This trip had been two or three years in the planning. When I was working as a Librarian, I always tried to give priority to my colleagues who had family. They had children and had to take leave during the school holiday period. The bad part? I could never go on tour with my Dad and two aunts, one of whom is a teacher.
Even last year, I did not dare to take leave as I have developed this phobia for it. I was afraid that I would get "No" for an answer. Now that I am in my new work place though, I plucked up the courage and went to ask my boss. She was really nice and even though I am not confirmed till November, she agreed to the dates that I asked for as there was no one taking it yet.
I feel very blessed to be working in this new environment. With good guidance and fairly good colleagues, I think for once, I can safely say that I can live longer. I thank the good Lord for that.
Thus it is so, that I will be spending my Christmas in the land of my forefathers.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
EeeeeeH......E71
I have a lot of backlog on my blog! First of all, I would like to announce that I have bought the Nokia E71!!! I cannot believe myself! I am so not a Nokia person and yet, I went to buy a Nokia phone. I must hereby state though, it is more out of its functionality than anything else.
Read a lot of reviews on other smart phones on cnet before I decided on this phone. I was dead against buying the iPhone though, as I thought it too faddish and I heard its fair share of...issues.
Anyway, mine is the white version and I am happy with the change so far. Only boo-boo is that I did not realise why the battery was running out so fast till last night. The Notification light was set to go on for an hour. Of course battery run out in 2.5 days lah! Hahahaha!!!
Read a lot of reviews on other smart phones on cnet before I decided on this phone. I was dead against buying the iPhone though, as I thought it too faddish and I heard its fair share of...issues.
Anyway, mine is the white version and I am happy with the change so far. Only boo-boo is that I did not realise why the battery was running out so fast till last night. The Notification light was set to go on for an hour. Of course battery run out in 2.5 days lah! Hahahaha!!!
Monday, October 5, 2009
The last time I saw her
Last night, at around eleven plus, our house phone rang. My thought was," No news is good news at this hour" and true enough, it was bad news.
The part-time domestic help whom I so dearly call Auntie for the past 16 years, passed away after coming back from Indonesia, her home town by sea. Auntie is a Chinese originally from Indonesia. She has been in Singapore for the longest time and earns a living to help raise her family by cleaning the houses of other people. Her husband never really treated her very well, but that is another story altogether.
Auntie had cleaned our house from the time that we were staying in Yishun. Even when we moved to the East, she did not mind travelling the distance even though she stayed in Khatib. She liked our family, my mum in particular (I am sometimes not the nicest of persons when it came to the way I wanted my clothes ironed).
It was only when I brought back Snowy the dog that she had her asthma relapse and my mum took the chance to tell her to stop work and rest at home. Auntie, after all, was not that young. I cannot even remember why I took Snowy back with me but it was the time when I separated from my ex-husband and when I realised that my mum too, was allergic to the dog (and that my dad did not like any sort of pet in the house much) that I had to painfully return Snowy to him. It still pains me talking about it. I feel that I treat Snowy more like my lover more than my ex-husband.
Recently, when we shifted to our new place, our present part-time domestic-help could not make it. Mum had asked Auntie to come along. She just wanted Auntie to sit around and look after the furniture and stuff and see to things. She didn't really want her to do much. It was a way to let her spend her time and also to take a look at our new place.
It was so troublesome to move from our old place that Auntie and I had to come over to the new place first. We were to guard the door and to look out for the movers when they arrived.
I still remember the minute that we stepped into the new house, she took the vacuum cleaner while I took a bucket and clothe. She started vacuuming the floor while I started wiping the window and window grills like crazy. It was tres dusty!! Both of us cleaned up the place quite a bit in no time and yet, there was no sign of the movers.
Auntie decided to buy lunch as it was nearing 3 and my stomach was growling. I remember giving her $10 for her to buy us both some food. I still remember that it was duck noodles and a packet of coffee. Both of us sat in the kitchen, the kitchen cabinet top as our table, slurping the noodles away. She had wanted to return me the $10. I still remember telling her to keep it and take it as an Ang Pao since I never really did give her one. Come to think of it, I could barely call that an ang pao.
We had a good time and before she left, I promised her that I would go visit her at her home one day, perhaps during the Chinese New Year. Never did I dream that the first and last time that I would visit her home, would be during her wake.
Last week or so, she went back to Indonesia to visit relatives and attend a wedding dinner. Halfway through the stay, she had fallen ill (asthma attack) and was sent to the local hospital. She refused to stay on and insisted on coming back.
The frugal lady had travelled by sea there and so naturally, would come back the same way. The big waves and choppy waters must have made her worse as, according to her daughter (the one who called us), she passed away once she reached Singapore.
She may have burnt quite a few of my clothes and washed them the wrong way at times but in my heart, she is the best Auntie who knew how to iron best.
Rest in peace Auntie.
The part-time domestic help whom I so dearly call Auntie for the past 16 years, passed away after coming back from Indonesia, her home town by sea. Auntie is a Chinese originally from Indonesia. She has been in Singapore for the longest time and earns a living to help raise her family by cleaning the houses of other people. Her husband never really treated her very well, but that is another story altogether.
Auntie had cleaned our house from the time that we were staying in Yishun. Even when we moved to the East, she did not mind travelling the distance even though she stayed in Khatib. She liked our family, my mum in particular (I am sometimes not the nicest of persons when it came to the way I wanted my clothes ironed).
It was only when I brought back Snowy the dog that she had her asthma relapse and my mum took the chance to tell her to stop work and rest at home. Auntie, after all, was not that young. I cannot even remember why I took Snowy back with me but it was the time when I separated from my ex-husband and when I realised that my mum too, was allergic to the dog (and that my dad did not like any sort of pet in the house much) that I had to painfully return Snowy to him. It still pains me talking about it. I feel that I treat Snowy more like my lover more than my ex-husband.
Recently, when we shifted to our new place, our present part-time domestic-help could not make it. Mum had asked Auntie to come along. She just wanted Auntie to sit around and look after the furniture and stuff and see to things. She didn't really want her to do much. It was a way to let her spend her time and also to take a look at our new place.
It was so troublesome to move from our old place that Auntie and I had to come over to the new place first. We were to guard the door and to look out for the movers when they arrived.
I still remember the minute that we stepped into the new house, she took the vacuum cleaner while I took a bucket and clothe. She started vacuuming the floor while I started wiping the window and window grills like crazy. It was tres dusty!! Both of us cleaned up the place quite a bit in no time and yet, there was no sign of the movers.
Auntie decided to buy lunch as it was nearing 3 and my stomach was growling. I remember giving her $10 for her to buy us both some food. I still remember that it was duck noodles and a packet of coffee. Both of us sat in the kitchen, the kitchen cabinet top as our table, slurping the noodles away. She had wanted to return me the $10. I still remember telling her to keep it and take it as an Ang Pao since I never really did give her one. Come to think of it, I could barely call that an ang pao.
We had a good time and before she left, I promised her that I would go visit her at her home one day, perhaps during the Chinese New Year. Never did I dream that the first and last time that I would visit her home, would be during her wake.
Last week or so, she went back to Indonesia to visit relatives and attend a wedding dinner. Halfway through the stay, she had fallen ill (asthma attack) and was sent to the local hospital. She refused to stay on and insisted on coming back.
The frugal lady had travelled by sea there and so naturally, would come back the same way. The big waves and choppy waters must have made her worse as, according to her daughter (the one who called us), she passed away once she reached Singapore.
She may have burnt quite a few of my clothes and washed them the wrong way at times but in my heart, she is the best Auntie who knew how to iron best.
Rest in peace Auntie.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Woah! I have been missing in action for quite some time now. Actually, it was more like I was taking in all the action. Went to Sunway Pyramid for the Hari Raya Puasa long weekend. I really let my hair down and let go!!!!
First of all, we were upgraded to k class executive (Konsortium)when we were on our way back. Super comfortable. Plus because we got the first row of seats, there was a much bigger leg room.
Already started shopping right after we dumped our bags in our room and spent almost the whole day at the theme park screaming our lungs out. By the way, just in case you were wondering who is the "we" in question, it's me and my ex-colleague. we went up the water slide 4 times, trying out the different slides, but on the last time down, I almost drowned as the speed was too fast and our float toppled. I was overthrown from the float and yet I could not touch the ground. Panic came over me and I kept bobbing up and down in the float 'hole'. I was finally saved by a lifeguard.
Ate at Nando's too! It was not the same as when I ate in Melbourne or the sort of taste that I remember from Perth but it definitely did satisfy my craving for peri-peri sauce. Yum!
Fooling around with big frames 'spectacles' on our way to Sunway.
Was trying to take a picture of the night view from our room and I ended up seeing this amazing yet, a little scary reflection of ourselves!
Fooling around with big frame spectacles yet AGAIN! Hahaha!
The view from our room during the day.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Watching Getai
I used to think that going to getais (those temporary stages put up to allow the ghosts and humans to enjoy) were tacky. There will be singers singing ah lien songs, wearing ah lien clothes and patronised by lots of old ah bengs.
I am not sure whether it is an age thing or whether my perception has totally changed but I was actually looking forward to going to a getai and to embrace whatever that comes with it. It has finally dawned on me that it is something that is quite unique to these parts of the world.
I came home to echo-y loud music and walked towards that all too familiar stage with live singers belting out oldies and old Japanese style sort of songs. It was as if I was mesmerised. There was a lot of talking before the singing and when the singer did sing, it was obvious that age had caught up with her and her voice was not as loud and clear. I went up stairs to put my stuff down and was met with Dad.
Both of us came down again and watched the last hour of the live show before retiring back to our humble abode. There was an ang-moh sitting down to watch the show as well.
Before, I used to get creeped out by the fact that the front few rows of chairs were always left empty for the ghosts. Now though, I guess it is part of our culture and I just accept it.
Tacky as it may all seem to be, I quite enjoyed the whole experience.
I am not sure whether it is an age thing or whether my perception has totally changed but I was actually looking forward to going to a getai and to embrace whatever that comes with it. It has finally dawned on me that it is something that is quite unique to these parts of the world.
I came home to echo-y loud music and walked towards that all too familiar stage with live singers belting out oldies and old Japanese style sort of songs. It was as if I was mesmerised. There was a lot of talking before the singing and when the singer did sing, it was obvious that age had caught up with her and her voice was not as loud and clear. I went up stairs to put my stuff down and was met with Dad.
Both of us came down again and watched the last hour of the live show before retiring back to our humble abode. There was an ang-moh sitting down to watch the show as well.
Before, I used to get creeped out by the fact that the front few rows of chairs were always left empty for the ghosts. Now though, I guess it is part of our culture and I just accept it.
Tacky as it may all seem to be, I quite enjoyed the whole experience.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
Belly dance my way to slim-ness
The community club (cc) is just a stone's throw away from my house now. Used to scone at the activities and courses that they offer until my Dad became a course provider there himself.
I had previously picked up some brochures for belly dancing classes and aerobics classes at the cc. I finally decided on belly dancing as it held on Thursdays. Aerobics classes were on Fridays and I still wanted to reserve that evening for fun and friends.
After dinner (please see previous posting) and sending my aunts home, we came home (obviously). Dad and I had to pass the cc after we have parked our car at the multi-story car park. I didn't want to procrastinate anymore and decided to just sign up!
Quite excited actually as I had been wanting to learn this for quite some time. Other than learning something that I am interested in, I can get a decent workout! How wonderful! I'm excited (as you can see from all the exclamation marks).
I had previously picked up some brochures for belly dancing classes and aerobics classes at the cc. I finally decided on belly dancing as it held on Thursdays. Aerobics classes were on Fridays and I still wanted to reserve that evening for fun and friends.
After dinner (please see previous posting) and sending my aunts home, we came home (obviously). Dad and I had to pass the cc after we have parked our car at the multi-story car park. I didn't want to procrastinate anymore and decided to just sign up!
Quite excited actually as I had been wanting to learn this for quite some time. Other than learning something that I am interested in, I can get a decent workout! How wonderful! I'm excited (as you can see from all the exclamation marks).
First Aider!
It's been a busy week at work and my weekend is burnt. Burnt because I have been sent to attend a First Aid course. Finally!!
It was on very short notice and I realised that it was going to be from 8.30am to 6pm!!! What a drag! But after I went in for the lesson, I decided that it was going to be fun! It was, and I made a lot of new friends. All ladies of course.
The facilitator was also cute, not in the sense of handsome-cute but more humorous cute. He is an ex-paramedic with very real stories and lots of scenarios for us to play out. I had to 'kiss' a dummy and revive a baby dummy but it was all fun. I am kind of happy that I finally got to learn first aid. Even when I was in my Librarian job, I was not sent on this course. I'm glad to say that at least I now know what the steps to CPR are.
I wanted to buy dumplings from Fong Kee (People's Park Complex) as it was near where I had my course but turned out that my aunts went to our new place for a tour of the house and wanted to eat at Chinatown!
I walked the tourist streets of Chinatown such as Pagoda Street and Trengganu Street before meeting them to eat at the Chinatown hawker centre. If you are a Cantonese and enjoy traditional Cantonese food, then you should really try this stall called Macau Fong Cheng Cuisine (#02-211). It was yummilicious!!!!! Psst! It was so yummy that I had 2 bowls of rice :P
It was on very short notice and I realised that it was going to be from 8.30am to 6pm!!! What a drag! But after I went in for the lesson, I decided that it was going to be fun! It was, and I made a lot of new friends. All ladies of course.
The facilitator was also cute, not in the sense of handsome-cute but more humorous cute. He is an ex-paramedic with very real stories and lots of scenarios for us to play out. I had to 'kiss' a dummy and revive a baby dummy but it was all fun. I am kind of happy that I finally got to learn first aid. Even when I was in my Librarian job, I was not sent on this course. I'm glad to say that at least I now know what the steps to CPR are.
I wanted to buy dumplings from Fong Kee (People's Park Complex) as it was near where I had my course but turned out that my aunts went to our new place for a tour of the house and wanted to eat at Chinatown!
I walked the tourist streets of Chinatown such as Pagoda Street and Trengganu Street before meeting them to eat at the Chinatown hawker centre. If you are a Cantonese and enjoy traditional Cantonese food, then you should really try this stall called Macau Fong Cheng Cuisine (#02-211). It was yummilicious!!!!! Psst! It was so yummy that I had 2 bowls of rice :P
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
