, by the time I do get there, the average might have risen to $8000 monthly. Anyway, how the heck did they arrive at $4000?? Did they include the ministerial pay?? I'm sure the ministers are baying for blood now that the PM has donated his increment and expects them to do the same, I mean who could accept a denial of few hundred thousand more a month???
So, if anyone knows someone who as a few thousand spare which they have no use for and would like to give away, do let me know. I may not be needy, but hell, I'm sure in need of it.
TEEEEEEETTTTT !!! Flatline.....
That's how my blog is right now. Barely alive. No thanks to my PC which died on me. Oh well, luckily I know CPR. Been 2 months since I rambled - too long for my imaginary loyal fanbase.
In that 2 months, my PC died a horrible death (power supply failed on me and I had to look for the authorised distributor to get it replaced, since it's a custom PC), I celebrated my 5th wedding anniversary and prices all around us shows no signs of abating. Another long rant from me about ever-increasing prices, maybe.
My princess is now 9 mths old, getting more and more cheeky, not to mention more and more active. She's crawling all over the place - no more letting her out of our sight for more than 2 minutes. The fact that she likes to taste things she can touch and hold necessitates this. If it's something that she can grab, it definitely is worth a bite. Give her the teether toys we bought for her and 30 second later, she'd off to find something else more interesting. So far, she has been doing well, apart from that week during our anniversary when she had her first real illness. That bronchitis really took a lot out of her and she lost a bit of weight as a result. She's doing fine now though.
On a separate note, I read with incredulity the words of our Finance Minister, on his views about increasing our pay to fight off inflation. The words NO PAY HIKE really struck a chord, or should I say nerve, with many Singaporeans. Another report also mentioned that the average Singaporean earns $4000 monthly and is well-equipped to handle the current inflation. Instead of raising salaries, the only way to stave of inflation is through continuous upgrading of our skills so as to command a higher pay.
You know, I agree on the last point. To get an increment, we have to prove to our employers that we are productive and add value to them. In order to do so, we need to keep ourselves relevant. However, to upgrade our skills to command a better pay, we first need to pay to enrol in such improvement classes. I think many of those who are in need of upgrading are already living hand-to-mouth leaving precious little for upgrading courses. In order to avoid the vicious price-wage cycle, the government left us in a different cycle - the upgrading vs necessity expenditures. Money not enough?
Like many of us, I wish I am just an average Singaporean. However, going by the reports mentioned, I'm a long way off the $4000 monthly average. It doesn't look like I'll get there anytime soon. Plus, by the time I do get there, the average might have risen to $8000 monthly. Anyway, how the heck did they arrive at $4000?? Did they include the ministerial pay?? I'm sure the ministers are baying for blood now that the PM has donated his increment and expects them to do the same, I mean who could accept a denial of few hundred thousand more a month???
So, if anyone knows someone who as a few thousand spare which they have no use for and would like to give away, do let me know. I may not be needy, but hell, I'm sure in need of it.
Monday, June 02, 2008
That tug-of-war
It's hard being a parent nowadays. We have to ensure that our children grow up just right, else, we'll be seen as a failure. The one question that always comes up when gossiping about that mischievious boy or that uncouth girl is "Who's child is that?". Sad as it may be, that's where we look at when seeing a child misbehave.
It's hard to see a family where only one parent works and the other stays at home to look after the kids, unless of course, the one working also has a side job as an artiste - the singing/acting kind. Personally, I would love to stay home and look after my girl full time, but wifey wouldn't allow it. So, day after day, I find myself trudging to work, trying to make an honest living.
As with many families where both husband and wife are working, we found ourselves grappling with the question of where to send Izza while we worked. Having a maid was out of the question for us as that would mean entrusting the care of our precious to someone we barely know. In wifey's word, I'd rather stop working than hire a maid. So, it was either her mom or mine. Therein, lies the dillemma.
As parents, we want the best for our daughter. As filial son and daughter, we try not to disappoint our parents. The problem is in striking that balance. How many days at my mom's and how many days at her mom's? What about weekends? Would it be fair? At the center of this tug-of-war is the child, oblivious to what's happening. In my example, we agreed on 4 weekdays at my mom's and 1 at her mom's. Unfair? Try reading my early posts and you'll know why.
That arrangement was torn to shred when my dad-in-law complained that they got too little time with her that in time to come, my daughter wouldn't recognise them. Personally, I thought it was not such a bad thing if that were to really happen, but sparing athought for my wife I relented after a long period of consideration. A reeaaallllyyyyy long period of consideration. My point here is that even though the decisions we make as objectively as possible are for our child's own good, we still have to bear in mind the feelings of the other family members, most notably the grandparents.
I mean, I'm lucky that my mom and her mom get along. Izaa would have really long arms by now if they didn't as she'd be stuck in the middle of a really long tug-of-war with no clear winners and neither side wanting to give in. It would be made worse if either was calculative and starts to take into account the extra milliseconds the other patrty gets to spend with Izza. I mean I can't get it why some grandparents act the way they do. I know they love their grandkids, but can't they understand that the child is not their grnadkid alone.
Even if they think that the other family don't look after the child as well as they think they do, there is no need for them to start denying or limiting access to the child for the other family. Having seen this first hand, I pity such parents who are caught in the middle of over-bearing gandparents. I guess, the parents themselves have to be strong and explain clearly to the grandparents the rational of their decisions and not leave the grandparents to second guess. Any changes should be made known to both sides so that there is no misunderstanding, else the grandparents would start calculating the milliseconds.
I know it's hard. It could be overly straining trying to please everyone. The problem is we can't please everyone. The only thing we can do is to make them understand.
It's hard to see a family where only one parent works and the other stays at home to look after the kids, unless of course, the one working also has a side job as an artiste - the singing/acting kind. Personally, I would love to stay home and look after my girl full time, but wifey wouldn't allow it. So, day after day, I find myself trudging to work, trying to make an honest living.
As with many families where both husband and wife are working, we found ourselves grappling with the question of where to send Izza while we worked. Having a maid was out of the question for us as that would mean entrusting the care of our precious to someone we barely know. In wifey's word, I'd rather stop working than hire a maid. So, it was either her mom or mine. Therein, lies the dillemma.
As parents, we want the best for our daughter. As filial son and daughter, we try not to disappoint our parents. The problem is in striking that balance. How many days at my mom's and how many days at her mom's? What about weekends? Would it be fair? At the center of this tug-of-war is the child, oblivious to what's happening. In my example, we agreed on 4 weekdays at my mom's and 1 at her mom's. Unfair? Try reading my early posts and you'll know why.
That arrangement was torn to shred when my dad-in-law complained that they got too little time with her that in time to come, my daughter wouldn't recognise them. Personally, I thought it was not such a bad thing if that were to really happen, but sparing athought for my wife I relented after a long period of consideration. A reeaaallllyyyyy long period of consideration. My point here is that even though the decisions we make as objectively as possible are for our child's own good, we still have to bear in mind the feelings of the other family members, most notably the grandparents.
I mean, I'm lucky that my mom and her mom get along. Izaa would have really long arms by now if they didn't as she'd be stuck in the middle of a really long tug-of-war with no clear winners and neither side wanting to give in. It would be made worse if either was calculative and starts to take into account the extra milliseconds the other patrty gets to spend with Izza. I mean I can't get it why some grandparents act the way they do. I know they love their grandkids, but can't they understand that the child is not their grnadkid alone.
Even if they think that the other family don't look after the child as well as they think they do, there is no need for them to start denying or limiting access to the child for the other family. Having seen this first hand, I pity such parents who are caught in the middle of over-bearing gandparents. I guess, the parents themselves have to be strong and explain clearly to the grandparents the rational of their decisions and not leave the grandparents to second guess. Any changes should be made known to both sides so that there is no misunderstanding, else the grandparents would start calculating the milliseconds.
I know it's hard. It could be overly straining trying to please everyone. The problem is we can't please everyone. The only thing we can do is to make them understand.
Sunday, June 01, 2008
Can I say that?
For the longest time, my wife and my sister has been saying that I'm too long-winded and have that tendency to go on and on with my blogs. It's akin to reading a school textbook on a weekend one might say, takes too much of one's time. Then again, I didn't read my textbooks even during the weekdays in my early pre-university days.
I do have to admit that they could be really long, but what can I say, I got a lot of things on my mind. So much to say but it just doesn't come out in normal conversations. I mean who'd want to hear your opinions about third world issues or the rising cost of living when sipping that cup of latte or slurping that ice blended drink at the cafe during one of oh-so-rare time you get to spend with friends or loved ones. We'd all much rather catch up on some gossip and finding out what our present company at that time are up to.
It here that I could really express myself and really say what I want. It's here that I get to compose my thoughts and pen them down with little worry over repercussions or a sound bite from an acidic tongue. There were far too many times, in the midst of trying to make my point, that I somehow managed to say the wrong things and end up hurting the one I was talking to. Somehow, I feel safe here, in the knowledge that whoever the post, or rant, was directed to would get that subtle hint without it coming out the wrong way, I hope.
I have to admit that there were some sly digs, and some dirty linen being washed in public. Thinking back, it's not really the wisest thing to do. Granted that the people I'm throwing mud at don't really know what a URL or what the WWW is. Which means they won't be reading this. Either way, anyone who's been reading my early posts would know that my dislike for my "other" family is understated. Still, sometimes, I can't help it, in spite of dearest's protestations.
Finding a balance is never easy. In fact, it's next to impossible to please everyone. Someone's gotta get the short end of the stick. Personally, I think I've been giving myself the short end of the stick on a regular basis. There were a lot of times when I have backed down from whatever decision that I have made earlier. Call me spineless, but I think backing down doesn't mean I'm in a losing situation all the time. At the very least, I manage to avert another long argument by saying, "Yes dear", "I leave it to you to decide" or "Up to you, honey".
I guess, one thing I've learnt these past few years is that you can't please everyone, but you could please the one who means the most in your life, even if comes at your expense. Plus, I've always believed that love depends a lot on sacrifices you make for one another.
I do have to admit that they could be really long, but what can I say, I got a lot of things on my mind. So much to say but it just doesn't come out in normal conversations. I mean who'd want to hear your opinions about third world issues or the rising cost of living when sipping that cup of latte or slurping that ice blended drink at the cafe during one of oh-so-rare time you get to spend with friends or loved ones. We'd all much rather catch up on some gossip and finding out what our present company at that time are up to.
It here that I could really express myself and really say what I want. It's here that I get to compose my thoughts and pen them down with little worry over repercussions or a sound bite from an acidic tongue. There were far too many times, in the midst of trying to make my point, that I somehow managed to say the wrong things and end up hurting the one I was talking to. Somehow, I feel safe here, in the knowledge that whoever the post, or rant, was directed to would get that subtle hint without it coming out the wrong way, I hope.
I have to admit that there were some sly digs, and some dirty linen being washed in public. Thinking back, it's not really the wisest thing to do. Granted that the people I'm throwing mud at don't really know what a URL or what the WWW is. Which means they won't be reading this. Either way, anyone who's been reading my early posts would know that my dislike for my "other" family is understated. Still, sometimes, I can't help it, in spite of dearest's protestations.
Finding a balance is never easy. In fact, it's next to impossible to please everyone. Someone's gotta get the short end of the stick. Personally, I think I've been giving myself the short end of the stick on a regular basis. There were a lot of times when I have backed down from whatever decision that I have made earlier. Call me spineless, but I think backing down doesn't mean I'm in a losing situation all the time. At the very least, I manage to avert another long argument by saying, "Yes dear", "I leave it to you to decide" or "Up to you, honey".
I guess, one thing I've learnt these past few years is that you can't please everyone, but you could please the one who means the most in your life, even if comes at your expense. Plus, I've always believed that love depends a lot on sacrifices you make for one another.
Friday, May 30, 2008
That petrol subsidy
It's sad isn't it when the very people you put your trust in betrays that trust?
How else would you term the Myanmar government saying that the people could eat frogs and fish to survive? It's really strange coming from the rulers who have lived the high life while the people they are supposed to be ruling are suffering. Haven't you heard? Myanmar has a new capital, Naypidaw, in place of Yangon. If not for the typhoon, and Ban Ki Mun's visit to Myanmar, one would have thought that the Generals themselves lived in wooden huts. But no! They are staying at grand palaces freshly minted while millions of people are starving. Try putting yourselves in your people's shoes Than Shwe!!!
OK enough politics.
Are you kidding....I ain't done yet!
The recent banning of petrol sales to foreign vehicles are bound to hit our neighbours up north. No matter how much they deny, they can never run away that they depend a lot on us Singaporeans for their livelihood. Banning the sale of petrol is akin to biting the hand that feeds you. Granted that the Malaysian Federal budget is far more than what we Singaporeans spend, you can't help but sympathise with the seafood restaurants and the many food stalls that make up the landscape whose businesses who are sure to suffer.
Think about it. If Singaporeans are unable to fill up petrol while they shop and dine, then what's the point of going there in the first place? Part of the attraction of going to JB is not just the cheaper goods, it's also the cheap petrol. Taking away one will definitely make it less appealing for us to go there. Add in the appaling crime rates, a definite turn off is obvious. I don't see the need to go to JB for seafood an having to go through that terrible jam at the checkpoint but not able to top up my petrol.
I'm not surprised that there is an uproar within their ranks, concerned at the impact it might have, both economically and socially. Knowing the Malaysians, this ruling may not even be implemented in the long run especially with the implication it might have for the "little people". Thinking about it, the ban does not apply to motorcycles as they "spared a thought for the little people". I just wonder how the guys with bikes more powerful than many cars we have on our roads could qualify as little people when their bikes cost more than the homes of many Malaysians. Makes sense?
Well, much of what the Malaysians do doesn't make sense to me anyway. Personally, if they don't want us to benefit from their subsidies, so be it. The way I see it, if we Singaporeans have to resort to subsidised Malaysian petrol, we might as well don't have a car in the first place.
Ok I'm done mouthing off.....thanks for reading....heheheh
How else would you term the Myanmar government saying that the people could eat frogs and fish to survive? It's really strange coming from the rulers who have lived the high life while the people they are supposed to be ruling are suffering. Haven't you heard? Myanmar has a new capital, Naypidaw, in place of Yangon. If not for the typhoon, and Ban Ki Mun's visit to Myanmar, one would have thought that the Generals themselves lived in wooden huts. But no! They are staying at grand palaces freshly minted while millions of people are starving. Try putting yourselves in your people's shoes Than Shwe!!!
OK enough politics.
Are you kidding....I ain't done yet!
The recent banning of petrol sales to foreign vehicles are bound to hit our neighbours up north. No matter how much they deny, they can never run away that they depend a lot on us Singaporeans for their livelihood. Banning the sale of petrol is akin to biting the hand that feeds you. Granted that the Malaysian Federal budget is far more than what we Singaporeans spend, you can't help but sympathise with the seafood restaurants and the many food stalls that make up the landscape whose businesses who are sure to suffer.
Think about it. If Singaporeans are unable to fill up petrol while they shop and dine, then what's the point of going there in the first place? Part of the attraction of going to JB is not just the cheaper goods, it's also the cheap petrol. Taking away one will definitely make it less appealing for us to go there. Add in the appaling crime rates, a definite turn off is obvious. I don't see the need to go to JB for seafood an having to go through that terrible jam at the checkpoint but not able to top up my petrol.
I'm not surprised that there is an uproar within their ranks, concerned at the impact it might have, both economically and socially. Knowing the Malaysians, this ruling may not even be implemented in the long run especially with the implication it might have for the "little people". Thinking about it, the ban does not apply to motorcycles as they "spared a thought for the little people". I just wonder how the guys with bikes more powerful than many cars we have on our roads could qualify as little people when their bikes cost more than the homes of many Malaysians. Makes sense?
Well, much of what the Malaysians do doesn't make sense to me anyway. Personally, if they don't want us to benefit from their subsidies, so be it. The way I see it, if we Singaporeans have to resort to subsidised Malaysian petrol, we might as well don't have a car in the first place.
Ok I'm done mouthing off.....thanks for reading....heheheh
Monday, May 26, 2008
Is there a solution??
Was reading the papers just now. Something just tickled me. DPM Wong Kan Seng highlighted in Parliament the various disciplinary measures taken against those whose lapses enabled Mas Selamat to escape and wreaked untold discomfort to many of us Singaporeans.
The superintendent got sacked and his deputy was given the permanent order to hentak kaki and got demoted at the same time. Unfortunate for these 2 fellows, but someone's gotta pay. It's all good that something is done to prevent such escapes, but one has to ask, was the sacking of the superintendent enough? What I'm really asking is why, despite the calls from some quarters for more accountability, is Wong Kan Seng not the head to roll? The answer put forward was removing Wong Kan Seng would not have solved any problems. Really?
I doubt that Sir Alex Ferguson would still be manager of Manchester United if they were relegated to the Championship. Put it this way, while I'm not one who'd go out to lead a call for Wong Kan Seng to be removed, or any minister for that matter, I'd have thought that someone in the Cabinet be held responsible or even offered to resign over this whole fiasco. Not only has the populace been affected, the country's squeaky clean image has been tarnished.
I guess someone in the Cabinet would have been sacked had Mas Selamat sent a postcard from some remote location like Ungkaya Pukan in the Southern Philippines or Sawahlunto in Sumatra to the PM, Sm or MM saying, "Wish you were here!!!"
Something else in the papers recently also had me thinking - MM Lee, in response to calls from some people to provide subsidies, said that Singaporeans would always be asking for more even when a lot has been done by the Government to reduce the impact of rising costs. I have to agree that a lot has been done, but is it enough? The price of petrol has been jumping so much that it makes the ERS a distant memory. The price of rice has steadily climbed that the GST rebates seem like a pittance. The utilities bill tariffs has gone up but the growth bonus doesn't seem like it's as much as the Government makes it out to be.
In fact, MM Lee said providing subsidies is not the solution to the problem of rising costs. We, Singaporeans, need to work harder ad smarter to make Singapore a more dynamic place so that Singapore is always at the forefront. Hmmmmm....I've seen to have read that somewhere before. Oh, sacking Wong Kan Seng isn't the answer to the problem. I feel that in order to Singapore to remain competitive globally, Singapore needs to be investing a lot in the one resource we have - Singaporeans.
What's the use of investing globally when the needs of the average Singaporeans are, while not exactly neglected, not being addressed fully. What's the point of having trillions in our reserves if the people are having to worry constantly if they can remain debt-free, due to all the price hikes? C'mon Lee, show me the money!!
On another note, 2 close friends of mine, Iswandy and Isnani, are about to become a first time parents. Congrats bro and sis, welcome to the club!!
The superintendent got sacked and his deputy was given the permanent order to hentak kaki and got demoted at the same time. Unfortunate for these 2 fellows, but someone's gotta pay. It's all good that something is done to prevent such escapes, but one has to ask, was the sacking of the superintendent enough? What I'm really asking is why, despite the calls from some quarters for more accountability, is Wong Kan Seng not the head to roll? The answer put forward was removing Wong Kan Seng would not have solved any problems. Really?
I doubt that Sir Alex Ferguson would still be manager of Manchester United if they were relegated to the Championship. Put it this way, while I'm not one who'd go out to lead a call for Wong Kan Seng to be removed, or any minister for that matter, I'd have thought that someone in the Cabinet be held responsible or even offered to resign over this whole fiasco. Not only has the populace been affected, the country's squeaky clean image has been tarnished.
I guess someone in the Cabinet would have been sacked had Mas Selamat sent a postcard from some remote location like Ungkaya Pukan in the Southern Philippines or Sawahlunto in Sumatra to the PM, Sm or MM saying, "Wish you were here!!!"
Something else in the papers recently also had me thinking - MM Lee, in response to calls from some people to provide subsidies, said that Singaporeans would always be asking for more even when a lot has been done by the Government to reduce the impact of rising costs. I have to agree that a lot has been done, but is it enough? The price of petrol has been jumping so much that it makes the ERS a distant memory. The price of rice has steadily climbed that the GST rebates seem like a pittance. The utilities bill tariffs has gone up but the growth bonus doesn't seem like it's as much as the Government makes it out to be.
In fact, MM Lee said providing subsidies is not the solution to the problem of rising costs. We, Singaporeans, need to work harder ad smarter to make Singapore a more dynamic place so that Singapore is always at the forefront. Hmmmmm....I've seen to have read that somewhere before. Oh, sacking Wong Kan Seng isn't the answer to the problem. I feel that in order to Singapore to remain competitive globally, Singapore needs to be investing a lot in the one resource we have - Singaporeans.
What's the use of investing globally when the needs of the average Singaporeans are, while not exactly neglected, not being addressed fully. What's the point of having trillions in our reserves if the people are having to worry constantly if they can remain debt-free, due to all the price hikes? C'mon Lee, show me the money!!
On another note, 2 close friends of mine, Iswandy and Isnani, are about to become a first time parents. Congrats bro and sis, welcome to the club!!
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Some rocky questions...
It's been a turbulent past couple of weeks hasn't it?? Typhoon Nargis swept through the Irrawady Delta and inundated the whole area wiping villages off the maps, killing whole families and leaving those alive clutching at what little strands of hope they may have. Sichuan was rocked at it's foundations by a big one and the same scenario played itself out in a matter of days. Last count: 55000 dead in Sichuan and God knows how many in Myanmar, considering the efficiency of the military government in accepting aid.
It really peeves me that the government could come up with the dumbest of reasons to not accept aid. Pride?? I say it's sheer stupidity. How could anyone put a price on the lives that are affected? Instead of accepting whatever aid that is made available, they managed to alienate themselves by refusing aid when it's practically at their doorstep. Maybe it's a Myanmar thing, just as it is a Singaporean thing to keep asking for more handouts from our government when we are so privileged. At least the Chinese, while being selective in accepting aid, did not reject aid outright, and in doing so, deserves the sympathy of the world.
The hot topic today is the judgement of the International Court of Justice on the sovereignty of Pedra Branca. As patriotic as I am, I just can't fathom all the hullaballoo with regards to rocky outcrop the size of a football field. My first question is, is it really worth all that trouble to go to the ICJ and argue about that rock? While I agree that if it's part of our island, we should defend and ensure no one encroaches on our territory. But that piece of rock was 40 nautical miles away. All this talk about sovereignty is good, but it's overkill to go to the ICJ for that piece of rock.
At the same time I can't understand the Malaysians. I mean if you left a flower pot at the void deck for a few years and don't claim it even after someone comes along and plants a chilli plant and tends to it for a few years more, what right have you to that tree or the flower pot for that matter. Does the flower pot mean that much to you in the first place for you to leave it at the void deck for years? I mean, Pedra Branca is in the middle of nowhere and no one in the right mind would even want to live that faraway. If there was gold or better still, oil there, heck, I'd send in the Commandos, if necessary, should the Malaysians even come close. But seriously, I doubt even Mahathir would want to live there.
Oh and talking about oil.......
I am getting worried at the ever climbing, nope, make that soaring price of oil. Last I heard, it's scratching $135 per barrel. Everyone knows that oil is just about the most precious commodity in the world now. For all the talk about green technology, nothing is close to replacing oil as the lifeline of the world. Not just it's economy. The increase in the price of oil results in the increase in everything else - which is what's happening right now. Food prices jumped, utility bills jumped, petrol pump prices jumped - twice in a matter of days.......and so am I.
If this goes on, I might have to learn how to drive like the Flintstones and start eating grass. What I'm saying is many of us have read about the Great Depression of the 1930s but were lucky enough not to have experienced it, if we're not careful, we might just go through something like it.
Oh and by the way, if you were at the moon or just came out from under your shell, Manchester United are the Champions of England and Europe!!!
It really peeves me that the government could come up with the dumbest of reasons to not accept aid. Pride?? I say it's sheer stupidity. How could anyone put a price on the lives that are affected? Instead of accepting whatever aid that is made available, they managed to alienate themselves by refusing aid when it's practically at their doorstep. Maybe it's a Myanmar thing, just as it is a Singaporean thing to keep asking for more handouts from our government when we are so privileged. At least the Chinese, while being selective in accepting aid, did not reject aid outright, and in doing so, deserves the sympathy of the world.
The hot topic today is the judgement of the International Court of Justice on the sovereignty of Pedra Branca. As patriotic as I am, I just can't fathom all the hullaballoo with regards to rocky outcrop the size of a football field. My first question is, is it really worth all that trouble to go to the ICJ and argue about that rock? While I agree that if it's part of our island, we should defend and ensure no one encroaches on our territory. But that piece of rock was 40 nautical miles away. All this talk about sovereignty is good, but it's overkill to go to the ICJ for that piece of rock.
At the same time I can't understand the Malaysians. I mean if you left a flower pot at the void deck for a few years and don't claim it even after someone comes along and plants a chilli plant and tends to it for a few years more, what right have you to that tree or the flower pot for that matter. Does the flower pot mean that much to you in the first place for you to leave it at the void deck for years? I mean, Pedra Branca is in the middle of nowhere and no one in the right mind would even want to live that faraway. If there was gold or better still, oil there, heck, I'd send in the Commandos, if necessary, should the Malaysians even come close. But seriously, I doubt even Mahathir would want to live there.
Oh and talking about oil.......
I am getting worried at the ever climbing, nope, make that soaring price of oil. Last I heard, it's scratching $135 per barrel. Everyone knows that oil is just about the most precious commodity in the world now. For all the talk about green technology, nothing is close to replacing oil as the lifeline of the world. Not just it's economy. The increase in the price of oil results in the increase in everything else - which is what's happening right now. Food prices jumped, utility bills jumped, petrol pump prices jumped - twice in a matter of days.......and so am I.
If this goes on, I might have to learn how to drive like the Flintstones and start eating grass. What I'm saying is many of us have read about the Great Depression of the 1930s but were lucky enough not to have experienced it, if we're not careful, we might just go through something like it.
Oh and by the way, if you were at the moon or just came out from under your shell, Manchester United are the Champions of England and Europe!!!
Monday, May 05, 2008
A Trip to Redang - a year in the making
We finally went to Redang Island - well not exactly, we went to Lang Tengah, which is just beside Redang itself. Had actually planned to go to Laguna Redang but was told it was fully booked. So was Berjaya. In the end, after souring the net we decided on D'Coconut Lagoon Resort on Lang Tengah. It's quite a decent resort as we were to find out later.
I started my leave on Tuesday, April 29th in anticipation of the need to service our car prior to the long drive up north. Izzati was left in the care of my parents whom we were to meet up in KL on 2nd May. We decided against bringing her to Redang as she was still too small and it was the right decision too seeing how we had to board the boats at Merang jetty.
So, we left home at 12 midnite, went for supper at Al-Ameen's at Bt Timah and left Singapore at 1am. The drive up north to KL was uneventful with only an overturned truck to gawk at on the way there. Had short stop at Seremban for a petrol top up as well as to stretch out the legs and we proceeeded on to Sungai Besi and bypasssed KL and went round to Cheras before linking back up to the Karak Highway.
That drive on the Karak Highway and the East Coast Highway is even scarier than the drive up the old Mersing road. Not only was it raining heavily on the road before Genting Highlands, it was foggy all the way after that.We had another half-hour stop at Temerloh for our Subuh Prayers and some much needed coffee. That was 6am. We still had 5 hours and roughly 400km to go before we reached Merang.
We barely made it to Merang 1115 hours and the boat was waiting for us at the jetty, we din have time to walk around and really see what was there. Just sort of jumped into the boat and off we went to the island paradise. Took us 1hr plus to get there and the sights that awaited us was breathtaking. Just look at the photos and you'll know what I mean. We skipped the snorkelling on the 1st day and that was justified cos the snorkeling would have sapped what little energy I'd have left after the long drive.
Quite honestly, the island was as laid back as one would get. There was no TV in the room though you did get Astro on the TV at the lounge area. Internet access was RM15 for 30 min access. A can of Coke set you back by RM5 and my wife had 3 cans. The water in the rooms was not drinkable though there was plenty of potable water available at the lounge.
We only went snorkeling on the second day. Was not as enjoyable as I would have liked as the currents were too strong and I spent more time pushing/pulling my wife back to the boat than I did looking at the marine life. Not that either of us could see much without any contact lenses on. If the views under water were less spectacular, the views on land were super. Been a long while since we felt that find powdery sand between our toes and crystal clear waters to frolic in
We had little complaint for our trip to Redang, though we wished we had more time to snoop around KualaTerengganu for some handicraft to be brought back. What little we did get was bought from the many little stalls that lined Merang jetty.
Check out the photo albums......heheheh
I started my leave on Tuesday, April 29th in anticipation of the need to service our car prior to the long drive up north. Izzati was left in the care of my parents whom we were to meet up in KL on 2nd May. We decided against bringing her to Redang as she was still too small and it was the right decision too seeing how we had to board the boats at Merang jetty.
So, we left home at 12 midnite, went for supper at Al-Ameen's at Bt Timah and left Singapore at 1am. The drive up north to KL was uneventful with only an overturned truck to gawk at on the way there. Had short stop at Seremban for a petrol top up as well as to stretch out the legs and we proceeeded on to Sungai Besi and bypasssed KL and went round to Cheras before linking back up to the Karak Highway.
That drive on the Karak Highway and the East Coast Highway is even scarier than the drive up the old Mersing road. Not only was it raining heavily on the road before Genting Highlands, it was foggy all the way after that.We had another half-hour stop at Temerloh for our Subuh Prayers and some much needed coffee. That was 6am. We still had 5 hours and roughly 400km to go before we reached Merang.
We barely made it to Merang 1115 hours and the boat was waiting for us at the jetty, we din have time to walk around and really see what was there. Just sort of jumped into the boat and off we went to the island paradise. Took us 1hr plus to get there and the sights that awaited us was breathtaking. Just look at the photos and you'll know what I mean. We skipped the snorkelling on the 1st day and that was justified cos the snorkeling would have sapped what little energy I'd have left after the long drive.
Quite honestly, the island was as laid back as one would get. There was no TV in the room though you did get Astro on the TV at the lounge area. Internet access was RM15 for 30 min access. A can of Coke set you back by RM5 and my wife had 3 cans. The water in the rooms was not drinkable though there was plenty of potable water available at the lounge.
We only went snorkeling on the second day. Was not as enjoyable as I would have liked as the currents were too strong and I spent more time pushing/pulling my wife back to the boat than I did looking at the marine life. Not that either of us could see much without any contact lenses on. If the views under water were less spectacular, the views on land were super. Been a long while since we felt that find powdery sand between our toes and crystal clear waters to frolic in
We had little complaint for our trip to Redang, though we wished we had more time to snoop around KualaTerengganu for some handicraft to be brought back. What little we did get was bought from the many little stalls that lined Merang jetty.
Check out the photo albums......heheheh
Tuesday, April 08, 2008
A big girl now
How time flies....Still feels like it was only yesterday that I first held you in my arms. That first time I heard your cries, tears immediately welled in my eyes. No words could ever describe the pride and joy I felt at that moment. It's all about her now, I remember telling myself back then.
Watching you grow over the months, hearing you cry whenever you wanted to be fed and needing some attention never fails to bring a spring in my steps, wanting to make sure that your every need is catered for. It's still about her now, till sometimes Mama and Papa feel we've been neglecting each other for you. That, I think, is a sacrifice we are both prepared for.
As time passes, I've noticed your penchant for the outdoors, be it in the mall or out in a park. You always had this thing for a trip to anywhere, as long as there is something new for you to feast your eyes on. Your tantrums at night always has Mama and Papa on our toes as we try our best to get you to sleep, even with you screaming into our ears.
At 6 months, you have learnt to pout your lips whenever I whips out my camera, never failing to give me a nice shot to snap. You have learnt to roll over and over almost to the edge of our bed. So much so, that we have to line the edge of our bed with pillows so that you'll have enough space to practice rolling safely.
I know there are more to come from you. I'm waiting with wide open arms for whatever that may come from you, cos, baby, you are my pride and joy.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Can we be happy?
It's difficult living in Singapore. There are too many people here. There are too many vehicles on the road. Prices are perpetually on an upward trend while salaries dun seem to be reacting correspondingly. Gripes can be heard everywhere from Holland Rd to Geylang. This year alone, petrol prices jumped 4 times. In the same vein, so am I
Heard on the radio that there's a contest of sorts to find The Happiest Person in Singapore. The general consensus is that Singaporeans are a very sad bunch, we all seem to look at the glass half empty, instead of half full. Personally, I think it's true. Many of us just want an easy life - that's the Singaporean dream. That explains the long queues in 4D shops whenever there's a big prize at stake. Heck, I've even seen a pakcik with a songkok and batik printed shirt in one of the lines, hopefully clinging on to that ticket.
It doesn't help that probably 70% of us don't earn more than $3.5K a month. With ever-escalating prices everywhere, increase in GST, increases in utilities bill, many Singaporeans are, in effect, living hand-to-mouth. Whatever we earn at the end of the month goes towards paying bills with little left over for luxuries. With so many worries on our minds, mostly financial, can we ever be happy?
It all depends on what one expects of their lives. While there are those amongst us who would be happy with a 5-figure savings account, there are many more who wouldn't be happy till they see a 7-figure number in their accounts. It's easier said than done to be happy, when our minds are weighted down by incessant worrying. That said, we all could do with a step back and take a deep breath, just to see how lucky we are that we don't have to dodge stray bullets and 500-pound bombs exploding meters away from us.
A few days ago, my wife was looking through this site and saw a few posts with regards to the few amongst the muslims who tarnish the name of our religion by openly eating non-halal food and chugging down alcohols. I think my friends post about the malay girl who bought fishballs was by far the funniest. I mean, it's common sense when someone highlights to you that it's not permissible for you to eat it, then you should refrain from eating it. Heck, even my vegetarian colleagues would avoid eating at places where there are no vegetarian food, much less eat something with even a hint of animal derivatives in it. And they don't even have a "halal" certification to assuage their fears of the food being permissible. We do yet we ignore.
I admit that I'm far from being a good muslim. However, I stay away from non-halal food, and I definitely stay away from alcohol. Once, I was one of those who hung around coffee shops till the wee hours with my bike gang. There were those amongst us who drank. While it did make me uneasy, I hung around - for friendship. After a while though, I decided that I didn't want to lead that kind of lifestyle - the Mat lifestyle. So, I began to stay away, detaching myself from the group.
I reasoned that even though I do not drink, being around them and keeping quiet about it means I'm condoning them. I knew that I'm in no position to lecture them or advice them. I know that the sense of companionship and belonging to a certain clique may seem worth it to some, but to me, I wouldn't want to be in that position where I am morally in conflict with myself. Thus, rather than be privy to their party, I kept away.
Think of it this way, in any court of law, if you are privy to a robbery or an act of terrorism being planned and you kept quiet about it because those planning it are lifelong friends, you are as equally culpable. Case in point, the guy who did not report to the police when he saw the friend with his rifle in a Geylang hotel. He's charged and subsequently convicted. The same goes for us. Knowing a fellow muslim drinks and us doing nothing about it makes us equally culpable.
Yeah, I know I may have brickbats coming my way with the "lu punya kubur lu jaga, gua punya kubur gua jaga" jibes but me keeping my mouth shut means I'm condoning the actions of some of my friends. Thus, here I say it with the hope that when I go to the grave, I go with a clear conscience
Heard on the radio that there's a contest of sorts to find The Happiest Person in Singapore. The general consensus is that Singaporeans are a very sad bunch, we all seem to look at the glass half empty, instead of half full. Personally, I think it's true. Many of us just want an easy life - that's the Singaporean dream. That explains the long queues in 4D shops whenever there's a big prize at stake. Heck, I've even seen a pakcik with a songkok and batik printed shirt in one of the lines, hopefully clinging on to that ticket.
It doesn't help that probably 70% of us don't earn more than $3.5K a month. With ever-escalating prices everywhere, increase in GST, increases in utilities bill, many Singaporeans are, in effect, living hand-to-mouth. Whatever we earn at the end of the month goes towards paying bills with little left over for luxuries. With so many worries on our minds, mostly financial, can we ever be happy?
It all depends on what one expects of their lives. While there are those amongst us who would be happy with a 5-figure savings account, there are many more who wouldn't be happy till they see a 7-figure number in their accounts. It's easier said than done to be happy, when our minds are weighted down by incessant worrying. That said, we all could do with a step back and take a deep breath, just to see how lucky we are that we don't have to dodge stray bullets and 500-pound bombs exploding meters away from us.
A few days ago, my wife was looking through this site and saw a few posts with regards to the few amongst the muslims who tarnish the name of our religion by openly eating non-halal food and chugging down alcohols. I think my friends post about the malay girl who bought fishballs was by far the funniest. I mean, it's common sense when someone highlights to you that it's not permissible for you to eat it, then you should refrain from eating it. Heck, even my vegetarian colleagues would avoid eating at places where there are no vegetarian food, much less eat something with even a hint of animal derivatives in it. And they don't even have a "halal" certification to assuage their fears of the food being permissible. We do yet we ignore.
I admit that I'm far from being a good muslim. However, I stay away from non-halal food, and I definitely stay away from alcohol. Once, I was one of those who hung around coffee shops till the wee hours with my bike gang. There were those amongst us who drank. While it did make me uneasy, I hung around - for friendship. After a while though, I decided that I didn't want to lead that kind of lifestyle - the Mat lifestyle. So, I began to stay away, detaching myself from the group.
I reasoned that even though I do not drink, being around them and keeping quiet about it means I'm condoning them. I knew that I'm in no position to lecture them or advice them. I know that the sense of companionship and belonging to a certain clique may seem worth it to some, but to me, I wouldn't want to be in that position where I am morally in conflict with myself. Thus, rather than be privy to their party, I kept away.
Think of it this way, in any court of law, if you are privy to a robbery or an act of terrorism being planned and you kept quiet about it because those planning it are lifelong friends, you are as equally culpable. Case in point, the guy who did not report to the police when he saw the friend with his rifle in a Geylang hotel. He's charged and subsequently convicted. The same goes for us. Knowing a fellow muslim drinks and us doing nothing about it makes us equally culpable.
Yeah, I know I may have brickbats coming my way with the "lu punya kubur lu jaga, gua punya kubur gua jaga" jibes but me keeping my mouth shut means I'm condoning the actions of some of my friends. Thus, here I say it with the hope that when I go to the grave, I go with a clear conscience
Friday, March 07, 2008
That BIG news
Yeap, time to wipe off the dust off this page. Been a month or so since I last rant. It's March and it's been raining like it's December all over again these last few days. While it's cooler, I don't really enjoy the rain. Almost everyone prefers an overcast sky. Not too hot, not too wet, just nice.
Princess just turned 5 months 2 days ago and how she has grown. I know this is the point where some people start thinking, "Oh no, another over-enthusiastic parent". Truth is, no parent can ever stop enthusing about their own kid. I'm no different. I amaze myself at how, between the 2 of us (my wife and I), lucky we are to have a really cute girl. There I go again. Seriously, though, I could almost jump for joy everytime someone passes by Izza's stroller, takes a peek and comments, "She's really beautiful".
Enough about her for now though.
The news now (kinda stale though) is about the disappearance of Mas Selamat Kastari. I know there have been various reports with regards to this, and we have yet to include the various rumours and speculations currently making its rounds in Singapore. The question that keeps being asked is where is he. Kind of a dumb question, but all the major newspapers were carrying that headline a few days ago. I mean, if anyone, besides Mas Selamat himself, could answer that, I'm sure the authorities would have swooped in on him. Why ask where he is when we all know where he went.
A toilet break.......
Yeah, I know. Lame. I can't help it. I really find it hard to fathom how a country that posesses one of the lowest crime rates in the world, one that has an efficient government and a diligent law enofrcement agency could fall for such a dumb trick. "Sir, I need a toilet break". Those were probably the last words anyone in a blue uniform has heard from him since. I experienced this trick almost first hand when I was serving National Service. A soldier went AWOL and returned to the camp reeeaaalllyyyy late. He was charged the next day and was sent to the lockup in the guardhouse while waiting to be charged. He told the Regimental Police (RP) guard that he needed a toilet break and promptly climbed out the unsecured ventilation window, clambered over the back gate and disappeared. He wasn't caught till a few years later when I left NS.
I mean if a dumbass soldier who went AWOL can manage to escape through that method, I would have thought that that avenue of escape would have been denied to such a high profile detainee at such a high security establishment such as the ISD. I really pity whoever it was who let his guard down so as to allow a high profile detainiee such as Mas Selamat Kastari escape. I mean, the RP Sergeant who was on duty during the soldier's escape only managed to escape a heavy punishment because it was not a really big issue in the wider context, one can only imagine the fate that awaits that unlucky soul who let this happen if the commision's inquiry to this event concluded that it was personal negligence that caused it.
One thing I am happy for is that his escape did not coincide with my NS unit's callup. I know for sure we would have been activated to assist in this operations, seeing how my unit was involved as 3rd tier backup during the IMF/World Bank Meeting. Like they did not have enough security then.
To Mas Selamat, thanks for bringing life to our mostly sedate lives and good luck trying to escape the dragnet. May you be caught sooner rather than later so thay the jams in the Woodlands Checkpoint do not last for much longer.
Princess just turned 5 months 2 days ago and how she has grown. I know this is the point where some people start thinking, "Oh no, another over-enthusiastic parent". Truth is, no parent can ever stop enthusing about their own kid. I'm no different. I amaze myself at how, between the 2 of us (my wife and I), lucky we are to have a really cute girl. There I go again. Seriously, though, I could almost jump for joy everytime someone passes by Izza's stroller, takes a peek and comments, "She's really beautiful".
Enough about her for now though.
The news now (kinda stale though) is about the disappearance of Mas Selamat Kastari. I know there have been various reports with regards to this, and we have yet to include the various rumours and speculations currently making its rounds in Singapore. The question that keeps being asked is where is he. Kind of a dumb question, but all the major newspapers were carrying that headline a few days ago. I mean, if anyone, besides Mas Selamat himself, could answer that, I'm sure the authorities would have swooped in on him. Why ask where he is when we all know where he went.
A toilet break.......
Yeah, I know. Lame. I can't help it. I really find it hard to fathom how a country that posesses one of the lowest crime rates in the world, one that has an efficient government and a diligent law enofrcement agency could fall for such a dumb trick. "Sir, I need a toilet break". Those were probably the last words anyone in a blue uniform has heard from him since. I experienced this trick almost first hand when I was serving National Service. A soldier went AWOL and returned to the camp reeeaaalllyyyy late. He was charged the next day and was sent to the lockup in the guardhouse while waiting to be charged. He told the Regimental Police (RP) guard that he needed a toilet break and promptly climbed out the unsecured ventilation window, clambered over the back gate and disappeared. He wasn't caught till a few years later when I left NS.
I mean if a dumbass soldier who went AWOL can manage to escape through that method, I would have thought that that avenue of escape would have been denied to such a high profile detainee at such a high security establishment such as the ISD. I really pity whoever it was who let his guard down so as to allow a high profile detainiee such as Mas Selamat Kastari escape. I mean, the RP Sergeant who was on duty during the soldier's escape only managed to escape a heavy punishment because it was not a really big issue in the wider context, one can only imagine the fate that awaits that unlucky soul who let this happen if the commision's inquiry to this event concluded that it was personal negligence that caused it.
One thing I am happy for is that his escape did not coincide with my NS unit's callup. I know for sure we would have been activated to assist in this operations, seeing how my unit was involved as 3rd tier backup during the IMF/World Bank Meeting. Like they did not have enough security then.
To Mas Selamat, thanks for bringing life to our mostly sedate lives and good luck trying to escape the dragnet. May you be caught sooner rather than later so thay the jams in the Woodlands Checkpoint do not last for much longer.
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
My latest rant!
It's CNY tomorrow and I'm still at the office, holding the fort. It's only fair that the Chinese staff get to celebrate their new year, just I had my celebrations for Hari Raya. It seems like eons ago since I last said something here. A lot has happened since the turn of the year, and by all accounts, everything seems to be turning out fine.
My princess has started smiling and laughing already. However, having turned 4 months yesterday, she has still to learn how to roll over. More often than not, she just lies on her back staring at me or her mama waiting for something to happen. Doesn't seem to be a proactive baby lah - more a reactive one thus far. Either way, I can't get enough of her toothless grin. Talking about babies, had a comical conversation with a friend whose son was born within days of Izza, where we joked about bethroting our kids. It's nothing more than just a comical conversation, but I am intrigued at that thought.
For sure I won't do that to my daughter, I'd rather let fate and her own heart take care of that. I mean thinking about it, I'm not sure how I would react at being told, "Son, this is your future wife". It's a good thing that such practices are practically unheard-of in our society though it may still be prevalent in some social backwaters in a bid to preserve one family's social status, at the same time avoiding that social status barrier. It would be side-splitting to hear the son reply to that proclaimation with, "Thanks Dad, she's pretty, but I'm in love with a guy".
Date released a few days back showed that the population of Singapore is nearly 4.6million. of that at least 3 million are residents with the rest being foreign talent. It just amazes me how many people are cramped almost sardine-like in Singapore. I mean, have you seen the human traffic at the MRT stations during peak hours? Yeah, we could probably flatten Bukit Timah and Mt Faber and use that soil for further reclamation to further expand Singapore but would that alleviate the crunch that takes place every rush hour. I doubt so. While it is imperative that we remain competitive and in doing so, having to boost our dwindling population, does it have to be at the cost of the comfort of the residents?
Put it this way, the last time I took the MRT I almost puked in the train from all the "aroma" that was swirling around the already-stale air. I mean, you put in the un-deodorised people together with the hundreds of foreign workers rushing to get to Little India and you know you got a weapon of mass destruction right there. For me that was enough, don't these people practice basic hygiene? I got off the train and waited for a less crowded one. That's not the end of it. We have yet to account for all those ungracious locals who think they own the damn train. Soon, I swore off public transportation.
The recent announcement of the expansion of the MRT services coupled with expanded bus services might be able to alleviate these issues - not including the ungracious Singaporean. The numerous courtesy campaigns doesn't seem to work on these people. Talking about that recent announcement, what it means basically is, you can own a car, but I'm gonna penalise you hard if you drive into town and add to the congestion. Some may think it's poor planning. I think it was a superb strategic move by the Government.
Here's how it works.
First they, increase the number of COEs. This in turns lowers the price of the COE, making it more affordable to own a car. Then, they flood the market with China-made cars, as with everything that comes from China, cheap but not necessarily good. Then, they relaxed car-financing rules. Now, those 3 moves automatically allowed those who previously couldn't afford a car, to suddenly be able to own and operate one.
As the car population grew and the congestion became worse, they are able to justify increasing the ERP charges and adding more gantries. To sweeten the deal, the ARF is reduced by 10%, which translates to roughly $1500 for a Corolla and probably $5000 for a Merc or Beemer. The ERP raise is almost 50% and it is a recurring charge, while the ARF is only a 1-time charge at the point of purchase. Well, do the maths.
Can't you see? First we are all drawn towards cheaper car prices and, once we are saddled with 10-yr loans for our cars, we are slapped with the ERP raise and more gantries. To the average Singaporean, who is living their dream of owning a car, it is sucking us dry. To the Government, it's ka-ching.......
PS: I just wonder what great package the Government is going to come up with for the next election to make us forget the ERP raise.
My princess has started smiling and laughing already. However, having turned 4 months yesterday, she has still to learn how to roll over. More often than not, she just lies on her back staring at me or her mama waiting for something to happen. Doesn't seem to be a proactive baby lah - more a reactive one thus far. Either way, I can't get enough of her toothless grin. Talking about babies, had a comical conversation with a friend whose son was born within days of Izza, where we joked about bethroting our kids. It's nothing more than just a comical conversation, but I am intrigued at that thought.
For sure I won't do that to my daughter, I'd rather let fate and her own heart take care of that. I mean thinking about it, I'm not sure how I would react at being told, "Son, this is your future wife". It's a good thing that such practices are practically unheard-of in our society though it may still be prevalent in some social backwaters in a bid to preserve one family's social status, at the same time avoiding that social status barrier. It would be side-splitting to hear the son reply to that proclaimation with, "Thanks Dad, she's pretty, but I'm in love with a guy".
Date released a few days back showed that the population of Singapore is nearly 4.6million. of that at least 3 million are residents with the rest being foreign talent. It just amazes me how many people are cramped almost sardine-like in Singapore. I mean, have you seen the human traffic at the MRT stations during peak hours? Yeah, we could probably flatten Bukit Timah and Mt Faber and use that soil for further reclamation to further expand Singapore but would that alleviate the crunch that takes place every rush hour. I doubt so. While it is imperative that we remain competitive and in doing so, having to boost our dwindling population, does it have to be at the cost of the comfort of the residents?
Put it this way, the last time I took the MRT I almost puked in the train from all the "aroma" that was swirling around the already-stale air. I mean, you put in the un-deodorised people together with the hundreds of foreign workers rushing to get to Little India and you know you got a weapon of mass destruction right there. For me that was enough, don't these people practice basic hygiene? I got off the train and waited for a less crowded one. That's not the end of it. We have yet to account for all those ungracious locals who think they own the damn train. Soon, I swore off public transportation.
The recent announcement of the expansion of the MRT services coupled with expanded bus services might be able to alleviate these issues - not including the ungracious Singaporean. The numerous courtesy campaigns doesn't seem to work on these people. Talking about that recent announcement, what it means basically is, you can own a car, but I'm gonna penalise you hard if you drive into town and add to the congestion. Some may think it's poor planning. I think it was a superb strategic move by the Government.
Here's how it works.
First they, increase the number of COEs. This in turns lowers the price of the COE, making it more affordable to own a car. Then, they flood the market with China-made cars, as with everything that comes from China, cheap but not necessarily good. Then, they relaxed car-financing rules. Now, those 3 moves automatically allowed those who previously couldn't afford a car, to suddenly be able to own and operate one.
As the car population grew and the congestion became worse, they are able to justify increasing the ERP charges and adding more gantries. To sweeten the deal, the ARF is reduced by 10%, which translates to roughly $1500 for a Corolla and probably $5000 for a Merc or Beemer. The ERP raise is almost 50% and it is a recurring charge, while the ARF is only a 1-time charge at the point of purchase. Well, do the maths.
Can't you see? First we are all drawn towards cheaper car prices and, once we are saddled with 10-yr loans for our cars, we are slapped with the ERP raise and more gantries. To the average Singaporean, who is living their dream of owning a car, it is sucking us dry. To the Government, it's ka-ching.......
PS: I just wonder what great package the Government is going to come up with for the next election to make us forget the ERP raise.
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
First day of 2008.....364 more to go.....
No countdowns, no happy-merrying. Just a sombre me, a half-awake wifey and a sound asleep baby on the bed as the clock struck 12 on 1st January 08. That's in stark contrast to the way we celebrated 06 and 07.
06 was spent under some trees along Marina Promenade arguing while waiting for the fireworks followed by some shed tears with promises to start afresh. 07 was spent somewhere in the vicinity with a much happier outlook also catching fireworks. This year, it's just the 3 of us dozing off with no fanfare whatsoever.
Not that it means nothing to us, just that the expanding family has brought about different perspectives to both of us. No longer are we thinking only for ourselves, we've got Izza around to keep us in check. Not that she scolds us or anything, I'll spank her if she does, just that her mere presence reminds us constantly of the things that are more important.
Some of my friends have started their A-Z of their hopes for 2008 after my last post which included an A-Z of my previous year. That's great for them, I just hope that now they have it in words, they would work harder and not forget what they have hoped and aimed for. I don't think it'd be a problem for them though seeing how they review almost every action they take.
Which is the reason why I don't put down my hopes and dreams in ink somewhere. For me, my hopes and dreams are fluid. They are not cast in stone or ink. I mean, at a certain point in time, I may have an affinity towards something but over the course of the year, that affinity may change. While it's good to have something to work towards through the year, it may be a burden as we get closer to the end of the year.
Having set a target at the start of the year, we'd be forced to review those targets at the end of the year and, inevitably, we end up focusing on the failures, trying to disect it, understand what went wrong and try to make good the following year. Thus, instead of focusing on our achievements and important milestones, we peg ourselves back to review the what-ifs, what-nots and what could or should have been.
I've had enough of having to work towards a set target in the office that I do not want to live my personal life the same way I live my professional life. For me, life is too precious and fragile to be judged by the failures of the lofty targets we may have set for ourselves and certainly not worth the heartache of reviewing the failures of what we did not achieve compared to what we did achieved. Between having to disect my failure to lose weight and to see Izza gain weight or reach a certain height, I'd choose the latter anytime.
I'd rather see myself as a success over the year by focusing on the achievements of me and my family than to see myself as an abject failure by poring over the variables which contributed to the failures. At the end of the day, it's how you want to see yourself in the mirror......
06 was spent under some trees along Marina Promenade arguing while waiting for the fireworks followed by some shed tears with promises to start afresh. 07 was spent somewhere in the vicinity with a much happier outlook also catching fireworks. This year, it's just the 3 of us dozing off with no fanfare whatsoever.
Not that it means nothing to us, just that the expanding family has brought about different perspectives to both of us. No longer are we thinking only for ourselves, we've got Izza around to keep us in check. Not that she scolds us or anything, I'll spank her if she does, just that her mere presence reminds us constantly of the things that are more important.
Some of my friends have started their A-Z of their hopes for 2008 after my last post which included an A-Z of my previous year. That's great for them, I just hope that now they have it in words, they would work harder and not forget what they have hoped and aimed for. I don't think it'd be a problem for them though seeing how they review almost every action they take.
Which is the reason why I don't put down my hopes and dreams in ink somewhere. For me, my hopes and dreams are fluid. They are not cast in stone or ink. I mean, at a certain point in time, I may have an affinity towards something but over the course of the year, that affinity may change. While it's good to have something to work towards through the year, it may be a burden as we get closer to the end of the year.
Having set a target at the start of the year, we'd be forced to review those targets at the end of the year and, inevitably, we end up focusing on the failures, trying to disect it, understand what went wrong and try to make good the following year. Thus, instead of focusing on our achievements and important milestones, we peg ourselves back to review the what-ifs, what-nots and what could or should have been.
I've had enough of having to work towards a set target in the office that I do not want to live my personal life the same way I live my professional life. For me, life is too precious and fragile to be judged by the failures of the lofty targets we may have set for ourselves and certainly not worth the heartache of reviewing the failures of what we did not achieve compared to what we did achieved. Between having to disect my failure to lose weight and to see Izza gain weight or reach a certain height, I'd choose the latter anytime.
I'd rather see myself as a success over the year by focusing on the achievements of me and my family than to see myself as an abject failure by poring over the variables which contributed to the failures. At the end of the day, it's how you want to see yourself in the mirror......
Monday, December 31, 2007
My year in reflection.......
It's 4pm on New Year's Eve and while practically half of Singapore are busying themselves with getting ready for a countdown party, I'm still at work, staring blindly at my computer screen, my mind wandering aimlessly through the various memories etched in my mind through the last 364 days.
It doesn't really matter to me that I have to stay back at work today. I mean the few hours of freedom in my office is something to savour. While the other team are engrossed in the rounds of Warcraft, here I am, punding away furiously on my keyboard, all the while trying to recall the milestones that did take place. It may mean nothing to some others, but the following A-Z of the year means the world to me.
Arguments - yeap there were loads of these, so much it nearly pushed us over the edge.
Baby - the saving grace after 4 years of marriage, our pride and joy.
Cameron Highlands - drove up in March, during the CNY weekend, tiring trip with torturous traffic jams on the way there but worth every minute when we did get there
Death - some friends passed on, sadly and tragically. May Allay bless their souls and places them in exalted company, Insyallah.
Education - finally, restarted my Adv Diploma course which has been on hold for so long, hopefully I'll get the cert this coming year.
Fatherhood - obviously the greatest thing to have ever happened to me, apart from my birth
Grandma/grandpa - both my parents were away at the start of 2007, returning home from their hajj as grandparents, with my niece's birth
Hajj - both my parents completed their pilgrimage earlier this year, successfully, thanks to Allah.
In-laws - my constant gripe though, I'd have to admit, it's becoming lesser of a problem now
Jelapang Rd - the place I call home, close to friends (they've been very quiet these past few months tho), close to some family, home for a few more years still
KKH - our most visited place this year
Leave - almost ran out of leave at the end of the year, as I kept utilising my leave to go for my wife's checkups at KKH
Marriage - no, not mine again, my cousin got married, as did a friend from my pre-u days, congrats Syahid and Sutinah and Juny and hubby (his name keeps slipping my mind, sorry sis)
Nuryn Izzati - the name of my precious baby, means "the light of our chastity" or "cahaya kemuliaanku"
October - the month where she was born, eight days after her mom's birthday
Promotion - wifey got a promotion this year, and a salary hike, a great achievement for her after more than 10 years of slogging at the same company.
Queasy - the feeling I got when the gynae told my wife, she'd have to have an induce birth the following morning on our last checkup
Renovate - something we'de like to get done on our home, though not on our list of priorities, at least we did change to a bigger bedroom set out of necessity
Sex - of the baby, I was sure it was gonna be a boy, though honestly, it didn't matter, I'm equally over the moon.
Trips - went on a trip to Cameron in March and KL in June, none since then, feet are itching to go somewhere soon
Up - the ever increasing price of everything, from petrol to electricity to water and even baby diapers, the only thing that doesn't increase on a similar scale is our pay
Videographer - my first and only project to do wedding videography for my cousin's wedding, dun think I'll be venturing out to do it on a part-time basis, it's tiring lah!
Wife - my greatest companion, critic, supporter and headache, love her still in spite of all the headaches
X-rated - the feeling in my head during one of the more serious hbouts of wife-induced headaches
Yeap Min Li - the gynae who monitored my wife during her pregnancy and delivered my baby girl, arguably the most important people in my life now
Zzzzzzzz - something we both have been struggling to have since the birth of our daughter, a happy problem we'd have anytime.
Well, that was basically the year that passed. As far as resolution goes, I haven't made any. I don't remember making any resolutions the year before, which just says that come the same time next year, I'm likely to have forgotten what were my resolutions I made for 2008. I might as well not make any resolutions to begin with.
Simplistic? I'd call it being realistic.
It doesn't really matter to me that I have to stay back at work today. I mean the few hours of freedom in my office is something to savour. While the other team are engrossed in the rounds of Warcraft, here I am, punding away furiously on my keyboard, all the while trying to recall the milestones that did take place. It may mean nothing to some others, but the following A-Z of the year means the world to me.
Arguments - yeap there were loads of these, so much it nearly pushed us over the edge.
Baby - the saving grace after 4 years of marriage, our pride and joy.
Cameron Highlands - drove up in March, during the CNY weekend, tiring trip with torturous traffic jams on the way there but worth every minute when we did get there
Death - some friends passed on, sadly and tragically. May Allay bless their souls and places them in exalted company, Insyallah.
Education - finally, restarted my Adv Diploma course which has been on hold for so long, hopefully I'll get the cert this coming year.
Fatherhood - obviously the greatest thing to have ever happened to me, apart from my birth
Grandma/grandpa - both my parents were away at the start of 2007, returning home from their hajj as grandparents, with my niece's birth
Hajj - both my parents completed their pilgrimage earlier this year, successfully, thanks to Allah.
In-laws - my constant gripe though, I'd have to admit, it's becoming lesser of a problem now
Jelapang Rd - the place I call home, close to friends (they've been very quiet these past few months tho), close to some family, home for a few more years still
KKH - our most visited place this year
Leave - almost ran out of leave at the end of the year, as I kept utilising my leave to go for my wife's checkups at KKH
Marriage - no, not mine again, my cousin got married, as did a friend from my pre-u days, congrats Syahid and Sutinah and Juny and hubby (his name keeps slipping my mind, sorry sis)
Nuryn Izzati - the name of my precious baby, means "the light of our chastity" or "cahaya kemuliaanku"
October - the month where she was born, eight days after her mom's birthday
Promotion - wifey got a promotion this year, and a salary hike, a great achievement for her after more than 10 years of slogging at the same company.
Queasy - the feeling I got when the gynae told my wife, she'd have to have an induce birth the following morning on our last checkup
Renovate - something we'de like to get done on our home, though not on our list of priorities, at least we did change to a bigger bedroom set out of necessity
Sex - of the baby, I was sure it was gonna be a boy, though honestly, it didn't matter, I'm equally over the moon.
Trips - went on a trip to Cameron in March and KL in June, none since then, feet are itching to go somewhere soon
Up - the ever increasing price of everything, from petrol to electricity to water and even baby diapers, the only thing that doesn't increase on a similar scale is our pay
Videographer - my first and only project to do wedding videography for my cousin's wedding, dun think I'll be venturing out to do it on a part-time basis, it's tiring lah!
Wife - my greatest companion, critic, supporter and headache, love her still in spite of all the headaches
X-rated - the feeling in my head during one of the more serious hbouts of wife-induced headaches
Yeap Min Li - the gynae who monitored my wife during her pregnancy and delivered my baby girl, arguably the most important people in my life now
Zzzzzzzz - something we both have been struggling to have since the birth of our daughter, a happy problem we'd have anytime.
Well, that was basically the year that passed. As far as resolution goes, I haven't made any. I don't remember making any resolutions the year before, which just says that come the same time next year, I'm likely to have forgotten what were my resolutions I made for 2008. I might as well not make any resolutions to begin with.
Simplistic? I'd call it being realistic.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
That fateful day....
Three years ago today, we watched in horror as the drama that was the tsunami unfolded before us in places some of us have never heard of, Meulaboh for instance. That was the day where many of us first read or heard the word tsunami.
As the events around the region and across the Indian Ocean took place, we affixed ourselves to our lovely TV sets, in our cosy sofas, sipping cold drinks with awe in our eyes watching the destruction wrought on those faraway lands which many have come to know as paradise on earth. Pristine locales such as Phuket and Maldives springs to mind when we think of sandy, sun drenched beaches.
Soon, the world sprang into action like never before, amazed by the destruction and overcome with grief for those who perished, yet filled with compassion for those left alive and counting the toll of destruction. There was no need to call for a donation drive. People from all walks of life put aside their busy schedules and came to the fore to give what they can and to help where they were needed. It's amazing how the human spirit shines through in the face of such adversity. Governments and MNCs doled out billions of dollars worth of emergency supplies, donations and funds to rebuild these devastated lands.
The outpouring of grief for those lost, the lasting images of the waves striking the shores, and the footage of the little child playing on the sands as the wave swept through will forever be etched in the memories of those old enough to remember and realise the gravity of the event. Truth be told, it was a "Kennedy" moment for many of us - we seem to remember exactly where we were, what we were doing when the news broke through.
Now 3 years on, we have been informed through the media that the reconstruction projects which have been taken on are truly well underway and near completion. For us Singaporeans, the bonds which some of us have forged with the Acehnese when we helped them through their testing times, will forever be remembered with gratitude by them, no doubt. Personally, I am glad that we have been able to do some good in our lives, no matter how insignificant our contributions may have been.
To see the news footage these past few days, really does warm my heart. Knowing that our contributions were put to great use and great effect for those affected, does rid me of those sceptical questions swirling in my mind. It gives me great solace reading about how our contributions have helped in rebuilding that little town of Meulaboh, which I wouldn't have known of had it not been for the tsunami.
As the events around the region and across the Indian Ocean took place, we affixed ourselves to our lovely TV sets, in our cosy sofas, sipping cold drinks with awe in our eyes watching the destruction wrought on those faraway lands which many have come to know as paradise on earth. Pristine locales such as Phuket and Maldives springs to mind when we think of sandy, sun drenched beaches.
Soon, the world sprang into action like never before, amazed by the destruction and overcome with grief for those who perished, yet filled with compassion for those left alive and counting the toll of destruction. There was no need to call for a donation drive. People from all walks of life put aside their busy schedules and came to the fore to give what they can and to help where they were needed. It's amazing how the human spirit shines through in the face of such adversity. Governments and MNCs doled out billions of dollars worth of emergency supplies, donations and funds to rebuild these devastated lands.
The outpouring of grief for those lost, the lasting images of the waves striking the shores, and the footage of the little child playing on the sands as the wave swept through will forever be etched in the memories of those old enough to remember and realise the gravity of the event. Truth be told, it was a "Kennedy" moment for many of us - we seem to remember exactly where we were, what we were doing when the news broke through.
Now 3 years on, we have been informed through the media that the reconstruction projects which have been taken on are truly well underway and near completion. For us Singaporeans, the bonds which some of us have forged with the Acehnese when we helped them through their testing times, will forever be remembered with gratitude by them, no doubt. Personally, I am glad that we have been able to do some good in our lives, no matter how insignificant our contributions may have been.
To see the news footage these past few days, really does warm my heart. Knowing that our contributions were put to great use and great effect for those affected, does rid me of those sceptical questions swirling in my mind. It gives me great solace reading about how our contributions have helped in rebuilding that little town of Meulaboh, which I wouldn't have known of had it not been for the tsunami.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Say what?!
Been a REALLY long while since I said something here. A short hiatus to recharge the old creaky batteries. It's a month now since little Izza first cried. Man, she's growing so fast. She gained 1.2kg in that month. Well, for my part, I've been through a lot too......not least, the fiasco that was Hari Raya, which is supposed to be a joyous occasion for a first-time dad.
Let's just leave it at that. Details will only open up sore, healing wounds.
One would expect that a first-time dad like myself would go on and on about his experiences of fatherhood. About how he feels, his fears and his headache at waking up in the wee hours to change diapers or feed his baby. I do think that's a bit too cliched - even for someone who loves his cliches, like myself. I mean, yeah, I'm proud to be a dad and I'm revelling in that challenge of raising my princess - feeding and diaper changes in the wee hours included. Which dad wouldn't rite?
Therein lies the problem. Too many of us come to think of our blogs as an online diary. We confide our personal, some too personal, thoughts in it. Some details everything they did in a day. Even the most mundane of details get airtime. I know that blogs are a good way of letting people who matter know what we've been up to. Then again, while some of us like to know what's new in your lives, others cringe at having to read those mundane details such as where you were at specific times, what you did in vivid details, what you ate for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
I have heard people ask me, does such details interest you? Did the author need to indulge us with those details? Does the author really think that their life is that interesting that we'd want to know what goes through your digestive system? Does the author think that their life is that spectacular to fill it with pseudo-suspence?
I do agree that sometimes we all post a blog on impulse. Sometimes, our self-serving behaviour comes to the fore and leads us to believe that the very mundane details we loathe to read from other people's blogs, actually is interesting enough for others to read. I'm not immune to that. I actually do ask myself, does the problems or challenges I face on the homefront makes for interesting reading? I am guilty of the same thinking that it's my blog and what I write there is just my thoughts with little or no consequence to others. I am guilty of posting on impulse - just to let off some steam - knowing that the otherhalf would read it. Lame excuse, I know
Personally, I won't blame the author for all the mundane details and the overdose of self-centred mindset that the world does revolve around them. I mean, it's their prerogative to do so and, at the same time, make themselves look like attention-seekers. As a reader, while we reserve the right to criticise a post, we would do well to excercise tongue and finger control to avoid misunderstandings with the authors which may lead to unpleasant scenes.
Well, for me, I'm working on that finger and tongue control.
Let's just leave it at that. Details will only open up sore, healing wounds.
One would expect that a first-time dad like myself would go on and on about his experiences of fatherhood. About how he feels, his fears and his headache at waking up in the wee hours to change diapers or feed his baby. I do think that's a bit too cliched - even for someone who loves his cliches, like myself. I mean, yeah, I'm proud to be a dad and I'm revelling in that challenge of raising my princess - feeding and diaper changes in the wee hours included. Which dad wouldn't rite?
Therein lies the problem. Too many of us come to think of our blogs as an online diary. We confide our personal, some too personal, thoughts in it. Some details everything they did in a day. Even the most mundane of details get airtime. I know that blogs are a good way of letting people who matter know what we've been up to. Then again, while some of us like to know what's new in your lives, others cringe at having to read those mundane details such as where you were at specific times, what you did in vivid details, what you ate for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
I have heard people ask me, does such details interest you? Did the author need to indulge us with those details? Does the author really think that their life is that interesting that we'd want to know what goes through your digestive system? Does the author think that their life is that spectacular to fill it with pseudo-suspence?
I do agree that sometimes we all post a blog on impulse. Sometimes, our self-serving behaviour comes to the fore and leads us to believe that the very mundane details we loathe to read from other people's blogs, actually is interesting enough for others to read. I'm not immune to that. I actually do ask myself, does the problems or challenges I face on the homefront makes for interesting reading? I am guilty of the same thinking that it's my blog and what I write there is just my thoughts with little or no consequence to others. I am guilty of posting on impulse - just to let off some steam - knowing that the otherhalf would read it. Lame excuse, I know
Personally, I won't blame the author for all the mundane details and the overdose of self-centred mindset that the world does revolve around them. I mean, it's their prerogative to do so and, at the same time, make themselves look like attention-seekers. As a reader, while we reserve the right to criticise a post, we would do well to excercise tongue and finger control to avoid misunderstandings with the authors which may lead to unpleasant scenes.
Well, for me, I'm working on that finger and tongue control.
Sunday, October 14, 2007
My pursuit of happyness
Eid Mubarak to all!! Hope you are all having a better Syawal than me!!!
It's the second day of Syawal and princess is enjoying the attention from all the visitors. I'd like to think so cos she's been sleeping through it all. After all it's her first Hari Raya and our first as a family, even if it means we can't go around and visit any of our relatives and friends.
As much as I'd like to gripe about all those people who skip fasting during Ramadhan, yet never fail to be decked out in all their brand new Hari Raya clothes and accessories which may only be used this one time, I'll give it a rest this time. While it's quite irritating and frustrating to see their shamelessness, there's only so much we could do. I mean, although we could approach them and advice them nicely, but who's to say they won't reply snidely with a scowl on their face. And that's putting it nicely.
I watched The Pursuit of Happyness on cable over the weekend. I must say that it was a really good movie. Made me wonder why I didn't catch it the first time it came out in the cinema. Something Will Smith said in the movie just resonates within me - maybe happiness is something that we can only pursue and maybe we can actually never have it. Somehow, that line in the movie just struck a chord in me. Is it possible that happiness is just a state of mind that never really exists, that it is created as means of purpose in our lives, to give us something to work towards? Happiness.
Why am I feeling philosphic? Simple, my in-laws are staying with me. Well, my MIL is around to take care of wifey and baby while she is in confinement. It's not anyone's fault really, I made her stay with us, else, we'd have to stay at their place. Not a very interesting prospect.
Honestly, I've never really gotten along with my in-laws. Perhaps, a part of me just refuses to get along. Outwardly, everything may seem OK. I mean, it's not like I don't acknowledge them or act despicably in their presence - I just wasn't brought up that way. It's just I can't stand the way they do things and the way they think. Some things happened over the course of the week, compounded by what transpired this morning that made me blew my top. I'm not going into details for wifey's sake, suffice to say, I've no love nor respect for my in-laws.
Yeah, I know. Who doesn't have problems with the in-laws. This is why I think happyness for me is just that - a concept that I may never be able to truly attain, as long as I'm in conflict with myself on whether or not to confront my anger, dislike and disrespect towards the family I may never be able to love.
It's the second day of Syawal and princess is enjoying the attention from all the visitors. I'd like to think so cos she's been sleeping through it all. After all it's her first Hari Raya and our first as a family, even if it means we can't go around and visit any of our relatives and friends.
As much as I'd like to gripe about all those people who skip fasting during Ramadhan, yet never fail to be decked out in all their brand new Hari Raya clothes and accessories which may only be used this one time, I'll give it a rest this time. While it's quite irritating and frustrating to see their shamelessness, there's only so much we could do. I mean, although we could approach them and advice them nicely, but who's to say they won't reply snidely with a scowl on their face. And that's putting it nicely.
I watched The Pursuit of Happyness on cable over the weekend. I must say that it was a really good movie. Made me wonder why I didn't catch it the first time it came out in the cinema. Something Will Smith said in the movie just resonates within me - maybe happiness is something that we can only pursue and maybe we can actually never have it. Somehow, that line in the movie just struck a chord in me. Is it possible that happiness is just a state of mind that never really exists, that it is created as means of purpose in our lives, to give us something to work towards? Happiness.
Why am I feeling philosphic? Simple, my in-laws are staying with me. Well, my MIL is around to take care of wifey and baby while she is in confinement. It's not anyone's fault really, I made her stay with us, else, we'd have to stay at their place. Not a very interesting prospect.
Honestly, I've never really gotten along with my in-laws. Perhaps, a part of me just refuses to get along. Outwardly, everything may seem OK. I mean, it's not like I don't acknowledge them or act despicably in their presence - I just wasn't brought up that way. It's just I can't stand the way they do things and the way they think. Some things happened over the course of the week, compounded by what transpired this morning that made me blew my top. I'm not going into details for wifey's sake, suffice to say, I've no love nor respect for my in-laws.
Yeah, I know. Who doesn't have problems with the in-laws. This is why I think happyness for me is just that - a concept that I may never be able to truly attain, as long as I'm in conflict with myself on whether or not to confront my anger, dislike and disrespect towards the family I may never be able to love.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Izza down with jaundice
Izza went for her checkup yesterday morning at Bukit Batok Polyclinic.
Got a bit of worrying news - her jaundice was at 279. The attending doc decided that it was best that we sent her to KKH A&E. We preferred it if she was not warded, but it was not to be. She is warded for now. She "checked-in" yesterday at about 2.30pm. After "checking-in", we stayed a while and went home. We were both a bit tired, still getting used to waking up in the middle of the night to take care of her, so we slept the rest of day away.
Spent the night resting at home. Got some pleasant surprises with some of the gifts. I'm sure Izza was ecstatic at the bling she got from Uncle Aiz , Uncle Andy, Auntie Irah and Auntie Nanie -in no particular order - for the beautiful piece. Not forgetting the dozens of clothes she has been getting. We both missed her terribly last night, even if we slept soundly. Both of us kept sniffing at her unwashed clothes....
. Understandably, wifey was a bit distraught at the thought of leaving her in KKH, but it was for the best
Wifey check with the ward earlier but was told that she needed to be held back for a while yet. We'll definitely be visiting her after I finish work today, hopefully, she'll be discharged later today too.
Got a bit of worrying news - her jaundice was at 279. The attending doc decided that it was best that we sent her to KKH A&E. We preferred it if she was not warded, but it was not to be. She is warded for now. She "checked-in" yesterday at about 2.30pm. After "checking-in", we stayed a while and went home. We were both a bit tired, still getting used to waking up in the middle of the night to take care of her, so we slept the rest of day away.
Spent the night resting at home. Got some pleasant surprises with some of the gifts. I'm sure Izza was ecstatic at the bling she got from Uncle Aiz , Uncle Andy, Auntie Irah and Auntie Nanie -in no particular order - for the beautiful piece. Not forgetting the dozens of clothes she has been getting. We both missed her terribly last night, even if we slept soundly. Both of us kept sniffing at her unwashed clothes....
. Understandably, wifey was a bit distraught at the thought of leaving her in KKH, but it was for the bestWifey check with the ward earlier but was told that she needed to be held back for a while yet. We'll definitely be visiting her after I finish work today, hopefully, she'll be discharged later today too.
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