When I first signed up to watch this, I was expecting a night of feel good Rajasthani folk music with maybe some dancing thrown in.
Nothing prepared me for the moving, seductive, emotional roller coaster that is the performance by 43 Manganiyar musicians into a realm of music that has the ability to build your psyche to a fever pitch.
Starting with a long string instrument, the performance starts with a simple layer of soul-strumming notes that build, layer, upon layer, instrument upon instrument, voice upon voice, to a complete symphony that hypnotised, scincillated and completely consumed my senses.
When describing it to my friends, I compared it to a hurricane, that starts of with a low pressure zone, and then picks up strength, and builds, spirally every upward, pulling everything in its vicinity into its all consuming vortex.
It was the best visual parallel I could think of at the moment, and it hardly does it any justice.
I did not understand the language, did not know what they were singing about, but I do know that for 4 or 5 days afterwards, the refrain kept ringing in my head. If they come back, I already know of a few people I will drag along to watch it with me.
Side note: President Nathan was there!He had apparently come the night before, for the gala, and loved it so much, he came back the next night. It was thrilling to know that I have the same taste in music as our President! Ha ha.
Saturday, May 29
Wednesday, April 28
Making memories with mama
Doing this skit for mother's day really makes me think about my relationship with my mother. She turns 61 this Friday and suddenly, I realise I am at the age where I first noticed her getting old. It surprisingly coincides with the time I became a teenager, but I am sure adolescent angst had nothing to do with the way I perceived her. (tongue firmly in cheek)
At 37, my mother was grumpy - alot. Everything I did annoyed her. I remember there was once I came home from school and was sitting at the table talking to her when suddenly, suddenly, she flew into a rage because I was sitting around in my uniform. It was confusing, it was like "you just noticed? I been sitting here for 30 minutes!"
At 37, my mother was not very sociable. She went to work, she came home. No parties, no exercise, no trips to visit people, nothing. It bothered me that she was quite happy pottering around her plants, or sitting in semi-darkness, listening to Tamil film music from the 40s and 50s. Aren't people who need people the luckiest people? I didn't get it.
At 37, my mother was very tired. She slept alot, in the afternoons, early in the evenings, on a bus, in a cab. All the time.
Now that she is 61, she is one of the most happening women. Her days are packed with morning runs, social visits, trips to JB, gatherings, parties. Ever since semi-retirement, its like her life really took off.
And I am tired. and grumpy. and not very sociable.
We have come full circle.
At 37, my mother was grumpy - alot. Everything I did annoyed her. I remember there was once I came home from school and was sitting at the table talking to her when suddenly, suddenly, she flew into a rage because I was sitting around in my uniform. It was confusing, it was like "you just noticed? I been sitting here for 30 minutes!"
At 37, my mother was not very sociable. She went to work, she came home. No parties, no exercise, no trips to visit people, nothing. It bothered me that she was quite happy pottering around her plants, or sitting in semi-darkness, listening to Tamil film music from the 40s and 50s. Aren't people who need people the luckiest people? I didn't get it.
At 37, my mother was very tired. She slept alot, in the afternoons, early in the evenings, on a bus, in a cab. All the time.
Now that she is 61, she is one of the most happening women. Her days are packed with morning runs, social visits, trips to JB, gatherings, parties. Ever since semi-retirement, its like her life really took off.
And I am tired. and grumpy. and not very sociable.
We have come full circle.
Saturday, April 24
Restaurant Review - Wild Honey
One of the best things about this flexi-schedule that I have adopted is the opp to meet friends and angels for weird middle of the day meals and chit chat sessions. Had one recently with one of my goondu friends at an amazing brunch place called Wild Honey, located at the third floor of the Mandarin Gallery.
Ok, this is not, I repeat NOT, a cheao eats place. Brunch set us back about $70 bucks. When I say us, I mean him, because he was sweet enough to treat me after he noticed that I almost went into cardiac arrest upon looking at the menu/ price board.
But, oh, was it good.
I had the English Breakfast and the nectar of the gods for a drink. Except they call it Wild Mocha Dolce. It was the first time I was served more bacon than I could eat. The sauteed mushrooms were perfect, as was the link sausage and the most heavenly scrambled eggs. The toast was about as thick as my index finger and wonderfully buttered. My dining partner has the most atas looking eggs benedict, which tasted really good, and I dont really like eggs ben, so there you go.
And then we just figuratively popped our pants and sat there for another hour, like pythons that has swallowed a whole pig each. And talked. And dreamed. And were quiet together. AIn't it grand to have friends you can be quiet with? That you don't have to entertain. Or be entertained by.
The best thing about that morning, besides the great feed, was finding a place in your soul where you didn't feel rushed, and then finding a physical space that didn't rush you either. In Singapore at least, seldom do the twain meet.
Post note: I just went to hungrygowhere to read the reviews on Wild Honey and was really surprised to read all the really bad reviews on the food and service. My exprrience was nothing like that. Maybe they have pulled up their socks after those reviews. Or maybe all those reviewers went on weekends that are never good for any brunch place anyway. We went on the a Thursday.
But ya, I had a divine experience and I think you should try it for yourself.
Ok, this is not, I repeat NOT, a cheao eats place. Brunch set us back about $70 bucks. When I say us, I mean him, because he was sweet enough to treat me after he noticed that I almost went into cardiac arrest upon looking at the menu/ price board.
But, oh, was it good.
I had the English Breakfast and the nectar of the gods for a drink. Except they call it Wild Mocha Dolce. It was the first time I was served more bacon than I could eat. The sauteed mushrooms were perfect, as was the link sausage and the most heavenly scrambled eggs. The toast was about as thick as my index finger and wonderfully buttered. My dining partner has the most atas looking eggs benedict, which tasted really good, and I dont really like eggs ben, so there you go.
And then we just figuratively popped our pants and sat there for another hour, like pythons that has swallowed a whole pig each. And talked. And dreamed. And were quiet together. AIn't it grand to have friends you can be quiet with? That you don't have to entertain. Or be entertained by.
The best thing about that morning, besides the great feed, was finding a place in your soul where you didn't feel rushed, and then finding a physical space that didn't rush you either. In Singapore at least, seldom do the twain meet.
Post note: I just went to hungrygowhere to read the reviews on Wild Honey and was really surprised to read all the really bad reviews on the food and service. My exprrience was nothing like that. Maybe they have pulled up their socks after those reviews. Or maybe all those reviewers went on weekends that are never good for any brunch place anyway. We went on the a Thursday.
But ya, I had a divine experience and I think you should try it for yourself.
Friday, April 23
Theatre Review - Chicago
Having booked tickets for this show in November, one can only imagine the excitement and anticipation that went into watching this at the magnificent Esplanade Theatre. Our seats were excellent, in the middle of the floor, literally. So, without further ado, it is on with the show.
And the brillant Aussie cast did not disappoint. From the amazing choreography of all the dance sequences to the amazing band that spent the entire time of stage, it was a great musical experience. It amazed me how much like a younger Madonna "Roxie" looked. Also amazing was the 8 foot tall (or so it seemed) Kitty, who literally had legs that went on for miles and a six-pack that would make any Manhunt contestant cringe in shame.
The ensemble cast did it for me more than any of the main parts, their collective talents going into making Chicago the great production that it is. Like the band, they too spent their off-stage time, on stage, sitting in chairs next to the wings and watching the actors like it was the first time they had seen this musical.
Of course no show is ever perfect and this one had its down moments too. Not too many, thankfully and probably none that will be noticed by the average audience member.
For one, Velma looked a little winded about halfway into the 1st half and when she lifted that obviously-too-heavy chair above her head, I really thought she was gonna brain herself in the head. It was a bit worrying, because they were only 3 days into the run, and she already looked sligghtly tired. Maybe it was the jetlag.
The other thing was this. While it is great that they had a black man in the production, they might have wanted to check if he could do a Mid-western accent before they gave him lines! It kind of ruined it for me that he had sort of Jamiacan-immigrant meets Cockney accent. Messed with my suspension of disbelief, as it were.
And yes, that was really his butt. He had a good coloured man butt. Get over it. Sheesh.(Sorry, a bit of passive agression there. But you won't beleive how much conversation that poor man's posterior elicited.)
If you have seen it yet, please go. The movie can't even compare, Richard Gere notwithstanding:)
Showing at the esplanade till 9 May 2010.
And the brillant Aussie cast did not disappoint. From the amazing choreography of all the dance sequences to the amazing band that spent the entire time of stage, it was a great musical experience. It amazed me how much like a younger Madonna "Roxie" looked. Also amazing was the 8 foot tall (or so it seemed) Kitty, who literally had legs that went on for miles and a six-pack that would make any Manhunt contestant cringe in shame.
The ensemble cast did it for me more than any of the main parts, their collective talents going into making Chicago the great production that it is. Like the band, they too spent their off-stage time, on stage, sitting in chairs next to the wings and watching the actors like it was the first time they had seen this musical.
Of course no show is ever perfect and this one had its down moments too. Not too many, thankfully and probably none that will be noticed by the average audience member.
For one, Velma looked a little winded about halfway into the 1st half and when she lifted that obviously-too-heavy chair above her head, I really thought she was gonna brain herself in the head. It was a bit worrying, because they were only 3 days into the run, and she already looked sligghtly tired. Maybe it was the jetlag.
The other thing was this. While it is great that they had a black man in the production, they might have wanted to check if he could do a Mid-western accent before they gave him lines! It kind of ruined it for me that he had sort of Jamiacan-immigrant meets Cockney accent. Messed with my suspension of disbelief, as it were.
And yes, that was really his butt. He had a good coloured man butt. Get over it. Sheesh.(Sorry, a bit of passive agression there. But you won't beleive how much conversation that poor man's posterior elicited.)
If you have seen it yet, please go. The movie can't even compare, Richard Gere notwithstanding:)
Showing at the esplanade till 9 May 2010.
Saturday, April 17
Where I have been for the past 3 months
Ever made a really big mistake and then realised that maybe that was just God's way of waking you up to the plans He has for you?
If I have to assign meaning to the last three months, then I think that would be it. Taking the job at [that company] was the wrong thing to do, but I am something right came out of it.
So the plan now is to see how stepping out of the safety of the career-boat is going to change my life. Putting priorities right is the most important thing to do, and yet its amazing how many of us get stuck in the "must have job" rut.
I am totally trusting God for this. Not myself, not my friends, not my connections, only him.
Am excited to see what God's gonna do. I think the last time I said that, was ten years ago.
If I have to assign meaning to the last three months, then I think that would be it. Taking the job at [that company] was the wrong thing to do, but I am something right came out of it.
So the plan now is to see how stepping out of the safety of the career-boat is going to change my life. Putting priorities right is the most important thing to do, and yet its amazing how many of us get stuck in the "must have job" rut.
I am totally trusting God for this. Not myself, not my friends, not my connections, only him.
Am excited to see what God's gonna do. I think the last time I said that, was ten years ago.
Friday, March 5
Morning Train Rides
Living as I do in the far north, I have the option either to take the North-South Train or the Train that connects to the East West Line. They both take about the same time to get to my stop, so it doesn't really matter, but there are som real differences in the commuter profile for both.
North-South Line:
Lots of poly students getting of at Yio Chu Kang. Usually dishevelled, half asleep and move slowly.
Office workers tend to be more well-heeled, senior exec and above.
The men are more chivalrous, giving their seat to the needy and letting you read over their shoulder.
More expats who get on at Novena, Newton and Orchard.
East West Line:
More aunties. Where they are going that early, noone knows, but they sure can move fast when a seat empties...
More industrial worker and junior exec types.
When trains get super packed, more stations have those service ambassadors whose job seems to be to stand around and say in a weak voice "Move in, Move in."
More people who like to congregate near the doors.
I wonder if this is an accurate way to classify the social divisions in our society. North - young, well educated, high income?
West - Older, lower income?
Just a thought.
North-South Line:
Lots of poly students getting of at Yio Chu Kang. Usually dishevelled, half asleep and move slowly.
Office workers tend to be more well-heeled, senior exec and above.
The men are more chivalrous, giving their seat to the needy and letting you read over their shoulder.
More expats who get on at Novena, Newton and Orchard.
East West Line:
More aunties. Where they are going that early, noone knows, but they sure can move fast when a seat empties...
More industrial worker and junior exec types.
When trains get super packed, more stations have those service ambassadors whose job seems to be to stand around and say in a weak voice "Move in, Move in."
More people who like to congregate near the doors.
I wonder if this is an accurate way to classify the social divisions in our society. North - young, well educated, high income?
West - Older, lower income?
Just a thought.
Thursday, January 21
Long break
Its been a real long time since this blog has been updated. But with good reason.So much has happened, it will take me a long time to go into it. So I will do that another day. Suffice it to say I am well and happy and looking forward to the promises of the new year.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Sunday, December 6
Surely Goodness and Mercy
In an amazing sermon message today. God reminded me that it was not me that found Him, but Him that found me. And not just found me in a haphazard manner, like how we would would find a pair of black socks tucked in the corner of the drawer. "Oh, there they are! I will just put them with the other half dozen pairs of black socks I own. Now, where are those tan tights?"
Oh,no, the word is "radaph", which is Hebrew for "hunt down and find" and then, after finding, to follow with a doggedness that will not let go.
What a relief! What freedom! That instead of us having to worry about straying, or sticking by God, and the myriad of things we have invented for ourselves to do (Read bible, pray, fast, aargh I forgot, that's it! I have to start over!), God is actually the one who is seeking us out - constantly and commitedly.
What an awesome God!
Surely goodness and mercy will follow (Radaph) me all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:6
Oh,no, the word is "radaph", which is Hebrew for "hunt down and find" and then, after finding, to follow with a doggedness that will not let go.
What a relief! What freedom! That instead of us having to worry about straying, or sticking by God, and the myriad of things we have invented for ourselves to do (Read bible, pray, fast, aargh I forgot, that's it! I have to start over!), God is actually the one who is seeking us out - constantly and commitedly.
What an awesome God!
Surely goodness and mercy will follow (Radaph) me all the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23:6
Starbucks-CityHall-Christmas
Cityhall Starbucks-people watching-everyone-waiting for someone-dates-firstdates-blinddates-datingagency?-maybe marriage broker-printed page with photos-profiles.
E-bay businessman - meeting place - 4 clients - good day?
Kids Studying - execs working on laptop - friends meeting - Salvo girls with red pot - bells ringing - are you listening - Live music - sponsored by Mastercard - people shopping - waiting - watching - laughing.
Starbucks City Hall - is noone there for the coffee?
Rain- misted doors - fairylights -looks like Christmas - crowds everywhere - train crowds, office crowd - dinner crowd - drinks crowd- date crowd. Oxymoron? - Husbands - wives - kids - maids - celebration of life - reflection of Christ?
In the midst - chaos and order - me- Waiting- watching- Hoping- To be done soon - 1/2 dozen donuts in the bag - to eat with my boy at home - Still waiting - Still watching.
Phone beeps- message- sorry - held up- can't make it - how about Sunday? Suddenly weary- slightly peeved - remember donuts- get up with purpose - goodby Starbucks - home.
E-bay businessman - meeting place - 4 clients - good day?
Kids Studying - execs working on laptop - friends meeting - Salvo girls with red pot - bells ringing - are you listening - Live music - sponsored by Mastercard - people shopping - waiting - watching - laughing.
Starbucks City Hall - is noone there for the coffee?
Rain- misted doors - fairylights -looks like Christmas - crowds everywhere - train crowds, office crowd - dinner crowd - drinks crowd- date crowd. Oxymoron? - Husbands - wives - kids - maids - celebration of life - reflection of Christ?
In the midst - chaos and order - me- Waiting- watching- Hoping- To be done soon - 1/2 dozen donuts in the bag - to eat with my boy at home - Still waiting - Still watching.
Phone beeps- message- sorry - held up- can't make it - how about Sunday? Suddenly weary- slightly peeved - remember donuts- get up with purpose - goodby Starbucks - home.
Tuesday, November 3
Movie Review - This is it
"Don't worry ma'am, we have plenty of tickets for the 2:00pm show"
I could not hide my shock and disbelief when the girl at the counter said those words to me. Plenty of tickets to "This is it"? 3 days after it opened worldwide? How can this be?
Maybe it was an odd time. People usually have plans at 2pm on a Sunday and movie watching isn't one of them right? Right?
Anyway, H and I had a great time, sitting in the almost empty theatre, grooving, singing along and dancing in our seats with the man himself.
Michael Jackson. From my very first MJ album (Off the Wall on casette tape, tyvm), I have been a fan. Of his music, his style, his dancing, his quirky sense of humour. I think in a another place and time, Michael and I could have been really good friends.
I was blown away by the man's musical genius. The way he knew his music, the way he got the musicians to get to where he needed, and mostly, the humble, direct and straightforward way he put across his ideas was amazing to watch. It was evident from the movie his dancers, musicians, tecnicians et al absolutely loved this guy.
Just watching the way he was around these people, full of life, energy and hope, it is heartbreaking to know he is no more. I had to hold back tears quite a few times, when it hit me that he would never see the dreams he had for this concert come to pass. That none of them did. The guy who was supposed to stand in the back with a flashlight for Michael after "Smooth Criminal" never got his gig.
But I am glad that Michael was allowed to show us all this side of him. His spirit of excellence, the exactness he extracted from performances. Anyone in the stage business needs to learn that from him.
I loved the movie, but mostly I loved Michael. Rest in peace, man. Rest in peace.
I could not hide my shock and disbelief when the girl at the counter said those words to me. Plenty of tickets to "This is it"? 3 days after it opened worldwide? How can this be?
Maybe it was an odd time. People usually have plans at 2pm on a Sunday and movie watching isn't one of them right? Right?
Anyway, H and I had a great time, sitting in the almost empty theatre, grooving, singing along and dancing in our seats with the man himself.
Michael Jackson. From my very first MJ album (Off the Wall on casette tape, tyvm), I have been a fan. Of his music, his style, his dancing, his quirky sense of humour. I think in a another place and time, Michael and I could have been really good friends.
I was blown away by the man's musical genius. The way he knew his music, the way he got the musicians to get to where he needed, and mostly, the humble, direct and straightforward way he put across his ideas was amazing to watch. It was evident from the movie his dancers, musicians, tecnicians et al absolutely loved this guy.
Just watching the way he was around these people, full of life, energy and hope, it is heartbreaking to know he is no more. I had to hold back tears quite a few times, when it hit me that he would never see the dreams he had for this concert come to pass. That none of them did. The guy who was supposed to stand in the back with a flashlight for Michael after "Smooth Criminal" never got his gig.
But I am glad that Michael was allowed to show us all this side of him. His spirit of excellence, the exactness he extracted from performances. Anyone in the stage business needs to learn that from him.
I loved the movie, but mostly I loved Michael. Rest in peace, man. Rest in peace.
Saturday, October 3
Raising a man
I completely identify with Renee Zellweger's character in Jerry McGuire, when she told her sister that while her friends ar trying to find a man, keep a man, she was trying to raise a man. I feel you, sista.
I don't know how to find the right motivation button to press that will turn Hanan into the responsible, conscientious and hardworking man that I know he can be. Until then, I am left with the stubborn, careless pre-teen with a major chip on his shoulder.
I don't know how much of this is hormones. My colleague tried to convince me that boys are naturally lazy, but they will find a way to turn out alright later. I am hard-pressed to buy that. I am sure there are boys who are well-adjusted human beings who are also good with everyday tasks like schoolwork.
Maybe I should just rear fish.
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him James 1:5
I guess I need to seek wisdom in this matter. Obviously, I don't know what I am doing or I will do it better.
I don't know how to find the right motivation button to press that will turn Hanan into the responsible, conscientious and hardworking man that I know he can be. Until then, I am left with the stubborn, careless pre-teen with a major chip on his shoulder.
I don't know how much of this is hormones. My colleague tried to convince me that boys are naturally lazy, but they will find a way to turn out alright later. I am hard-pressed to buy that. I am sure there are boys who are well-adjusted human beings who are also good with everyday tasks like schoolwork.
Maybe I should just rear fish.
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him James 1:5
I guess I need to seek wisdom in this matter. Obviously, I don't know what I am doing or I will do it better.
Saturday, September 19
How can 2 walk together, except they agree?
This has been the theme recently in almost all aspects of my life - work, marriage, motherhood, daughterhood and friendship.
Being with someone in any relationship will involve being in some kind of agreement about basic things as well as deep spiritual stuff. And when that doesn't exist, what you have is resentment, anger, strife and disappointment.
How to agree?
By being submissive to another's will - this is easier said that done for me. I am known for my mule-like stubborness.
By negotiating a "agree to disagree" scenario - not always ideal and can't have too many of these in a relationship.
Persuasive dialogue - talk someone around to see and accept your point of view (My personal favourite :) heh heh)
By building the basic foundation of the relationship together, so there are agreed upon values which will not flounder when the load on them gets too heavy at times.
I think God uses all of these to build a relationship with us. He submitted to death on the cross to remove the division between us, allowed us to give up some of his laws regarding diet, war and non-beleivers, talked to us through the gentle voice of Jesus Christ and then his disciples to help us see his view and put in place his commandments as a shared set of values for us to enjoy building His kingdom with him.
Agreeing with each other is not as impossible as it looks. As beleivers especially, half the work is already done for us.
Being with someone in any relationship will involve being in some kind of agreement about basic things as well as deep spiritual stuff. And when that doesn't exist, what you have is resentment, anger, strife and disappointment.
How to agree?
By being submissive to another's will - this is easier said that done for me. I am known for my mule-like stubborness.
By negotiating a "agree to disagree" scenario - not always ideal and can't have too many of these in a relationship.
Persuasive dialogue - talk someone around to see and accept your point of view (My personal favourite :) heh heh)
By building the basic foundation of the relationship together, so there are agreed upon values which will not flounder when the load on them gets too heavy at times.
I think God uses all of these to build a relationship with us. He submitted to death on the cross to remove the division between us, allowed us to give up some of his laws regarding diet, war and non-beleivers, talked to us through the gentle voice of Jesus Christ and then his disciples to help us see his view and put in place his commandments as a shared set of values for us to enjoy building His kingdom with him.
Agreeing with each other is not as impossible as it looks. As beleivers especially, half the work is already done for us.
Tuesday, September 15
What I learnt in the last 5 days
1) God is real.
2) He is my Champion.
3) He is always for me, and because he is, who can be against me?
4) He is my provider. Not my job, not my work, not my employer. He alone.
5) He protects me from the fowler's snare
6) I am fearfully and wonderfully made. And he plans to prosper me.
7) That every groan, every sigh reaches him.
8) That every injustice is recorded and vengeance is His and His alone.
9) The the world is a vale of tears, but God has called us into His own.
10) That I will no matter how broken I am, I still live in the house of the Lord.
2) He is my Champion.
3) He is always for me, and because he is, who can be against me?
4) He is my provider. Not my job, not my work, not my employer. He alone.
5) He protects me from the fowler's snare
6) I am fearfully and wonderfully made. And he plans to prosper me.
7) That every groan, every sigh reaches him.
8) That every injustice is recorded and vengeance is His and His alone.
9) The the world is a vale of tears, but God has called us into His own.
10) That I will no matter how broken I am, I still live in the house of the Lord.
Thursday, September 10
Random Update
It has been a few days since the end of hell week, where there were 4 major projects to complete. In the lull, I have been working on getting head screwed on right again, while preparing for the next wave of busyness, which is coming soon, I am sure.
Change is a recurring subject for this blog, because there is such alot of it in my life, I guess. Very soon, there will be changes at work, and I will trying to exact changes in my personal life as well. Limbo is not really my thing.
*****
Hanan's streaming exams are literally around the corner, and we have to get cracker-lacking! His Tamil is a big worry, not so much that he has to pass this exam, but rather, what if he does and can't handle it at P5 and PSLE? Am I needlessly torturing my child? While its fine to promote mother tongue education and all, there really should be other alternatives.
Sigh.
*****
Really looking forward to my trip to HK in Oct. This will my first time to this land that many people think Singapore is a part of. More than anything, I think I am looking forward to the break. From work, from home, from responsibilities and expectations. And also from the fair shores of Singapore, which I have not left since .... I can't remember when. The timing is a bit sucky, right before exam fever, but still...
*****
Went to watch The Proposal on Monday. Been ages since I saw a decent rom-com, so I really enjoyed it. Its amazing how Sandra Bullock still looks so hot. And the role suited her to a T, even though she doesn't really play strong woman characters. Go Sandra Bee! Ryan Reynolds is a bit of a hottie too, although I didn't exactly see a wide enough range of emotions in this movie to be able to tell anything about his acting ability.
*****
And that's it.
Change is a recurring subject for this blog, because there is such alot of it in my life, I guess. Very soon, there will be changes at work, and I will trying to exact changes in my personal life as well. Limbo is not really my thing.
*****
Hanan's streaming exams are literally around the corner, and we have to get cracker-lacking! His Tamil is a big worry, not so much that he has to pass this exam, but rather, what if he does and can't handle it at P5 and PSLE? Am I needlessly torturing my child? While its fine to promote mother tongue education and all, there really should be other alternatives.
Sigh.
*****
Really looking forward to my trip to HK in Oct. This will my first time to this land that many people think Singapore is a part of. More than anything, I think I am looking forward to the break. From work, from home, from responsibilities and expectations. And also from the fair shores of Singapore, which I have not left since .... I can't remember when. The timing is a bit sucky, right before exam fever, but still...
*****
Went to watch The Proposal on Monday. Been ages since I saw a decent rom-com, so I really enjoyed it. Its amazing how Sandra Bullock still looks so hot. And the role suited her to a T, even though she doesn't really play strong woman characters. Go Sandra Bee! Ryan Reynolds is a bit of a hottie too, although I didn't exactly see a wide enough range of emotions in this movie to be able to tell anything about his acting ability.
*****
And that's it.
Thursday, August 27
10 years
This day, ten years ago, at 9:27 am, my life changed.
I now had another person to take care of. Of me and yet independant of me. Mine and yet, not quite. Of more worth than silver of gold, and yet just a bundle of wrinkly flesh. And good lungs.
What people said:
- He is so perfect
- You are so blessed
- He is going to be a wonderful being
- He will bring you joys you didn't know about
What they didn't say
- You will never sleep again
- Your body will never get over it
- You will find out the most wonderful and most evil things about yourself
- You will feel sorrow about things that didn't matter before
They were right. But so were the unspoken words.
One thing I do know. I wouldn't change it for the world. He is my only arrow in my quiver, but he would be the one I want next to me, come what may.
He is my baby, my son, my kid, my joy, my trial and my greatest blessing.
Happy birthday son!
I now had another person to take care of. Of me and yet independant of me. Mine and yet, not quite. Of more worth than silver of gold, and yet just a bundle of wrinkly flesh. And good lungs.
What people said:
- He is so perfect
- You are so blessed
- He is going to be a wonderful being
- He will bring you joys you didn't know about
What they didn't say
- You will never sleep again
- Your body will never get over it
- You will find out the most wonderful and most evil things about yourself
- You will feel sorrow about things that didn't matter before
They were right. But so were the unspoken words.
One thing I do know. I wouldn't change it for the world. He is my only arrow in my quiver, but he would be the one I want next to me, come what may.
He is my baby, my son, my kid, my joy, my trial and my greatest blessing.
Happy birthday son!
Tuesday, August 25
My week in review
Its been a busy busy busy week and guess what? Next week will be even busier. On the one hand, I am just thankful that I am blessed with so much to do, so many to love and time to do it all. On the other, I am a little weary of the routine, of the sheer everydayness of it all and can't wait for a break!
Meanwhile here is my week in review
Monday
Company Dinner and Dance. Was super fun. Thanks J and A who babysat for me and allowed me this night. I won a hairdryer. Pictures here is the crazy marcom team. And Darth Vader. That's actually John, our designer, who was part of the org comm and hence got to be in costume, but not eat anything.
Tuesday
Earnest work on Annual Report begins. Stress
Wednesday
Meetings. meetings, meetings and more meetings. Most unproductive day of the week. But finding time is a skill that I am working on, so this was a good day to practise.
Thursday
Scramble like mad to complete the magazine. In a writing flurry, and in the midst of it panic about how I haven't written the script for the church anniversary yet.
Went to prayer meeting at night. First time in a long long while. Felt good.
Friday
..I'm in love. Hee. Not really. But it's a song. Ok, Friday was a usual work day, mad rush to finish stuff. Spent Friday night shopping with Hanan for an outfit to wear to ...
Sat
....Vimal's ROM party. Which was also super fun. The food was awesome and the company was great. It was small-ish, about 100 people in all. As usual, ours was the hecklers' table, and very noisy. It was great that we have so many friends and family in our circle who are such good singers. save money on entertainement.
Sunday
Lunch with J and V,their treat, God bless them. T came along too. Crystal Jade dim sum rocks! Ooh, and I ran into Shades from Ngee Ann Poly. He looked so grown up, so man - not like the boy I once knew. I promised to find him on facebook, but haven't done that yet.
Monday
Happy Birthday, Prashanth!!! My baby brother turns 31, which makes me feel even older. Its a shame he is so far away, but you know we love you, bro! And mummy's home from India. Two weeks without her is just too long. Also, Hanan's exan started. Ugh.
Which brings us to today!
See what I mean by blessed beyond belief?
Meanwhile here is my week in review
Monday
Company Dinner and Dance. Was super fun. Thanks J and A who babysat for me and allowed me this night. I won a hairdryer. Pictures here is the crazy marcom team. And Darth Vader. That's actually John, our designer, who was part of the org comm and hence got to be in costume, but not eat anything.
Tuesday
Earnest work on Annual Report begins. Stress
Wednesday
Meetings. meetings, meetings and more meetings. Most unproductive day of the week. But finding time is a skill that I am working on, so this was a good day to practise.
Thursday
Scramble like mad to complete the magazine. In a writing flurry, and in the midst of it panic about how I haven't written the script for the church anniversary yet.
Went to prayer meeting at night. First time in a long long while. Felt good.
Friday
..I'm in love. Hee. Not really. But it's a song. Ok, Friday was a usual work day, mad rush to finish stuff. Spent Friday night shopping with Hanan for an outfit to wear to ...
Sat
....Vimal's ROM party. Which was also super fun. The food was awesome and the company was great. It was small-ish, about 100 people in all. As usual, ours was the hecklers' table, and very noisy. It was great that we have so many friends and family in our circle who are such good singers. save money on entertainement.
Sunday
Lunch with J and V,their treat, God bless them. T came along too. Crystal Jade dim sum rocks! Ooh, and I ran into Shades from Ngee Ann Poly. He looked so grown up, so man - not like the boy I once knew. I promised to find him on facebook, but haven't done that yet.
Monday
Happy Birthday, Prashanth!!! My baby brother turns 31, which makes me feel even older. Its a shame he is so far away, but you know we love you, bro! And mummy's home from India. Two weeks without her is just too long. Also, Hanan's exan started. Ugh.
Which brings us to today!
See what I mean by blessed beyond belief?
Monday, August 10
Restaurant Review - KPO
Better than meeting up with friends I really enjoy is meeting them in a cool place like KPO, where the slate coloured walls, muted lighting and cosy low sofas made for great conversation.
It helped that for the first hour or so, we were just about the only ones there, the PH crowd only picking up after 1:30pm. Sad for the outlet, but yay for us.
After all the mixed reviews I read about the place on www.hungrygowhere.com, I knew that checking it out myself would be the only thing to do. So with two willing(or not) victims, that's just what we did.
KPO is right where that "philatelic" place is, the Killney Post Office, hence its moniker. I guess it must get pretty crowded at night with the yuppie crowd, but today is was a family brunch sorta vibe.
I had the all day breakfast aka the works. Scrambled eggs on ultra thick toast, nice fat sausage, generous side of bacon, hash browned potatoes for $15 was a pretty good deal to me. What was NOT a good deal was the miserable tiny cup of Earl Grey for $9 bucks. C'mon guys, if you are gonna charge that much, at least give us a pot, will ya?
R's Steak and eggs were pretty good too. The red wine reduction for the sauce was really yummy, flavoured with rosemary and delightfully fruity.
PKH's spring chicken was hardly more than chick sized. Served on mash, it was tasty enough, but the portion would hardly feed a bird.. ha ha. A little poultry cannibal humour there.
Nothing on the dessert side really appealed, so we went to TCC for some dark devotion instead.
On the whole, I liked KPO, next time might try some of the local fare. Someone at the next table was having Hokkien Mee and it smelt heavenly.
It helped that for the first hour or so, we were just about the only ones there, the PH crowd only picking up after 1:30pm. Sad for the outlet, but yay for us.
After all the mixed reviews I read about the place on www.hungrygowhere.com, I knew that checking it out myself would be the only thing to do. So with two willing(or not) victims, that's just what we did.
KPO is right where that "philatelic" place is, the Killney Post Office, hence its moniker. I guess it must get pretty crowded at night with the yuppie crowd, but today is was a family brunch sorta vibe.
I had the all day breakfast aka the works. Scrambled eggs on ultra thick toast, nice fat sausage, generous side of bacon, hash browned potatoes for $15 was a pretty good deal to me. What was NOT a good deal was the miserable tiny cup of Earl Grey for $9 bucks. C'mon guys, if you are gonna charge that much, at least give us a pot, will ya?
R's Steak and eggs were pretty good too. The red wine reduction for the sauce was really yummy, flavoured with rosemary and delightfully fruity.
PKH's spring chicken was hardly more than chick sized. Served on mash, it was tasty enough, but the portion would hardly feed a bird.. ha ha. A little poultry cannibal humour there.
Nothing on the dessert side really appealed, so we went to TCC for some dark devotion instead.
On the whole, I liked KPO, next time might try some of the local fare. Someone at the next table was having Hokkien Mee and it smelt heavenly.
Friday, August 7
Happy 44th Singapore
It will be National Day soon, and I am amazed at how many of my colleagues and friends don't seem to be excited about it at all. Most of them are planning weekend getaways, and basically trying to find places in Singapore that wont be affected by the parade logistics (i.e not downtown)
I am really looking forward to it. The parade, the national song medleys, the members of parliament filin in one by one. The commands in Malay, the guard of honour, the contingents behind them. The arrival of the Prime Minister, the look LKY and LHL exchange (always makes me wanna cry), the slow darkening of the sky.
The arrival of the President, the seeking of permission, the National Anthem (but this time I have just lost it and can hardly see the TV through my tears. The feu de joie (21 Gun salute), the flypast, the showcasing of our military prowess.
The parade inspection, the marchpast, my sigh of relief when the President can finally sit down.
The pledge. This year its gonna be an amazing thing, with everyone, all of singapore, taking the pledge together at 8:22pm. Kudos to the genius who came up with this.
And then, the show. The fireworks. And the end of another wonderful birthday.
Happy Birthday, old girl. We may complain, and moan and sigh with discontent, but we love ya. And will keep praying for ya.
I am really looking forward to it. The parade, the national song medleys, the members of parliament filin in one by one. The commands in Malay, the guard of honour, the contingents behind them. The arrival of the Prime Minister, the look LKY and LHL exchange (always makes me wanna cry), the slow darkening of the sky.
The arrival of the President, the seeking of permission, the National Anthem (but this time I have just lost it and can hardly see the TV through my tears. The feu de joie (21 Gun salute), the flypast, the showcasing of our military prowess.
The parade inspection, the marchpast, my sigh of relief when the President can finally sit down.
The pledge. This year its gonna be an amazing thing, with everyone, all of singapore, taking the pledge together at 8:22pm. Kudos to the genius who came up with this.
And then, the show. The fireworks. And the end of another wonderful birthday.
Happy Birthday, old girl. We may complain, and moan and sigh with discontent, but we love ya. And will keep praying for ya.
Monday, August 3
parenting
I need a manual. Really. The personality changes and emotional rollercoasters that my kid has been on lately, I have no idea how to deal with it. Are you supposed to hit puberty when you are 10?
I realise that while the mature kid in him listens to me reason it out, the petulant child whines and carries on. Over the weekend, we had a battle of wills a few times, until out of sheer exhasution, I did the unforgivable. I hit the kid.
He didn't cry, but the look of intense pain, fury and hurt he gave me was horrible and terrifying. Immediately, "What have you done?" razed through my brain.
I came clean, told my brother about it, and he took Hanan aside for some mano a mano counselling. And I am glad i could draw on his support for this.
But what if it happens again? And again? What if in frustration, Hanan says something to hurt me?
I need a manual.
***
I have a manual.
The bible is full of wisdom on how to raise a child.
Spare the rod, and spoil the child.
Do not provoke your child to anger.
Train a child in the way he should go.
Teach him God's commandments.
I haven't exactly been following the manual. It's time for a refresher. From the Refresher.
I realise that while the mature kid in him listens to me reason it out, the petulant child whines and carries on. Over the weekend, we had a battle of wills a few times, until out of sheer exhasution, I did the unforgivable. I hit the kid.
He didn't cry, but the look of intense pain, fury and hurt he gave me was horrible and terrifying. Immediately, "What have you done?" razed through my brain.
I came clean, told my brother about it, and he took Hanan aside for some mano a mano counselling. And I am glad i could draw on his support for this.
But what if it happens again? And again? What if in frustration, Hanan says something to hurt me?
I need a manual.
***
I have a manual.
The bible is full of wisdom on how to raise a child.
Spare the rod, and spoil the child.
Do not provoke your child to anger.
Train a child in the way he should go.
Teach him God's commandments.
I haven't exactly been following the manual. It's time for a refresher. From the Refresher.
Thursday, July 30
With all thy getting, get understanding
Solomon was really on to something. He really had everything mortal man could want in the physical world. Money, fame, power, women, properties, children (this one's a bit iffy. And yet his knowledge that all that is nothing without understanding (or wisdom, as some translations have it), is really mind boggling.
In a time when so much of what we do seems to be based on how we feel, rather than what we know, I am reminded that wisdom to sift the wheat from the chaff is indeed the most valuable thing of all.
So much is relative, so much is measured on the level of pure emotion, that it is easy to look track of what's real and go with the flow. I am thankful for reminders everyday.
I know this is kinda rambling and random, but I needed to remember I said this.
In a time when so much of what we do seems to be based on how we feel, rather than what we know, I am reminded that wisdom to sift the wheat from the chaff is indeed the most valuable thing of all.
So much is relative, so much is measured on the level of pure emotion, that it is easy to look track of what's real and go with the flow. I am thankful for reminders everyday.
I know this is kinda rambling and random, but I needed to remember I said this.
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