'Auld Lang Syne', that most poignant and nostalgic piece of music evokes so much memories and emotions that it brings tears to the eyes as well as joy to the revellers. Forty six years ago, I graduated from RAF Ternhill in England, and during the graduation parade, we slow marched to the music which eventually changed to a quick march as we marched off the parade ground.
And so we come to the end of 2007. As I write this last post for the year, the tune brings mixed emotions thinking back to the many 'Auld Lang Syne days'. The ending of one era into the next.
Two Thousand and Seven had been good to me and my family. The Lord had been very kind to us all. The problem is that we all fail often to appreciate all the blessings the Lord had invoked in us. And so I give thanks to the Lord for 2007 and ask the Lord to continue to bless and guide us in the coming year 2008.
Just as the year ends, I found my new home. Last Saturday, I went out with my son and my wife to view an apartment not too far away from my current home. It was a very nice corner unit facing some foliage and the nature reserve. Unfortunately, it was quite small. We walked away impressed.
Back home, I scoured the classified advertisement and located three potential executive maisonette for sale. Calling the agents, I made appointments to see them the next afternoon. They were all located inside this estate I was interested in.
Sunday afternoon, I went to the estate with the family for lunch. After that we trooped over to view the first unit up on the top floor. We were struck by the clean surroundings and the maisonette was very impressive. Airy and bright, the owner had looked after the property well. Both my wife and my son concurred with me, and I informed the two young lady agents that we were interested, and enquired what was the lowest price out of the $680,000, that the owner was willing to offer.
Leaving that, we went to view the second maisonette at a lower floor, by another agent. Also impressive, but we felt it was not as good as the first one that we saw. It was priced at a lower $580,000 negotiable probably to $550,000. We left it at that.
Since the next viewing was to be at 6 pm, we left to have tea at O'Brien, Jelita. Soon as we got there, my mobile phone rang and the agent informed me that the owner was willing to offer me $650,000 for the unit. Sitting down with my son, we worked out a counter offer of $639,000. This was communicated to the agent. Short while later, the agent called again to make a final offer of $643,000 from the owner. We deliberated over this and finally accepted the offer. We were all jubilant over the turn of events for the day. Both my wife and my son were happy with the decision and our new home. We were talking about the renovations to come.
When we finally viewed the third property, it was purely cosmetic and found it worse off compared to the unit that we had just bought.
That Sunday, we had celebrated the feast day of the Holy Family in church and I had prayed that the Lord will guide me in my search for a new family home. Indeed the Lord had answered my prayers.
This Monday morning, the two agents turned up at my home to sign the option form and to collect the $1,000 cheque as option deposit. I was told that the owner was not too happy at the closing price and was expecting $710,000. Subsequently when the agents called back, there were no further problems except to wait for the owner's wife to sign the document.
According to the timeline I had worked out with the agents, the completion of sale should be May 2008. This will give me enough time to do my renovations and to move in by August, since I will have to vacate my present premises by 10 September, 2008.
It is a relief to have found a new family home. Everyone in the family has been supportive and excited over the selection, no less than my son, who is now talking of knocking down walls and creating something out of his imaginations. Hopefully, I will be able to buy another smaller condo unit(?) to rent out and earn some money.
The family ended the year with a dinner bash at Jason/Karen's place. Lots of good food with family members and screaming kids including two hungry Jack Russell. Fortunately Ben was able to join in late, after he got off work. We finally dispersed by one in the morning.
And so ends 2007. Welcome 2008.
Till then....
Monday, December 31, 2007
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
To all of you who reads my blog, have a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. May our Lord bless you, and may the year 2008, be a happy and blessed year for you all.
This has been a very much anticipated Christmas for my family and myself, being the last one before we move out by next year. Where we will move to is still a big question mark. But the past few days did not turn out as well for me.
Saturday morning (22/12), I was hit by a mild vertigo attack when I was in the market. I managed to hurry home to throw up in the toilet, and was incapacitated until lunch time. My wife had to go out, and I was left alone, lying flat out on my bed. The attack was mild because the vomiting lasted about 20 - 30 minutes, and lying on my bed with my eyes closed, the effect was not that violent. I managed to take a pill, and by three in the afternoon, I recovered enough to eat two slices of toast and a bowl of hot mushroom soup.
The next day, Sunday (23/12), I was out most of the day with my son and my wife, doing marketing for meat at the Swiss Butchery and vegetables at Tekka market. We ended up having lunch at Samy Fish Head Curry at Dempsey.
Monday (24/12), Christmas eve, I went with my son to collect the ham from Mandarin Hotel. A perennial Christmas family favourite because Mandarin ham is excellent in taste and quality. After that my son took me to his 'Cigar Club' for Japanese lunch. My son has expensive taste!
After lunch, we went to Tanglin Mall to do our last minute grocery shopping. Getting home by 5.30 pm, I rushed to dress up for church to help out at the 6 pm Children's Pageant/Mass. My daughters with their husband and children also attended the same Mass.
The church was very crowded, as I took my seat at the Communion Ministers specially reserved section in front of our Lady's statue. I looked round to try to locate my grand children but could not see them, though they later told me they had seen me.
The Pageant started before the Mass, and lasted for 15 minutes. After that, the Mass commenced with the Parish Priest as the main celebrant. There were so many children who sat on the floor, facing the altar, at the start of the Mass. The Mass progressed well.
When 'Our Father....' was recited, all the Communion Ministers including myself, trooped into the Sacristy, to carry out the washing ritual and to put on our sashes. After the 'Peace be with you....', we all walked in procession out towards the side of the altar.
Facing the altar during the Communion Rites, I was suddenly seized with a vertigo attack! I felt my vision turning round. I reached for my pill, but had no water to swallow it. Too late, I had to move forward to receive my Holy Communion from the Priest. Gritting my teeth and putting up a brave front, I kept praying to the Lord to help me, as I continued towards the Tabernacle to collect my ciborium. The vertigo came in light waves - on and off, on and off. Luckily I was not nauseous, which was my biggest fear, otherwise I would have to run into the Sacristy. Putting on a brave front, I took up my position in front of our Lady, and faced a big queue of parishioners. There were also many children too young to receive Holy Communion, and I had to bless them all individually. I must have given Holy Communion to at least one hundred parishioners that evening, as I continued to give to the choir members.
When I had finished, I sat down in the Sacristy unable to move anymore. I was in safe ground then, away from the congregation. I quickly took my pill with the tap water. The Sacristan saw me as he wished me a Merry Christmas, and I told him that I was having a vertigo attack. He offered his help, but nothing more he could do. He later misunderstood my vertigo attack as a heart attack and it became the talk of the church!
Over the loud speakers, I heard the Priest dismissing the congregation. As it was a very big crowd, I avoided them and sat and waited. I then called my daughter on the mobile phone and caught her and the family in the car park. She then came up to assist me down to the car.
When I got home, my son and my wife with the maid were preparing the family Christmas dinner. They were surprised that I had another vertigo attack. Still feeling groggy, I had to retire to my room to put my head down to rest. While everyone were feasting, I remained in my room. My wife brought me a bucket and a kitchen towel in case I should throw up. Fortunately, I did not throw up at all. As my condition improved, I went outside briefly. Later as the vertigo wore off, I managed to sit down to have something to eat.
What a Christmas dinner! After all the anticipation, I had to have a vertigo attack.
The next day, I got up late as I had no 7 AM Mass. It was a good night sleep for me. Christmas Day was the usual family brunch, when everyone congregated at home. My son did the cooking and some of the leftovers were dished out, especially the thick cut ham. Unfortunately my son-in-law Ben was working and was left out. After lunch the grand children were all hyped up, as the Christmas presents were distributed, to squeals of excitement and laughter. Even the adults joined in the bantering. My son and Jason sat comfortably at the balcony puffing their expensive cigars.
By evening, it was all over as everyone dispersed into their respective homes. With all the excitement, little Emma had refused to take her afternoon nap and reluctantly left with her parents to visit her other grand parents. Quiet reigned over the house again. Even my son stayed in that evening. Thus ended the farewell family Christmas gathering in my home until next year, when we will all gather in my new home, wherever that may be. Meantime, we will meet again at the New Year's Eve family dinner at Jason/Karen's place to welcome in 2008. Thanks be to God.
Till then....
This has been a very much anticipated Christmas for my family and myself, being the last one before we move out by next year. Where we will move to is still a big question mark. But the past few days did not turn out as well for me.
Saturday morning (22/12), I was hit by a mild vertigo attack when I was in the market. I managed to hurry home to throw up in the toilet, and was incapacitated until lunch time. My wife had to go out, and I was left alone, lying flat out on my bed. The attack was mild because the vomiting lasted about 20 - 30 minutes, and lying on my bed with my eyes closed, the effect was not that violent. I managed to take a pill, and by three in the afternoon, I recovered enough to eat two slices of toast and a bowl of hot mushroom soup.
The next day, Sunday (23/12), I was out most of the day with my son and my wife, doing marketing for meat at the Swiss Butchery and vegetables at Tekka market. We ended up having lunch at Samy Fish Head Curry at Dempsey.
Monday (24/12), Christmas eve, I went with my son to collect the ham from Mandarin Hotel. A perennial Christmas family favourite because Mandarin ham is excellent in taste and quality. After that my son took me to his 'Cigar Club' for Japanese lunch. My son has expensive taste!
After lunch, we went to Tanglin Mall to do our last minute grocery shopping. Getting home by 5.30 pm, I rushed to dress up for church to help out at the 6 pm Children's Pageant/Mass. My daughters with their husband and children also attended the same Mass.
The church was very crowded, as I took my seat at the Communion Ministers specially reserved section in front of our Lady's statue. I looked round to try to locate my grand children but could not see them, though they later told me they had seen me.
The Pageant started before the Mass, and lasted for 15 minutes. After that, the Mass commenced with the Parish Priest as the main celebrant. There were so many children who sat on the floor, facing the altar, at the start of the Mass. The Mass progressed well.
When 'Our Father....' was recited, all the Communion Ministers including myself, trooped into the Sacristy, to carry out the washing ritual and to put on our sashes. After the 'Peace be with you....', we all walked in procession out towards the side of the altar.
Facing the altar during the Communion Rites, I was suddenly seized with a vertigo attack! I felt my vision turning round. I reached for my pill, but had no water to swallow it. Too late, I had to move forward to receive my Holy Communion from the Priest. Gritting my teeth and putting up a brave front, I kept praying to the Lord to help me, as I continued towards the Tabernacle to collect my ciborium. The vertigo came in light waves - on and off, on and off. Luckily I was not nauseous, which was my biggest fear, otherwise I would have to run into the Sacristy. Putting on a brave front, I took up my position in front of our Lady, and faced a big queue of parishioners. There were also many children too young to receive Holy Communion, and I had to bless them all individually. I must have given Holy Communion to at least one hundred parishioners that evening, as I continued to give to the choir members.
When I had finished, I sat down in the Sacristy unable to move anymore. I was in safe ground then, away from the congregation. I quickly took my pill with the tap water. The Sacristan saw me as he wished me a Merry Christmas, and I told him that I was having a vertigo attack. He offered his help, but nothing more he could do. He later misunderstood my vertigo attack as a heart attack and it became the talk of the church!
Over the loud speakers, I heard the Priest dismissing the congregation. As it was a very big crowd, I avoided them and sat and waited. I then called my daughter on the mobile phone and caught her and the family in the car park. She then came up to assist me down to the car.
When I got home, my son and my wife with the maid were preparing the family Christmas dinner. They were surprised that I had another vertigo attack. Still feeling groggy, I had to retire to my room to put my head down to rest. While everyone were feasting, I remained in my room. My wife brought me a bucket and a kitchen towel in case I should throw up. Fortunately, I did not throw up at all. As my condition improved, I went outside briefly. Later as the vertigo wore off, I managed to sit down to have something to eat.
What a Christmas dinner! After all the anticipation, I had to have a vertigo attack.
The next day, I got up late as I had no 7 AM Mass. It was a good night sleep for me. Christmas Day was the usual family brunch, when everyone congregated at home. My son did the cooking and some of the leftovers were dished out, especially the thick cut ham. Unfortunately my son-in-law Ben was working and was left out. After lunch the grand children were all hyped up, as the Christmas presents were distributed, to squeals of excitement and laughter. Even the adults joined in the bantering. My son and Jason sat comfortably at the balcony puffing their expensive cigars.
By evening, it was all over as everyone dispersed into their respective homes. With all the excitement, little Emma had refused to take her afternoon nap and reluctantly left with her parents to visit her other grand parents. Quiet reigned over the house again. Even my son stayed in that evening. Thus ended the farewell family Christmas gathering in my home until next year, when we will all gather in my new home, wherever that may be. Meantime, we will meet again at the New Year's Eve family dinner at Jason/Karen's place to welcome in 2008. Thanks be to God.
Till then....
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Motherboard kaput!
After spending hundred over dollars repairing and restoring my &$*#@ computer back online, the darn thing failed on me again last Sunday.
Early Sunday, I went through the maintenance routine and backed up the system in Retrospect software. Later, when my son told me that the agent will email me a list of properties available, I tried to check my email. When I powered up the computer, I heard the usual whirling noises but no beep. After several attempts, I realised that the computer was dead. So I called Nuclear, who could only come on Monday.
By Monday evening, the guy finally came. Tried as he could, he could not boot up the computer. When he told me that he wanted to take my motherboard away for testing, I told him I had another motherboard. When he swapped the motherboard, the computer started. The motherboard had kaput! Finally he installed the working motherboard and tested the system ok. I am now using a smaller motherboard until something else will kaput on me.
Modern technology is not what it is until something fails on you. Recently my daughter gave me a new mobile phone. Nowadays, I inherit old mobile phones from my children or occasionally get a new one f.o.c. My children change phones like they change clothes.
My new mobile phone is one of those 'clamshell' affair. On the day I received it from my daughter, the maid was hovering around and seeing me trying to read the instructions and setting it up, she offered to help me. With a few deft moves and clicks, she proudly showed me that the phone was ready for use. Sheepishly I took back my phone, intimidated by the loud mouth maid, I managed to open the phone and lo and behold, the darn thing lit up ready for use.
Sometime later, I suddenly heard some music of a lady singing an oldie French song 'C'est Si Bon', an old favourite of mine. I was enjoying listening to it as it had a nice beat to it while at the same time, I was trying to find out where the music was coming from. I then realised that someone was calling my mobile phone!
Yes, I know anyone reading this will be having a good laugh. I am more conversant with my computer than with my mobile phone. Until today, I still cannot sms. When I try to sms, either the message will go missing somewhere or it will send by itself with all the gibberish which I myself cannot understand, sometimes even with the four letter word, inadvertently pressed, of course! I use bluetooth. So when the phone rings (or sings, now), I put on the ear piece first before I open the phone. I also found out that by opening the phone, the bluetooth is turned on automatically. I found this out one day, when I made some expletive remark, while fumbling with the phone and ear piece. The caller heard this much to my embarrassment. So anyone calling my mobile, must have some patience while I fumble with my ear piece and phone. OK? Or if I say something not complimentary, it is directed at the darn phone, not the caller.
The rain lately has made me bongkers. Luckily in between fair weather, I was able to do my Christmas shopping and run a few errands. Otherwise it was not conducive to go out especially with public transport. Christmas is just days away and I look forward to the family gathering.
Till then....
Early Sunday, I went through the maintenance routine and backed up the system in Retrospect software. Later, when my son told me that the agent will email me a list of properties available, I tried to check my email. When I powered up the computer, I heard the usual whirling noises but no beep. After several attempts, I realised that the computer was dead. So I called Nuclear, who could only come on Monday.
By Monday evening, the guy finally came. Tried as he could, he could not boot up the computer. When he told me that he wanted to take my motherboard away for testing, I told him I had another motherboard. When he swapped the motherboard, the computer started. The motherboard had kaput! Finally he installed the working motherboard and tested the system ok. I am now using a smaller motherboard until something else will kaput on me.
Modern technology is not what it is until something fails on you. Recently my daughter gave me a new mobile phone. Nowadays, I inherit old mobile phones from my children or occasionally get a new one f.o.c. My children change phones like they change clothes.
My new mobile phone is one of those 'clamshell' affair. On the day I received it from my daughter, the maid was hovering around and seeing me trying to read the instructions and setting it up, she offered to help me. With a few deft moves and clicks, she proudly showed me that the phone was ready for use. Sheepishly I took back my phone, intimidated by the loud mouth maid, I managed to open the phone and lo and behold, the darn thing lit up ready for use.
Sometime later, I suddenly heard some music of a lady singing an oldie French song 'C'est Si Bon', an old favourite of mine. I was enjoying listening to it as it had a nice beat to it while at the same time, I was trying to find out where the music was coming from. I then realised that someone was calling my mobile phone!
Yes, I know anyone reading this will be having a good laugh. I am more conversant with my computer than with my mobile phone. Until today, I still cannot sms. When I try to sms, either the message will go missing somewhere or it will send by itself with all the gibberish which I myself cannot understand, sometimes even with the four letter word, inadvertently pressed, of course! I use bluetooth. So when the phone rings (or sings, now), I put on the ear piece first before I open the phone. I also found out that by opening the phone, the bluetooth is turned on automatically. I found this out one day, when I made some expletive remark, while fumbling with the phone and ear piece. The caller heard this much to my embarrassment. So anyone calling my mobile, must have some patience while I fumble with my ear piece and phone. OK? Or if I say something not complimentary, it is directed at the darn phone, not the caller.
The rain lately has made me bongkers. Luckily in between fair weather, I was able to do my Christmas shopping and run a few errands. Otherwise it was not conducive to go out especially with public transport. Christmas is just days away and I look forward to the family gathering.
Till then....
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
And so it is Christmas.
"And so it is Christmas, and a Happy New Year!"....so goes the song. It is that time of the year when shoppers go crazy and all the malls are decorated with Christmas trimmings. Everywhere is crowded and the rains keep coming. Commercialism has overtaken the true meaning of Christmas, when Jesus was born.
It also marks the ending of the year 2007. This year seemed to have gone by very fast, despite the anxiety of the en bloc sale. More significantly, this is our last Christmas before we move to our new home, wherever that may be, ironically.
The good news is that the Strata Titles Board has approved the en bloc sale on 8th December, after rejecting the three objections lodged by three owners. The sale will now be completed by 10th March 2008, when we collect 90 - 95 % of the sale proceed, and we will have to move out by 10th September 2008. I foresee a busy year ahead, looking for a new property and packing for the move, a formidable task and one big headache! Anyway, we will cross that bridge when we come up to it.
Standing downstairs last Sunday night, I looked around me at the lights and Christmas decorations and lamented that this time next year, all will be in total darkness, when everyone would have moved out. Pretty uncanny!
As I sit here writing my blog, it is raining outside depriving me of my exercise on the track. My last weight was 63.7 kg. I have missed several exercise sessions due to the rain and when my computer was being diagnosed. Nevertheless, I am glad I have not gained weight. My last blood test result was also good. My total cholesterol is below the reference point and my blood sugar is at a low of 73. My last eye checkup at SNEC went off well with a pressure reading of a low 11. My glaucoma is stable and my cataract still immature. At the back of my mind, I am still worried about my next vertigo attack.
My mind has been pre-occupied with many things and I am trying to come to grips with myself. This morning I was hit by loose bowel. Had an 'explosive' start before I left for church. On reaching the church, I needed to go to the toilet but a friend stopped me to ask me about computers. Trying to be nice to resolve his problem, my problem became acute as I exerted all my strength to contain my poop. He even followed me inside the toilet. Ah....what are friends for? Entering the church, I decided to sit at the back instead of my usual seat in front, so that I can make the quick dash, if need be. Fortunately I need not have to. When I got home, it was 'now or never'. Since then, my stomach has settled and I am back to normal now.
Today, the lawyer's letter came about the completion of the en bloc sale together with Strata Titles Board approval letter and handing over procedures. Lawyer letters and documents are always very complicated. Too many words and jargon thrown in 'to protect backsides'. Usually I have no problems reading and understanding but one section in this letter confused me. So I will have to consult my son, a very expensive lawyer costing me an arm and a leg to educate.
Till then....
It also marks the ending of the year 2007. This year seemed to have gone by very fast, despite the anxiety of the en bloc sale. More significantly, this is our last Christmas before we move to our new home, wherever that may be, ironically.
The good news is that the Strata Titles Board has approved the en bloc sale on 8th December, after rejecting the three objections lodged by three owners. The sale will now be completed by 10th March 2008, when we collect 90 - 95 % of the sale proceed, and we will have to move out by 10th September 2008. I foresee a busy year ahead, looking for a new property and packing for the move, a formidable task and one big headache! Anyway, we will cross that bridge when we come up to it.
Standing downstairs last Sunday night, I looked around me at the lights and Christmas decorations and lamented that this time next year, all will be in total darkness, when everyone would have moved out. Pretty uncanny!
As I sit here writing my blog, it is raining outside depriving me of my exercise on the track. My last weight was 63.7 kg. I have missed several exercise sessions due to the rain and when my computer was being diagnosed. Nevertheless, I am glad I have not gained weight. My last blood test result was also good. My total cholesterol is below the reference point and my blood sugar is at a low of 73. My last eye checkup at SNEC went off well with a pressure reading of a low 11. My glaucoma is stable and my cataract still immature. At the back of my mind, I am still worried about my next vertigo attack.
My mind has been pre-occupied with many things and I am trying to come to grips with myself. This morning I was hit by loose bowel. Had an 'explosive' start before I left for church. On reaching the church, I needed to go to the toilet but a friend stopped me to ask me about computers. Trying to be nice to resolve his problem, my problem became acute as I exerted all my strength to contain my poop. He even followed me inside the toilet. Ah....what are friends for? Entering the church, I decided to sit at the back instead of my usual seat in front, so that I can make the quick dash, if need be. Fortunately I need not have to. When I got home, it was 'now or never'. Since then, my stomach has settled and I am back to normal now.
Today, the lawyer's letter came about the completion of the en bloc sale together with Strata Titles Board approval letter and handing over procedures. Lawyer letters and documents are always very complicated. Too many words and jargon thrown in 'to protect backsides'. Usually I have no problems reading and understanding but one section in this letter confused me. So I will have to consult my son, a very expensive lawyer costing me an arm and a leg to educate.
Till then....
Thursday, November 29, 2007
My #@%*^%$ PC.
Just when I thought my PC was running well, it went bonkers suddenly.
First, I could not start up. When I got it started, it behaved weirdly with a mind of its own. I got my friend Chow to help me. He came and changed my motherboard to the previous one. As it was the same series, I need not re-format my HDD, a task I always hated because I lose all the data in my files and folders.
The PC started normally and I thought everything was back to square one. Chow left some programs for me to try out, one on spyware and two on DVD. I then realised that my disc drives could not auto start, whenever I loaded in a DVD or any disc. Called Chow and told him of my further problem. He said he would call back but he never did.
Exasperated, I called my other computer friend Richard. He came and after a long diagnostic, discovered that one of the DVD program that Chow installed for me clashed with my disc drives. So I removed it and the problem was solved. I also found that the spyware interfered with my email and I removed it.
I then discovered that my PC would suddenly restart by itself. This was terrible and a serious problem. I would lose whatever work I was doing whenever the PC restarted. Unfortunately, I noticed that Chow always avoided diagnostic problems because it is very time consuming and tiring process. He never responded to my calls.
It was then I decided to seek professional help. I had used Nuclear services before and quite like their professional approach and work attitude. The next day, Winston responded to my call and turned up. Acknowledging the serious problem of restarting, he started the diagnostic, which went on for three hours into the night.
He could not find the fault and had to come back the next evening. Still unable to rectify the problem, he had to re-format. Before that, he backed up my data, and re-formatted. While re-installing the operating system (Windows XP Pro), there was an error and a second attempt was made to re-install. Towards the end, the PC restarted by itself. Back to square one! He took my components for testing in his workshop.
Several days later, he called that he would be back to set up for me. Unfortunately, he had too many jobs and there was a delay.
When he finally came, he had already installed the system and put my PC together. I was very glad that his backing up of my essential data, restored my PC with my email, favourites and documents intact. So I did not lose my important and personal data. He had to remove two of the RAM memory chips for warranty claim. My PC is running a little slow now until these two chips are restored.
After installing a new antivirus software and Nero 8 including my other programs, my PC is at last running again. I spent the last three days doing that and though the darn antivirus program is disturbing some of my programs, the PC is running alright. When Winston replaces the two RAM memory chips, the PC should be running better.
Till then....
First, I could not start up. When I got it started, it behaved weirdly with a mind of its own. I got my friend Chow to help me. He came and changed my motherboard to the previous one. As it was the same series, I need not re-format my HDD, a task I always hated because I lose all the data in my files and folders.
The PC started normally and I thought everything was back to square one. Chow left some programs for me to try out, one on spyware and two on DVD. I then realised that my disc drives could not auto start, whenever I loaded in a DVD or any disc. Called Chow and told him of my further problem. He said he would call back but he never did.
Exasperated, I called my other computer friend Richard. He came and after a long diagnostic, discovered that one of the DVD program that Chow installed for me clashed with my disc drives. So I removed it and the problem was solved. I also found that the spyware interfered with my email and I removed it.
I then discovered that my PC would suddenly restart by itself. This was terrible and a serious problem. I would lose whatever work I was doing whenever the PC restarted. Unfortunately, I noticed that Chow always avoided diagnostic problems because it is very time consuming and tiring process. He never responded to my calls.
It was then I decided to seek professional help. I had used Nuclear services before and quite like their professional approach and work attitude. The next day, Winston responded to my call and turned up. Acknowledging the serious problem of restarting, he started the diagnostic, which went on for three hours into the night.
He could not find the fault and had to come back the next evening. Still unable to rectify the problem, he had to re-format. Before that, he backed up my data, and re-formatted. While re-installing the operating system (Windows XP Pro), there was an error and a second attempt was made to re-install. Towards the end, the PC restarted by itself. Back to square one! He took my components for testing in his workshop.
Several days later, he called that he would be back to set up for me. Unfortunately, he had too many jobs and there was a delay.
When he finally came, he had already installed the system and put my PC together. I was very glad that his backing up of my essential data, restored my PC with my email, favourites and documents intact. So I did not lose my important and personal data. He had to remove two of the RAM memory chips for warranty claim. My PC is running a little slow now until these two chips are restored.
After installing a new antivirus software and Nero 8 including my other programs, my PC is at last running again. I spent the last three days doing that and though the darn antivirus program is disturbing some of my programs, the PC is running alright. When Winston replaces the two RAM memory chips, the PC should be running better.
Till then....
Monday, November 12, 2007
A very nice family day.
Last Saturday, I thought I was getting another vertigo attack. I was alone at home and the weather outside was wet and dismal. Went down to the market and bought lunch home. A packet of mee pok with duck drumstick and kailan vegetable. Tasted nice from my usual stall.
Sometime later, I began to feel strange. Felt my head floating. Staring ahead of me, I did not notice any turning or spinning motion, or any nausea, the vertigo warning signs. I decided to check on my blood pressure. My reading was 167/70 with a pulse rate of 52. A high reading! I rested and an hour later, checked my reading again which had fallen to 156/71 with a pulse rate of 45. I then laid down on my bed and after about half an hour, my reading went down to 142/62 with a pulse rate of 54. Taking no chances, I took a pill against vertigo attack. Almost immediately, I began to feel better. My head cleared and the sensation stopped. My subsequent blood pressure fell back to normal and the rest of the evening was alright. Thank God for that.
Sunday, 11/11, was my grand daughter Samantha's birthday. Having given her a book entitled 'Magic Show'. containing 12 built-in tricks, I took the family for buffet lunch at The Churchill at Tanglin Club. Except for my son who was in Bali and on his way home, and my son-in-law, Ben, who was in KL working, we sat down to lunch. The usual fine spread of good food, I started with sashmi salmon and worked my way to the roast lamb and other delectable. Did not take much to fill me up and I finished off with ice cream and crepe with chopped almond, and decaf coffee. I could see everyone including the kids enjoying the good food. There was a short magic show by a young magician and the kids sat in front enjoying it.
From the club, Jason drove to Marina so that the kids could go fly a kite. By this time, Emma had fallen asleep in the pram. With Jason and Karen chipping in, it was discovered that it was not that easy to go fly a kite! The ground was muddy and there was a lack of breeze. The kites kept crashing to the ground. After the futile efforts, we adjourned for a drink. Moral of the story, it is not that easy to tell someone to 'go fly a kite'.
Leaving Marina, Jason decided to have Korean BBQ, and drove to Takashimaya. By this time also, my son and Ben were arriving back from their trips with SMS and calls on the mobile. And so we gathered at the Seoul Garden for BBQ dinner. Occupying three tables, we sat down for our second buffet. I ate very little meat, and cooked up a vegetable green noodle followed by a big helping of the different fish balls, unfortunately loaded with MSG. Drinking plain water, I finished off with three flavours of ice cream. By then I could not eat anymore. My son and Ben arrived late and their ravenous appetite coupled with that of Jason was clearly formidable. It was so nice to see the whole family sitting down to dinner, laughing and bantering each other.
Outside the restaurant, we gathered to watch the funny antics of Emma. My son had bought a plastic boat kite from Bali for Timothy (I think) and something for Sam and Emma. Emma was racing down the corridor ahead of all of us, when suddenly one of the stores closed the shutter with a terrific crashing sound. Emma stopped at her tracks and looking scared, raced back to Jason, crying at the commotion. She recovered quickly and was soon running again.
After a prolong good night and hugging from Emma, it was time to disperse and head for our various homes. All good things must come to an end and ended a very nice family day. Thanks be to God.
Till then....
Sometime later, I began to feel strange. Felt my head floating. Staring ahead of me, I did not notice any turning or spinning motion, or any nausea, the vertigo warning signs. I decided to check on my blood pressure. My reading was 167/70 with a pulse rate of 52. A high reading! I rested and an hour later, checked my reading again which had fallen to 156/71 with a pulse rate of 45. I then laid down on my bed and after about half an hour, my reading went down to 142/62 with a pulse rate of 54. Taking no chances, I took a pill against vertigo attack. Almost immediately, I began to feel better. My head cleared and the sensation stopped. My subsequent blood pressure fell back to normal and the rest of the evening was alright. Thank God for that.
Sunday, 11/11, was my grand daughter Samantha's birthday. Having given her a book entitled 'Magic Show'. containing 12 built-in tricks, I took the family for buffet lunch at The Churchill at Tanglin Club. Except for my son who was in Bali and on his way home, and my son-in-law, Ben, who was in KL working, we sat down to lunch. The usual fine spread of good food, I started with sashmi salmon and worked my way to the roast lamb and other delectable. Did not take much to fill me up and I finished off with ice cream and crepe with chopped almond, and decaf coffee. I could see everyone including the kids enjoying the good food. There was a short magic show by a young magician and the kids sat in front enjoying it.
From the club, Jason drove to Marina so that the kids could go fly a kite. By this time, Emma had fallen asleep in the pram. With Jason and Karen chipping in, it was discovered that it was not that easy to go fly a kite! The ground was muddy and there was a lack of breeze. The kites kept crashing to the ground. After the futile efforts, we adjourned for a drink. Moral of the story, it is not that easy to tell someone to 'go fly a kite'.
Leaving Marina, Jason decided to have Korean BBQ, and drove to Takashimaya. By this time also, my son and Ben were arriving back from their trips with SMS and calls on the mobile. And so we gathered at the Seoul Garden for BBQ dinner. Occupying three tables, we sat down for our second buffet. I ate very little meat, and cooked up a vegetable green noodle followed by a big helping of the different fish balls, unfortunately loaded with MSG. Drinking plain water, I finished off with three flavours of ice cream. By then I could not eat anymore. My son and Ben arrived late and their ravenous appetite coupled with that of Jason was clearly formidable. It was so nice to see the whole family sitting down to dinner, laughing and bantering each other.
Outside the restaurant, we gathered to watch the funny antics of Emma. My son had bought a plastic boat kite from Bali for Timothy (I think) and something for Sam and Emma. Emma was racing down the corridor ahead of all of us, when suddenly one of the stores closed the shutter with a terrific crashing sound. Emma stopped at her tracks and looking scared, raced back to Jason, crying at the commotion. She recovered quickly and was soon running again.
After a prolong good night and hugging from Emma, it was time to disperse and head for our various homes. All good things must come to an end and ended a very nice family day. Thanks be to God.
Till then....
Thursday, November 8, 2007
"What if....?"
Ever since my vertigo attack two weeks ago, I have been very conscious about the state of my health. Worried about the next attack, I find myself staring and focusing on the view in front of me, making sure it is not turning or spinning.
Aware of the fragility of myself, I ask myself, "What if I have a stroke, or another vertigo attack?" If it is a stroke, I hope it will kill me instantly rather then leave me paralysed. If another vertigo attack, I will need to find shelter somewhere to let the effect pass off and put my head down. Preferably at home. That is why I now worry about going out for a period of time alone.
The recent attack alarmed both my wife and my son. It was the first time that my wife saw the agony of the attack. Previously she only heard about it after the attack and not concerned at all. My son saw the aftermath of it and the way the doctor treated me and warning of the sinister side of it all.
Got home from church yesterday morning, to find all my clothes in the wardrobe, thrown on my bed. Shocked, I was about to blow my top, when my wife told me that she will rearrange all my things for me. After counting up to ten, I decided to give in. I realised I have many new socks, underwear and shirts still wrapped up. The last time somebody tidied up my room was when I was in the Air Force. It was either my English Batman in England or my Batgirl in K.L. My wife never bothered about me for more than forty years. Now she has decided to intervene. What to do? I have my way of hanging up my ten trousers to wear over two weeks, and I can tell what day of the week, by looking at my trousers.
I suppose my wife must have realised that this 'dead-meat' is still alive and kicking. Better show some concern before he kicks the bucket. I have always been a lone wolf, not bothering anybody, and falling sick and recovering without anyone knowing it. We practically led separate lives. I like to be independant and not having to argue over what I want to do. Some people find me strange, but I find solace and comfort in myself, because I do not like 'kaypohs' telling me what to do.
Till then....
Aware of the fragility of myself, I ask myself, "What if I have a stroke, or another vertigo attack?" If it is a stroke, I hope it will kill me instantly rather then leave me paralysed. If another vertigo attack, I will need to find shelter somewhere to let the effect pass off and put my head down. Preferably at home. That is why I now worry about going out for a period of time alone.
The recent attack alarmed both my wife and my son. It was the first time that my wife saw the agony of the attack. Previously she only heard about it after the attack and not concerned at all. My son saw the aftermath of it and the way the doctor treated me and warning of the sinister side of it all.
Got home from church yesterday morning, to find all my clothes in the wardrobe, thrown on my bed. Shocked, I was about to blow my top, when my wife told me that she will rearrange all my things for me. After counting up to ten, I decided to give in. I realised I have many new socks, underwear and shirts still wrapped up. The last time somebody tidied up my room was when I was in the Air Force. It was either my English Batman in England or my Batgirl in K.L. My wife never bothered about me for more than forty years. Now she has decided to intervene. What to do? I have my way of hanging up my ten trousers to wear over two weeks, and I can tell what day of the week, by looking at my trousers.
I suppose my wife must have realised that this 'dead-meat' is still alive and kicking. Better show some concern before he kicks the bucket. I have always been a lone wolf, not bothering anybody, and falling sick and recovering without anyone knowing it. We practically led separate lives. I like to be independant and not having to argue over what I want to do. Some people find me strange, but I find solace and comfort in myself, because I do not like 'kaypohs' telling me what to do.
Till then....
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Trauma
Last Thursday, 25 October, started out as a normal day. I had looked forward to spending a day with Emma. My daughter sent her over late, with the maid, Christina. Jason was in China on a business trip. I had wanted to collect my trousers from the cleaners. So we waited in the basement for my wife to come down. Emma was in high spirit playing hide and seek with the maid.
We finally left for the market. I held on to Emma, who followed me all the way to collect my trousers from the cleaners. On the way back, we stopped at 7Eleven to buy some candies, after which I left Emma with her grandmother. I walked home alone.
Back home, I made my coffee and started to read the newspapers. Meantime, my wife had got home with Emma and the maid.
It must have been past eleven nearing twelve noon, when I suddenly felt something wrong. I felt light headed and everything started to turn around me. Immediately I went to my room and took a Dhaperazine tablet, recognising the symptoms of a vertigo attack. I sat on the bed and tried to lie down. Suddenly, my stomach started to churn as I ran to the toilet to vomit.
It was then all hell let loose, as the toilet started to spin round and my vomiting got worse. I struggled over the toilet bowl throwing up everything inside my already empty stomach, it was agony. I could not move as movement aggravated the spinning sensation. I could only close my eyes and broke out in a cold sweat. The pull on my stomach was very painful because my stomach was empty and nothing more could throw up. When I opened my eyes, the spinning got worse. Thinking my nausea had finally stopped, I staggered to my bed. As soon as I sat down, the nausea started again and I had to run to the toilet bowl. This went on and on. I could not check on the time, but it was already late afternoon when the nausea finally stopped.
My wife had checked on me during this time and I had to throw up into wads of tissue paper in bed. I kept praying to God to help me. Finally, lying on my bed, I had to keep my eyes closed to avoid seeing the ceiling spinning round. I then managed to take another pill because my first pill had gone out with my vomit.
Lying in bed in agony, I felt Emma coming to me saying to me "Sorry, Kakoong, sorry!" Even Emma was traumatised by the whole thing. I heard my wife calling for my son on the phone. He rushed home asking me if he should call a doctor or send me to A&E in the hospital. I was lucid enough to tell my son not to bother as the effect would soon go away.
My son left and came back with a Dr. Neo. The doctor examined me because he was afraid it could be a stroke. Luckily it was not. He gave a me a shot with the very same medication that I had taken orally. After he left I realised it was already six o' clock. Things began to stabilise and my vertigo attack had dissipated. That house call by the doctor must have cost my son quite a packet. Anyway when things got back to normal by then, I managed to take my shower and changed to clean clothes. What a traumatic day!
This has always been something I dread very much. Unfortunately I have to live with it and pray that God will have mercy on me and heal me of my sickness. I carry the pills with me everywhere I go. Since my last attack before February this year, I had mild encounters only. But this last one was a real terror. I noticed a slight change in the mode of the attack. In the past, the spinning was so severe that even with the eyes closed, I could see the spinning sensation like two spinning red lights. This time, with my eyes closed, it was not so severe, although my stomach kept churning.
I have since recovered, and spent a very pleasant Sunday lunch with my daughter, Jason, Emma and my wife. I still feel rather edgy, as I check myself periodically by staring straight ahead, to make sure my vision is not floating or spinning round.
Till then....
We finally left for the market. I held on to Emma, who followed me all the way to collect my trousers from the cleaners. On the way back, we stopped at 7Eleven to buy some candies, after which I left Emma with her grandmother. I walked home alone.
Back home, I made my coffee and started to read the newspapers. Meantime, my wife had got home with Emma and the maid.
It must have been past eleven nearing twelve noon, when I suddenly felt something wrong. I felt light headed and everything started to turn around me. Immediately I went to my room and took a Dhaperazine tablet, recognising the symptoms of a vertigo attack. I sat on the bed and tried to lie down. Suddenly, my stomach started to churn as I ran to the toilet to vomit.
It was then all hell let loose, as the toilet started to spin round and my vomiting got worse. I struggled over the toilet bowl throwing up everything inside my already empty stomach, it was agony. I could not move as movement aggravated the spinning sensation. I could only close my eyes and broke out in a cold sweat. The pull on my stomach was very painful because my stomach was empty and nothing more could throw up. When I opened my eyes, the spinning got worse. Thinking my nausea had finally stopped, I staggered to my bed. As soon as I sat down, the nausea started again and I had to run to the toilet bowl. This went on and on. I could not check on the time, but it was already late afternoon when the nausea finally stopped.
My wife had checked on me during this time and I had to throw up into wads of tissue paper in bed. I kept praying to God to help me. Finally, lying on my bed, I had to keep my eyes closed to avoid seeing the ceiling spinning round. I then managed to take another pill because my first pill had gone out with my vomit.
Lying in bed in agony, I felt Emma coming to me saying to me "Sorry, Kakoong, sorry!" Even Emma was traumatised by the whole thing. I heard my wife calling for my son on the phone. He rushed home asking me if he should call a doctor or send me to A&E in the hospital. I was lucid enough to tell my son not to bother as the effect would soon go away.
My son left and came back with a Dr. Neo. The doctor examined me because he was afraid it could be a stroke. Luckily it was not. He gave a me a shot with the very same medication that I had taken orally. After he left I realised it was already six o' clock. Things began to stabilise and my vertigo attack had dissipated. That house call by the doctor must have cost my son quite a packet. Anyway when things got back to normal by then, I managed to take my shower and changed to clean clothes. What a traumatic day!
This has always been something I dread very much. Unfortunately I have to live with it and pray that God will have mercy on me and heal me of my sickness. I carry the pills with me everywhere I go. Since my last attack before February this year, I had mild encounters only. But this last one was a real terror. I noticed a slight change in the mode of the attack. In the past, the spinning was so severe that even with the eyes closed, I could see the spinning sensation like two spinning red lights. This time, with my eyes closed, it was not so severe, although my stomach kept churning.
I have since recovered, and spent a very pleasant Sunday lunch with my daughter, Jason, Emma and my wife. I still feel rather edgy, as I check myself periodically by staring straight ahead, to make sure my vision is not floating or spinning round.
Till then....
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
How time flies!
As I sit and wait patiently, or impatiently, for my funds to come so that I can proceed to buy my new home, time has been passing me by very quickly. Half of October has gone by and this is my first posting since September.
Each day seemed to have gone by quickly and every day is full. Routinely, the day starts with the 7 am Mass in church. I could be serving the Altar, giving Holy Communion or just standing by in case someone on duty fails to show up. If my good friend Denis turns up for Mass, I will end up with him in the market eating small portion of noodles or porridge. Back home by nine, I have my proper breakfast of bread and cereal. If I do not eat my multi grain bread or cereal, I will not have enough fiber. Moreover, the bread left uneaten, can turn mouldy and I will have to throw it away, a great waste. Sometimes I skip cereal if I am full.
After this, I do my ablution which nobody else can do for me, that is, toilet. The rest of the morning is spent going through the newspapers. This is one ritual which I take very seriously, unless I have to attend to something more urgently, like medical appointments or attending a seminar or talks. My day is never complete without going through the newspapers. After that I will retrieve my email and go online. Lunch is in the hands of my wife, which is usually late.
Mondays and Wednesdays will find me brisk walking on the track, in the afternoon, for over an hour. I need to do this in order to control my weight which stands at 65.4 kg. After shower, it is green tea time with a biscuit or two to counter my hunger pangs. It is then that I have some free time to watch television, work on my PC or catch up with something or other. At 6.30 pm, I watch 'Around China' on CCTV9, followed by the CNA news, and other remnant documentaries.
Dinner is again in the hands of my wife, which is usually late, after eight. By the time I finish washing up all the dishes, pots, pans and woks, my lower back would be in pain and I would need to sit down over a cup of decaf coffee. At about 9.30 pm., I check my email and go online for a while. By 10.30 pm., my concentration will go into a hiatus and I will be so drowsy that I need to go to bed after another round of ablution like flossing and brushing my teeth and checking my blood pressure and putting my eye drops. Sometimes I am so tired that I will fall asleep in the middle of my prayer.
Tuesdays are my free days since I do not have to exercise in the afternoon. So I tend to go out with my sling bag, catching up with my personal errands. If my wife goes out with her friends, then I am off with my invisible friends as well. Browsing through Sim Lim Square, Rochore, Raffles City and Funan Centre, I now like to eat lunch at Funan because I can always get a seat in the food court. Sometimes I eat at Foodmore at Teka Mall or Food Junction at Raffles City. If at the latter, I will go in late at past two in order to get a seat. I also bring my water bottle because the fruit juice stalls charge two to three dollars for a fruit juice, which is very exorbitant. They pack in with ice and you will be lucky if you get half a cup of the juice. Removing the ice, they charge you fifty cents more. What a rip-off! Since I abstain from caffeine, the only available hot drink is barley or chrysanthemum, which can cost anything up to two dollars. Terrible!
Sometimes, when my wife is not going out, I will have early lunch at home before going out. If I do not tell her, then she will have lunch ready by two, which puts me in a quandary.
I have dedicated Thursdays and Fridays to Emma, as she spends the two days with us. It is always nice to play around with her and laugh at her antics and mischief. Always look forward to that. By late Friday afternoon, sometimes Samantha and Timothy would come from school, and the house is turned upside down. Not much problems with Samantha, but Timothy is something else. He will immerse himself in front of the television, throughout his visit (which I do not allow) or become fixated with his game boy, completely oblivious to what is happening around him. Tough being a grandfather.
Saturdays are free days as well, when the wife goes to Villa Francis, or out with her friends. But then it being Saturday, crowds gather just about anywhere and I always try to get away from the crowds. Unless I have some personal errands to run, I keep away from the crowds, and stay at home to catch up with something I have to do. At most, I would take the bus to Holland Village to eat lunch, and buy my bread. After that, it is blissful to enjoy some peace and quiet all by myself, listening to CD's or watching television.
Sundays are spiritual days for attending early morning Mass and carrying out my Sacred Duties in church, doing the collection, giving Holy Communion and Rosary in the Columbarium, first Sunday of the month. By the time I finish reading the newspapers, it would be near lunch time as I switch on the tuner for the oldies on FM90.5. However, very often, my son would take us out for lunch, sometimes with my daughter, Jason and Emma. Worth giving up listening to the oldies for family time. Sometimes we go house viewing, or to some shopping mall. I cherish these family times and always enjoy being with the children and going out with them.
It is now Thursday night as I sit to write this portion. Emma had just gone home with her parents after a happy day with us. She has been clowning away making us laugh. Emma has grown and besides being funny, she has her moments of being serious and behaving with maturity. She loves singing and dancing, and a very smart girl indeed.
For some unknown reasons, Emma refuses to take her afternoon nap. She will fight tooth and nail to avoid that. This trait has been passed down from her mother, who, at the same age in her childhood, also refused to sleep. Today, I managed to get Emma to sleep by applying talcum powder and stroking her back. She was actually very sleepy and cranky fighting against sleep. With the fan blowing and curtains drawn to shield the afternoon sun, she finally surrendered to slumber and fell asleep.
After dinner, while waiting for her mummy to collect her, Emma was clowning away in the kitchen. Suddenly a woman upstairs started to exercise her vocal chord by singing. It sounded more like wailing. This alarmed Emma and we told her that it was somebody singing. Emma then closed the kitchen door, pulled me down to sit with her on the floor, pointing a finger to her lips. She then pulled her grandmother, who was eating, to join us all on the floor. I thought it was rather hilarious, for a two year old child, to commandeer two adults to sit on the kitchen floor.
With November just round the corner, this is going to be our last Christmas here, not forgetting Chinese New Year. Sad to leave a place that has been our home for the last thirty years.
I am getting too long winded. A sign of a lonely old man who has nothing better to do.
Till then....
Each day seemed to have gone by quickly and every day is full. Routinely, the day starts with the 7 am Mass in church. I could be serving the Altar, giving Holy Communion or just standing by in case someone on duty fails to show up. If my good friend Denis turns up for Mass, I will end up with him in the market eating small portion of noodles or porridge. Back home by nine, I have my proper breakfast of bread and cereal. If I do not eat my multi grain bread or cereal, I will not have enough fiber. Moreover, the bread left uneaten, can turn mouldy and I will have to throw it away, a great waste. Sometimes I skip cereal if I am full.
After this, I do my ablution which nobody else can do for me, that is, toilet. The rest of the morning is spent going through the newspapers. This is one ritual which I take very seriously, unless I have to attend to something more urgently, like medical appointments or attending a seminar or talks. My day is never complete without going through the newspapers. After that I will retrieve my email and go online. Lunch is in the hands of my wife, which is usually late.
Mondays and Wednesdays will find me brisk walking on the track, in the afternoon, for over an hour. I need to do this in order to control my weight which stands at 65.4 kg. After shower, it is green tea time with a biscuit or two to counter my hunger pangs. It is then that I have some free time to watch television, work on my PC or catch up with something or other. At 6.30 pm, I watch 'Around China' on CCTV9, followed by the CNA news, and other remnant documentaries.
Dinner is again in the hands of my wife, which is usually late, after eight. By the time I finish washing up all the dishes, pots, pans and woks, my lower back would be in pain and I would need to sit down over a cup of decaf coffee. At about 9.30 pm., I check my email and go online for a while. By 10.30 pm., my concentration will go into a hiatus and I will be so drowsy that I need to go to bed after another round of ablution like flossing and brushing my teeth and checking my blood pressure and putting my eye drops. Sometimes I am so tired that I will fall asleep in the middle of my prayer.
Tuesdays are my free days since I do not have to exercise in the afternoon. So I tend to go out with my sling bag, catching up with my personal errands. If my wife goes out with her friends, then I am off with my invisible friends as well. Browsing through Sim Lim Square, Rochore, Raffles City and Funan Centre, I now like to eat lunch at Funan because I can always get a seat in the food court. Sometimes I eat at Foodmore at Teka Mall or Food Junction at Raffles City. If at the latter, I will go in late at past two in order to get a seat. I also bring my water bottle because the fruit juice stalls charge two to three dollars for a fruit juice, which is very exorbitant. They pack in with ice and you will be lucky if you get half a cup of the juice. Removing the ice, they charge you fifty cents more. What a rip-off! Since I abstain from caffeine, the only available hot drink is barley or chrysanthemum, which can cost anything up to two dollars. Terrible!
Sometimes, when my wife is not going out, I will have early lunch at home before going out. If I do not tell her, then she will have lunch ready by two, which puts me in a quandary.
I have dedicated Thursdays and Fridays to Emma, as she spends the two days with us. It is always nice to play around with her and laugh at her antics and mischief. Always look forward to that. By late Friday afternoon, sometimes Samantha and Timothy would come from school, and the house is turned upside down. Not much problems with Samantha, but Timothy is something else. He will immerse himself in front of the television, throughout his visit (which I do not allow) or become fixated with his game boy, completely oblivious to what is happening around him. Tough being a grandfather.
Saturdays are free days as well, when the wife goes to Villa Francis, or out with her friends. But then it being Saturday, crowds gather just about anywhere and I always try to get away from the crowds. Unless I have some personal errands to run, I keep away from the crowds, and stay at home to catch up with something I have to do. At most, I would take the bus to Holland Village to eat lunch, and buy my bread. After that, it is blissful to enjoy some peace and quiet all by myself, listening to CD's or watching television.
Sundays are spiritual days for attending early morning Mass and carrying out my Sacred Duties in church, doing the collection, giving Holy Communion and Rosary in the Columbarium, first Sunday of the month. By the time I finish reading the newspapers, it would be near lunch time as I switch on the tuner for the oldies on FM90.5. However, very often, my son would take us out for lunch, sometimes with my daughter, Jason and Emma. Worth giving up listening to the oldies for family time. Sometimes we go house viewing, or to some shopping mall. I cherish these family times and always enjoy being with the children and going out with them.
It is now Thursday night as I sit to write this portion. Emma had just gone home with her parents after a happy day with us. She has been clowning away making us laugh. Emma has grown and besides being funny, she has her moments of being serious and behaving with maturity. She loves singing and dancing, and a very smart girl indeed.
For some unknown reasons, Emma refuses to take her afternoon nap. She will fight tooth and nail to avoid that. This trait has been passed down from her mother, who, at the same age in her childhood, also refused to sleep. Today, I managed to get Emma to sleep by applying talcum powder and stroking her back. She was actually very sleepy and cranky fighting against sleep. With the fan blowing and curtains drawn to shield the afternoon sun, she finally surrendered to slumber and fell asleep.
After dinner, while waiting for her mummy to collect her, Emma was clowning away in the kitchen. Suddenly a woman upstairs started to exercise her vocal chord by singing. It sounded more like wailing. This alarmed Emma and we told her that it was somebody singing. Emma then closed the kitchen door, pulled me down to sit with her on the floor, pointing a finger to her lips. She then pulled her grandmother, who was eating, to join us all on the floor. I thought it was rather hilarious, for a two year old child, to commandeer two adults to sit on the kitchen floor.
With November just round the corner, this is going to be our last Christmas here, not forgetting Chinese New Year. Sad to leave a place that has been our home for the last thirty years.
I am getting too long winded. A sign of a lonely old man who has nothing better to do.
Till then....
Friday, September 28, 2007
Making Headway.
In the Straits Times today, Friday 28 September, 2007, there are three full pages in the Classified section with all the names of those who have signed up for the en bloc sale totalling 565, and those who did not sign totalling 53, making a grand total of 618 owners. This advertisement, is a legal requirement, in our final submission to the Strata Title Board (STB) for approval for the en bloc sale. Approval, in principle, had already been given to the developer's submission of plans for the project, as well as for the topping up of the 99 year lease, by Singapore Land Authority (SLA).
Looking through the names in the list, it is how little that I know of the neighbourhood. I have lived in the estate for 30 years since it was built. Since then, people have moved in and out, most of the original owners have moved out and a small group like myself have stayed behind. People are not that friendly and when you meet them in the lift, they are usually stone faced. There are a few who are quite friendly and will greet you but this is few and far between.
My neighbours upstairs are a noisy lot banging and scrapping furniture. There is a kid who has the annoying habit of tossing a golf ball and a ball at all hours. Below me, there is a lunatic woman who howls with her dog everyday. This is one of the reasons why I am looking forward to moving out.
Looking at the list also, it is interesting to see some of those, who were so vocal and nasty against the en bloc sale, finally signing up. They were so nasty as to resort to shouting and bickering and trying to entice their neighbours not to sign. Among the 53 who did not sign, there is a group of trouble makers who want more money and who just want to be difficult. I have been informed that some are bankrupts, whose money will eventually be taken away from them to pay their creditors. There are some joint owners who have divorced, and not being able to sign jointly, must wait for their legal proceedings.
It is true that an en bloc sale will bring out the good and the bad of the community. There are always pros and con, with valid reasons. It will be the sticking point in all housing estates in Singapore in years to come.
For the last two weekends, I have been viewing houses. Saw a new project at Thomson Hill, but found the layout disappointing and the prices too high.
Last Sunday, I went to the new Springside launching with the family. When we got there, the crowd was so big, it was incredible that they were all looking at houses. The show houses were nicely done up especially with the modern concept. Starting at $1.7m, and with a TOP at around 2009, I had to back away. It not only broke my budget, but the timing is too far away for me. But I like the location and hopefully I can buy a resale unit in one of the older development.
The next stop was at Saraca Villa, an old development which was left unoccupied due to the downturn of the property market a few years ago. The terrace houses were quite nice with a long backyard and three storeys of living space. Quiet but facing the CTE shielded by a long row of tall plants. Priced at $1.4m, it would require renovation work to bring it up to standard. This will probably cost another $100k at least and without warranty. It is also very out of the way for me since I have no car but depend on public transport.
Last stop @Stratton close by. We had our dinner at Jalan Kayu and by the time we got there, they were packing up. But they obliged to open up for us and showed us their new project. Nice and innovative, the models looked attractive. It was a soft launch and the project has not been built yet. Priced at $2m and with a TOP of 2010, it is obviously not for me.
And the hunt goes on and on. Unfortunately I have not received my money yet which makes it difficult and frustrating for me. At this point in time, my money is only expected by March 2008. Hopefully all the procedures will go smoothly and the money will be on time and maybe earlier.
Besides the en bloc frenzies, it was also my wife's birthday. The previous Sunday, the family had a very nice lunch at the Churchill. It has been one of the favourite places, where we gather for the Family Lunch on a Sunday. With a $50 voucher, it is conducive for us to indulge in the fine spread of good food. The kids always enjoy eating there with the children's menu and the lavish spread of dessert, not forgetting the balloons. This time, they have removed the play area, which reduced the noise level.
Last Saturday, being the actual birthday itself, the family gathered at home for a home cooked dinner by the wife. On both occasions, my other son-in-law was absent due to work. Nevertheless, it was enjoyable. Emma, as usual, took the limelight and was as funny as ever. She is the live wire and everyone's darling.
As I am trying to close this post on Sunday evening, I had another indulgence today after having a delightful and expensive brunch at the Shangri la Hotel, with my son and wife. Costing about $70 per pax, we consumed several plates of the seafood comprising of oysters, scampi, prawns, crayfish, mussels and scallops. Following this, we had Japanese sushi, tuna, yellowtail and salmon. Then on to a splendid roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, finishing off with plates of dessert and decaf coffee.
Both my son and myself have the same strategy, in tackling a buffet, where there is so much food that it is impossible to eat everything. Surveying the spread of food, we go in for the expensive sections like the above, and indulge ourselves leaving space for everything. If we account for all that we ate in an ala carte menu, it would have cost more than the buffet price. If we had blindly stuffed everything in, we would be too full and not truly enjoyed the food. It is not possible to eat every item. This coming week, I must work harder at my exercise to burn off the extra food.
Till then....
Looking through the names in the list, it is how little that I know of the neighbourhood. I have lived in the estate for 30 years since it was built. Since then, people have moved in and out, most of the original owners have moved out and a small group like myself have stayed behind. People are not that friendly and when you meet them in the lift, they are usually stone faced. There are a few who are quite friendly and will greet you but this is few and far between.
My neighbours upstairs are a noisy lot banging and scrapping furniture. There is a kid who has the annoying habit of tossing a golf ball and a ball at all hours. Below me, there is a lunatic woman who howls with her dog everyday. This is one of the reasons why I am looking forward to moving out.
Looking at the list also, it is interesting to see some of those, who were so vocal and nasty against the en bloc sale, finally signing up. They were so nasty as to resort to shouting and bickering and trying to entice their neighbours not to sign. Among the 53 who did not sign, there is a group of trouble makers who want more money and who just want to be difficult. I have been informed that some are bankrupts, whose money will eventually be taken away from them to pay their creditors. There are some joint owners who have divorced, and not being able to sign jointly, must wait for their legal proceedings.
It is true that an en bloc sale will bring out the good and the bad of the community. There are always pros and con, with valid reasons. It will be the sticking point in all housing estates in Singapore in years to come.
For the last two weekends, I have been viewing houses. Saw a new project at Thomson Hill, but found the layout disappointing and the prices too high.
Last Sunday, I went to the new Springside launching with the family. When we got there, the crowd was so big, it was incredible that they were all looking at houses. The show houses were nicely done up especially with the modern concept. Starting at $1.7m, and with a TOP at around 2009, I had to back away. It not only broke my budget, but the timing is too far away for me. But I like the location and hopefully I can buy a resale unit in one of the older development.
The next stop was at Saraca Villa, an old development which was left unoccupied due to the downturn of the property market a few years ago. The terrace houses were quite nice with a long backyard and three storeys of living space. Quiet but facing the CTE shielded by a long row of tall plants. Priced at $1.4m, it would require renovation work to bring it up to standard. This will probably cost another $100k at least and without warranty. It is also very out of the way for me since I have no car but depend on public transport.
Last stop @Stratton close by. We had our dinner at Jalan Kayu and by the time we got there, they were packing up. But they obliged to open up for us and showed us their new project. Nice and innovative, the models looked attractive. It was a soft launch and the project has not been built yet. Priced at $2m and with a TOP of 2010, it is obviously not for me.
And the hunt goes on and on. Unfortunately I have not received my money yet which makes it difficult and frustrating for me. At this point in time, my money is only expected by March 2008. Hopefully all the procedures will go smoothly and the money will be on time and maybe earlier.
Besides the en bloc frenzies, it was also my wife's birthday. The previous Sunday, the family had a very nice lunch at the Churchill. It has been one of the favourite places, where we gather for the Family Lunch on a Sunday. With a $50 voucher, it is conducive for us to indulge in the fine spread of good food. The kids always enjoy eating there with the children's menu and the lavish spread of dessert, not forgetting the balloons. This time, they have removed the play area, which reduced the noise level.
Last Saturday, being the actual birthday itself, the family gathered at home for a home cooked dinner by the wife. On both occasions, my other son-in-law was absent due to work. Nevertheless, it was enjoyable. Emma, as usual, took the limelight and was as funny as ever. She is the live wire and everyone's darling.
As I am trying to close this post on Sunday evening, I had another indulgence today after having a delightful and expensive brunch at the Shangri la Hotel, with my son and wife. Costing about $70 per pax, we consumed several plates of the seafood comprising of oysters, scampi, prawns, crayfish, mussels and scallops. Following this, we had Japanese sushi, tuna, yellowtail and salmon. Then on to a splendid roast beef and Yorkshire pudding, finishing off with plates of dessert and decaf coffee.
Both my son and myself have the same strategy, in tackling a buffet, where there is so much food that it is impossible to eat everything. Surveying the spread of food, we go in for the expensive sections like the above, and indulge ourselves leaving space for everything. If we account for all that we ate in an ala carte menu, it would have cost more than the buffet price. If we had blindly stuffed everything in, we would be too full and not truly enjoyed the food. It is not possible to eat every item. This coming week, I must work harder at my exercise to burn off the extra food.
Till then....
Saturday, September 15, 2007
"Big house!"
Had another house viewing on Friday, 14 September. Through a client of my son, we trouped down to Springside, to view a new house.
Packing all the three kids including the maid, wife and son, we drove down to the site. We were met by my son's client, Leo and the developer. You can imagine the boisterous group including the live-wire Emma, laughing away.
On entering the house, I was struck by the immense layout of the property. It was beautiful and tastefully decorated. Emma yelled out, "Big house!", and clamoured all over the place eventually climbing up all three flight of stairs.
Judicious placement of glass panels made the house bright and cheerful. There was an air-well above the dining allowing ample light in. Featuring a dry and wet kitchen, there was a fifth bedroom with bath and toilet attached at the back of the house.
The staircase was at the side which did not mar the appearance of the house. With three stories, the master bedroom was large. Another bedroom on that level offers an opportunity to turn it into a study, cum computer, cum library, cum hideaway. Third level featured a duplicate master bedroom, which would fit my son's requirement, and a fourth bedroom.
On the roof, a terrace garden with a gazebo. It extended the length, the depth of the house. Excellent for a putting green. My son would love this, smoking Havana cigars with his friends.
It was befitting of my dream house, agreed by my family especially the kids. When I spoke to the developer, I was informed it would cost $1.9m o.n.o! They would consider $1.8m. My heart sank, for it broke my budget. The only consolation was that, they would sell the house with everything inside. That is, with all the furnishings, air-conditioning units, kitchen, dining set, lounge set, beds, refrigerator, etc.
The house was a corner terrace house with a nice garden space and a lap pool. The kids would love this, swimming in it. It would have made a perfect family home for family gatherings. I was told that the house was originally priced at $1.6m, but with the rise in property prices, it has been raised to $1.9m asking price. It has been used as the show house. Another property at the other corner, is also available at the same price, but with a small swimming pool and with some additional fittings. Again it would break my budget.
How frustrating! Disappointed, we left for Leo's house, a stone throw away. Leo showed us his house in which he keeps sting ray in the middle of the house. Also a very nice house but different from the show house. Interesting to note that many houses in his neighbourhood are still vacant. Leo told me that some of them buy for investment. Some of them had very nice roof gardens. So I told Leo that I would be interested in a resale if his neighbour should decide to do so. A glimmer of hope there. Another phase of new houses will be built around there, but will not be ready by 2010/2011. Too late for me.
If I had won the big sweep last month, I would have bought the house outright. I hope another house like that would come my way when I am truly ready with my money. Meanwhile, back to my dreams!
Till then....
Packing all the three kids including the maid, wife and son, we drove down to the site. We were met by my son's client, Leo and the developer. You can imagine the boisterous group including the live-wire Emma, laughing away.
On entering the house, I was struck by the immense layout of the property. It was beautiful and tastefully decorated. Emma yelled out, "Big house!", and clamoured all over the place eventually climbing up all three flight of stairs.
Judicious placement of glass panels made the house bright and cheerful. There was an air-well above the dining allowing ample light in. Featuring a dry and wet kitchen, there was a fifth bedroom with bath and toilet attached at the back of the house.
The staircase was at the side which did not mar the appearance of the house. With three stories, the master bedroom was large. Another bedroom on that level offers an opportunity to turn it into a study, cum computer, cum library, cum hideaway. Third level featured a duplicate master bedroom, which would fit my son's requirement, and a fourth bedroom.
On the roof, a terrace garden with a gazebo. It extended the length, the depth of the house. Excellent for a putting green. My son would love this, smoking Havana cigars with his friends.
It was befitting of my dream house, agreed by my family especially the kids. When I spoke to the developer, I was informed it would cost $1.9m o.n.o! They would consider $1.8m. My heart sank, for it broke my budget. The only consolation was that, they would sell the house with everything inside. That is, with all the furnishings, air-conditioning units, kitchen, dining set, lounge set, beds, refrigerator, etc.
The house was a corner terrace house with a nice garden space and a lap pool. The kids would love this, swimming in it. It would have made a perfect family home for family gatherings. I was told that the house was originally priced at $1.6m, but with the rise in property prices, it has been raised to $1.9m asking price. It has been used as the show house. Another property at the other corner, is also available at the same price, but with a small swimming pool and with some additional fittings. Again it would break my budget.
How frustrating! Disappointed, we left for Leo's house, a stone throw away. Leo showed us his house in which he keeps sting ray in the middle of the house. Also a very nice house but different from the show house. Interesting to note that many houses in his neighbourhood are still vacant. Leo told me that some of them buy for investment. Some of them had very nice roof gardens. So I told Leo that I would be interested in a resale if his neighbour should decide to do so. A glimmer of hope there. Another phase of new houses will be built around there, but will not be ready by 2010/2011. Too late for me.
If I had won the big sweep last month, I would have bought the house outright. I hope another house like that would come my way when I am truly ready with my money. Meanwhile, back to my dreams!
Till then....
Saturday, September 8, 2007
What's up?
As Bugs Bunny would ask his signature question - "What's Up, Doc?", my posting today will be updating on some of the events that has happened. My mind has boggled lately and it is hanging somewhere out there.
Our Lady's Procession on 2nd September, 2007.
I have been serving as Eucharistic Minister for this annual event for many years now, and enjoyed it. Held at the Novena Church, Thomson Road, we commemorate the important role of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. The procession would start at 6 pm with the Rosary. During the procession, the various church groups including the nuns and priests will be walking together, and a big portrait of Our Lady will be carried in the centre. The Archbishop will invariably be at the back as the main celebrant. It is a very solemn and poignant sight.
The procession will end up at the altar, erected in front of Novena. The Mass will then commence. During the Mass, the Bishop will crown Our Lady on top of her portrait.
This year's event has been shortened somewhat. Just as the crowning was taking place, there was a short shower. We called it a shower of blessings. But we were protected by some huge umbrellas provided by our Communion Guides. I had a young and pretty girl as my guide this year, who helped me give Holy Communion along a very narrow and slippery path. There were over ninety Communion Points.
The Mass ended just after eight. This year saw the emergence of the ladies Eucharistic Ministers who joined us, the men. Subdued in our men's jokes, we coped well with them. Some of them took a lot of kidding from the guys. I remember giving directions to a lady looking for the toilet. It turned out to be a gent's toilet. To save face, I told her that in the eyes of God, we are all the same! She took the joke well. This year's hymns are not as lively as last year though.
My en-bloc update
The EGM was held on 25 August, 2007. The turnout was very good and amicable. This was our last meeting, and surprisingly, went off well, without the usual fighting and shouting, common among the residents. There were obviously many 'money faces' laughing and cheering away even thanking the agent and lawyers. Some who opposed the sale, were there looking very sullen. I found out that some of them has already bought their replacement properties. Many have commented on their selfishness.
Given the legal process, barring any hiccups, we should conclude the sale by May 2008, and receive 90 - 95% of our money at the same time. We are given six months to finally move out and to receive the final tranche of money by then. That would be around November 2008. With 91.3 % of owners already signed the CSA, the cut-off date will be 15 September, when application will be made to the Stata & Titles Board for approval and to hear the grouses of those who did not sign. It would be impossible for a 100% sign up, because there are some bankruptcies, and divorced couples who have not settled their legal proceedings. I hope the sale will complete in time and without any hitches.
So now I sit back and wait for the next phase. I have not been out viewing properties lately since there is nothing I can do until the money comes. My post box has been filling up with advertisements from the various housing agents. Running through my mind now is the final packing up for the move. We have all been accumulating so many things through the years and packing will be a major operation, throwing away most of the unwanted things. This will also be our last Christmas and Chinese New Year here. Wonder where we will be Christmas 2008?
Till then....
Our Lady's Procession on 2nd September, 2007.
I have been serving as Eucharistic Minister for this annual event for many years now, and enjoyed it. Held at the Novena Church, Thomson Road, we commemorate the important role of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. The procession would start at 6 pm with the Rosary. During the procession, the various church groups including the nuns and priests will be walking together, and a big portrait of Our Lady will be carried in the centre. The Archbishop will invariably be at the back as the main celebrant. It is a very solemn and poignant sight.
The procession will end up at the altar, erected in front of Novena. The Mass will then commence. During the Mass, the Bishop will crown Our Lady on top of her portrait.
This year's event has been shortened somewhat. Just as the crowning was taking place, there was a short shower. We called it a shower of blessings. But we were protected by some huge umbrellas provided by our Communion Guides. I had a young and pretty girl as my guide this year, who helped me give Holy Communion along a very narrow and slippery path. There were over ninety Communion Points.
The Mass ended just after eight. This year saw the emergence of the ladies Eucharistic Ministers who joined us, the men. Subdued in our men's jokes, we coped well with them. Some of them took a lot of kidding from the guys. I remember giving directions to a lady looking for the toilet. It turned out to be a gent's toilet. To save face, I told her that in the eyes of God, we are all the same! She took the joke well. This year's hymns are not as lively as last year though.
My en-bloc update
The EGM was held on 25 August, 2007. The turnout was very good and amicable. This was our last meeting, and surprisingly, went off well, without the usual fighting and shouting, common among the residents. There were obviously many 'money faces' laughing and cheering away even thanking the agent and lawyers. Some who opposed the sale, were there looking very sullen. I found out that some of them has already bought their replacement properties. Many have commented on their selfishness.
Given the legal process, barring any hiccups, we should conclude the sale by May 2008, and receive 90 - 95% of our money at the same time. We are given six months to finally move out and to receive the final tranche of money by then. That would be around November 2008. With 91.3 % of owners already signed the CSA, the cut-off date will be 15 September, when application will be made to the Stata & Titles Board for approval and to hear the grouses of those who did not sign. It would be impossible for a 100% sign up, because there are some bankruptcies, and divorced couples who have not settled their legal proceedings. I hope the sale will complete in time and without any hitches.
So now I sit back and wait for the next phase. I have not been out viewing properties lately since there is nothing I can do until the money comes. My post box has been filling up with advertisements from the various housing agents. Running through my mind now is the final packing up for the move. We have all been accumulating so many things through the years and packing will be a major operation, throwing away most of the unwanted things. This will also be our last Christmas and Chinese New Year here. Wonder where we will be Christmas 2008?
Till then....
Sunday, August 26, 2007
My week that was....
Last week started rather gloomily with me in very low spirit and depressed, despite my rather funny episode on the toilets. It was a brief respite for me to think back to my childhood and younger days in hilarious situations, and to laugh over them. Nowadays, I tend to be melancholic. Also I am trying very hard on anger management, through prayers and self control. It is tough going, especially when confronted in an angry situation with someone, and restraining myself from being angry about it.
Plagued by the anxieties of my en bloc sale and my current financial state, and other domestic problems, I seemed to be in some sort of limbo. The gloomy weather of late did not help much.
The week saw me serving at the church altar every morning, covering the duty for a friend of mine, who is recovering from a knee operation. This boosted my spirit eventually. I always feel good and calm serving the altar
Monday and Wednesday saw me on the track doing my brisk walk of six laps. My weight now stands at 64.5 kg. Quite an achievement.
Wednesday also brought me news from my son and housing agent that a choice HDB apartment could be available for sale. A corner unit in which the owner had built an extension to the living room, and a spacious garden around the side. Two doors away from my son's place, it is very much like a terrace house. When I first visited the place, I could not believe that it was a HDB estate, given the green grass, trees and open space. Priced at $600k - 700k, it would be well within my budget. This news certainly lifted me up from my depression.
Tuesday, my free day when I normally pick up my bag and jump in and out of buses around the city, I was not in a mood to wander far. Wife went out with her friend, so I took the bus to Holland Village and had Indian curry lunch alone. Home after that and after a cold shower, sat down to watching documentaries on the television.
By the time Thursday and Friday came round, I was in a better frame of mind when Emma, the live wire came to us for the two days. Lively and full of mischievous antics, she brought some laughter and noise into our lives. It has always been good to have her around.
Friday night, I was at Novena, rehearsing for Our Lady's Procession, scheduled for Sunday 2nd September afternoon. For many years, I have been taking part in this very meaningful Catholic event. This year it is no different except that for the first time, we have ladies Eucharistic Ministers. I pray that Our Lady will grant us fair weather on that day.
The EGM ( Extraordinary General Meeting) for our en bloc sale was held on Saturday at 2 pm. Filled with trepidation at first, the meeting went off very well and amicably among the owners present. The salient sale terms were discussed and a revised timeline was projected. At the end of the meeting, there were many happy 'money-faces' applauding. I was surprised because for once there was no fighting and shouting among the owners, which was very much the norm, resulting into chaos and unhappiness.
Prior to the meeting, we had a nice family lunch at O'Brien, Jelita. My chicken bacon triple decker toasted went down very well. A short spiel at the Cold Storage and we were home.
Sunday, I had lunch at the Botanic Gardens with my son and wife. The curry chicken leg was rather tough due, I suspect, to it being frozen before cooking. Can always tell the difference because if it had not been frozen, the chicken meat would have been soft and tender and separated from the bone after cooking.
After lunch, we drove to view the HDB property from the outside, since we were not able to go inside as yet. It was two doors away from my son's place. Nice property with the extension but what a terrible paint job. The extension wall was painted purple. In front was planted a Franjipani tree, which I thought was rather weird and obtrusive. The extension roof was sloped in an awkward angle and will need to be re-structured. There was a nice garden space by the side. The property sits at the corner facing the road in, and appears to be a terrace house more than an apartment. I met my agent there and he re-affirmed that he will work on the property and will also continue to source for a corner unit. All in all, my family and I would be interested in the property, if and when it becomes available soon. There will be a fair amount of renovation work to be done to it.
That was my week that was, started rather poorly but finished on a brighter note.
Till then....
Plagued by the anxieties of my en bloc sale and my current financial state, and other domestic problems, I seemed to be in some sort of limbo. The gloomy weather of late did not help much.
The week saw me serving at the church altar every morning, covering the duty for a friend of mine, who is recovering from a knee operation. This boosted my spirit eventually. I always feel good and calm serving the altar
Monday and Wednesday saw me on the track doing my brisk walk of six laps. My weight now stands at 64.5 kg. Quite an achievement.
Wednesday also brought me news from my son and housing agent that a choice HDB apartment could be available for sale. A corner unit in which the owner had built an extension to the living room, and a spacious garden around the side. Two doors away from my son's place, it is very much like a terrace house. When I first visited the place, I could not believe that it was a HDB estate, given the green grass, trees and open space. Priced at $600k - 700k, it would be well within my budget. This news certainly lifted me up from my depression.
Tuesday, my free day when I normally pick up my bag and jump in and out of buses around the city, I was not in a mood to wander far. Wife went out with her friend, so I took the bus to Holland Village and had Indian curry lunch alone. Home after that and after a cold shower, sat down to watching documentaries on the television.
By the time Thursday and Friday came round, I was in a better frame of mind when Emma, the live wire came to us for the two days. Lively and full of mischievous antics, she brought some laughter and noise into our lives. It has always been good to have her around.
Friday night, I was at Novena, rehearsing for Our Lady's Procession, scheduled for Sunday 2nd September afternoon. For many years, I have been taking part in this very meaningful Catholic event. This year it is no different except that for the first time, we have ladies Eucharistic Ministers. I pray that Our Lady will grant us fair weather on that day.
The EGM ( Extraordinary General Meeting) for our en bloc sale was held on Saturday at 2 pm. Filled with trepidation at first, the meeting went off very well and amicably among the owners present. The salient sale terms were discussed and a revised timeline was projected. At the end of the meeting, there were many happy 'money-faces' applauding. I was surprised because for once there was no fighting and shouting among the owners, which was very much the norm, resulting into chaos and unhappiness.
Prior to the meeting, we had a nice family lunch at O'Brien, Jelita. My chicken bacon triple decker toasted went down very well. A short spiel at the Cold Storage and we were home.
Sunday, I had lunch at the Botanic Gardens with my son and wife. The curry chicken leg was rather tough due, I suspect, to it being frozen before cooking. Can always tell the difference because if it had not been frozen, the chicken meat would have been soft and tender and separated from the bone after cooking.
After lunch, we drove to view the HDB property from the outside, since we were not able to go inside as yet. It was two doors away from my son's place. Nice property with the extension but what a terrible paint job. The extension wall was painted purple. In front was planted a Franjipani tree, which I thought was rather weird and obtrusive. The extension roof was sloped in an awkward angle and will need to be re-structured. There was a nice garden space by the side. The property sits at the corner facing the road in, and appears to be a terrace house more than an apartment. I met my agent there and he re-affirmed that he will work on the property and will also continue to source for a corner unit. All in all, my family and I would be interested in the property, if and when it becomes available soon. There will be a fair amount of renovation work to be done to it.
That was my week that was, started rather poorly but finished on a brighter note.
Till then....
Monday, August 20, 2007
Toilets
In my search for a new place to live, uppermost in my mind is the toilet. One of the things I will have to do is to hack the toilets and change to new ones. I always feel queasy when I have to sit on some body's toilet bowl.
Fortunately, I grew up using the squat toilet with modern flush system. During those days, most toilets utilised the rubber bucket system. To me that was always a nightmare. I was petrified of the darn thing. Not only was it smelly and dirty, I was always afraid of either falling into the hole or dropping something into it.
To my young readers who are not familiar with it, the system consisted of a raised cubicle shit-house, where you climb up several steps to go inside it. Inside, there is a concrete slab with two bricks and a hole in between. You place your feet on the bricks and squat down to shit. Your knickers and pants are stretched across your knees. Your nose comes very close to your knickers and you have the full aroma of vintage pee! For ladies, not that I have seen it, you pull your skirt/dress/cheongsum up to your waist, leaving your dainty panty across your knees. Now you know why I have this phobia of dropping something out of the pocket. At the very bottom is the bucket made of very heavy rubber. Everyday, the night-soil collector will come round to pull the bucket out and replace with an empty bucket. At the back of the house, you can see a square hole with a piece of rubber flap. This was where the bucket is exchanged.
When the sitting toilet was introduced, my brother used to trick me into believing that when you flush sitting down, the water will also wash your backside. Trying that out one day, I discovered the water did not reach me at all.
I had a friend whose shit house was built outside the house. One day, he was squatting inside. I picked up a bamboo pole with a hook at the end, and started to probe from the opening until he started yelling. I had a good laugh at his expense.
I was so petrified of this toilet that I refused to use it. When I was a little boy, one day, my father took me to Penang and stayed at a friend's Peranakan house at Mentri Lane. There were two other little boys there with their mother and grandmother. The toilet was the bucket system. My father had gone out in the morning leaving me alone with the two boys. As luck would have it, I needed to shit. Bravely, I held on until it became excruciating. I started to walk round in circle trying very hard to control until it was impossible. The darn thing came out in my shorts. Suddenly one lump fell out on the floor. I panicked and ran to hide under the staircase not knowing what to do.
A moment later, the grandmother happened to walk by and noticed the lump. She called out wondering what it was. The other two boys ran up to join her out of curiosity. They squatted down to examine the lump. I was watching all this from my hiding place. The grandmother touched the lump and smelled it. She cried out in horror that it was a lump of shit. She never got to find out who did it, and was puzzled how that lump of shit got there in the first place. That evening when my father got back, I told him I soiled my shorts. He took me to the bathroom to hose me down and washed my shorts.
Not too long ago, I was flying from Labuan to Kuching in a Dart Herald. After passing Brunei, I suddenly felt my stomach cramp. I thought of going to the toilet just behind me. But decided that since it was not severe, I would do it on the ground at Kuching. Shortly after that, Operations called me on the radio informing me that I had to divert into Sibu, to pick up two coffins. As I made a left hand turn towards Sibu, the cramp returned. It was too late for me to go to the toilet as I started my approach into Sibu. Needless to say, I was most uncomfortable trying to concentrate on my landing and controlling my bowel. As soon as I shut down the engines, I told my colleague that I had to go to the loo very urgently.
I found the toilet just by the tarmac and it was newly installed. It was a squat toilet with the modern flush system. I was wearing my one piece green flying suit. When I unzipped, I found my top joining shirt trailing behind me. Trying to remove my suit, my shoes got in the way. By this time, the urgency was so great that I started to break out in a sweat and shivering with the cramps. Unlacing my shoes one by one, I finally kicked them off and took my suit off. Squatting down, the darn thing came out like a bomb! Phew! Just made it. Accustomed to the sitting toilet, it was quite an effort trying to squat. My legs began to shiver and by the time I had finished, I felt like I had been in a sauna. Luckily for me, the toilet was very new and clean, and was quite spacious allowing me to throw my suit on the floor and squat wearing my socks.
When I was in the jungle, I had to dig a hole and cover it up after I had finished. The officers had their own toilet, which was a large bucket filled with Jeyes fluid. The fluid smelled so bad that it made me puke; smells worse than the shit. One evening after dinner, I had wanted to shit and walked towards the jungle looking for a quiet spot. The sentry saw me and decided to keep watch over me. I doubled back and had to use the officers toilet.
My youngest daughter K and my grand daughter seem to have inherited this trait from me. Before they enter a toilet, they must check it out for cleanliness before use. Otherwise, they would rather constipate until they reached home or the hotel.
Enough shit jokes for now. Will keep some for future use.
Till then....
Fortunately, I grew up using the squat toilet with modern flush system. During those days, most toilets utilised the rubber bucket system. To me that was always a nightmare. I was petrified of the darn thing. Not only was it smelly and dirty, I was always afraid of either falling into the hole or dropping something into it.
To my young readers who are not familiar with it, the system consisted of a raised cubicle shit-house, where you climb up several steps to go inside it. Inside, there is a concrete slab with two bricks and a hole in between. You place your feet on the bricks and squat down to shit. Your knickers and pants are stretched across your knees. Your nose comes very close to your knickers and you have the full aroma of vintage pee! For ladies, not that I have seen it, you pull your skirt/dress/cheongsum up to your waist, leaving your dainty panty across your knees. Now you know why I have this phobia of dropping something out of the pocket. At the very bottom is the bucket made of very heavy rubber. Everyday, the night-soil collector will come round to pull the bucket out and replace with an empty bucket. At the back of the house, you can see a square hole with a piece of rubber flap. This was where the bucket is exchanged.
When the sitting toilet was introduced, my brother used to trick me into believing that when you flush sitting down, the water will also wash your backside. Trying that out one day, I discovered the water did not reach me at all.
I had a friend whose shit house was built outside the house. One day, he was squatting inside. I picked up a bamboo pole with a hook at the end, and started to probe from the opening until he started yelling. I had a good laugh at his expense.
I was so petrified of this toilet that I refused to use it. When I was a little boy, one day, my father took me to Penang and stayed at a friend's Peranakan house at Mentri Lane. There were two other little boys there with their mother and grandmother. The toilet was the bucket system. My father had gone out in the morning leaving me alone with the two boys. As luck would have it, I needed to shit. Bravely, I held on until it became excruciating. I started to walk round in circle trying very hard to control until it was impossible. The darn thing came out in my shorts. Suddenly one lump fell out on the floor. I panicked and ran to hide under the staircase not knowing what to do.
A moment later, the grandmother happened to walk by and noticed the lump. She called out wondering what it was. The other two boys ran up to join her out of curiosity. They squatted down to examine the lump. I was watching all this from my hiding place. The grandmother touched the lump and smelled it. She cried out in horror that it was a lump of shit. She never got to find out who did it, and was puzzled how that lump of shit got there in the first place. That evening when my father got back, I told him I soiled my shorts. He took me to the bathroom to hose me down and washed my shorts.
Not too long ago, I was flying from Labuan to Kuching in a Dart Herald. After passing Brunei, I suddenly felt my stomach cramp. I thought of going to the toilet just behind me. But decided that since it was not severe, I would do it on the ground at Kuching. Shortly after that, Operations called me on the radio informing me that I had to divert into Sibu, to pick up two coffins. As I made a left hand turn towards Sibu, the cramp returned. It was too late for me to go to the toilet as I started my approach into Sibu. Needless to say, I was most uncomfortable trying to concentrate on my landing and controlling my bowel. As soon as I shut down the engines, I told my colleague that I had to go to the loo very urgently.
I found the toilet just by the tarmac and it was newly installed. It was a squat toilet with the modern flush system. I was wearing my one piece green flying suit. When I unzipped, I found my top joining shirt trailing behind me. Trying to remove my suit, my shoes got in the way. By this time, the urgency was so great that I started to break out in a sweat and shivering with the cramps. Unlacing my shoes one by one, I finally kicked them off and took my suit off. Squatting down, the darn thing came out like a bomb! Phew! Just made it. Accustomed to the sitting toilet, it was quite an effort trying to squat. My legs began to shiver and by the time I had finished, I felt like I had been in a sauna. Luckily for me, the toilet was very new and clean, and was quite spacious allowing me to throw my suit on the floor and squat wearing my socks.
When I was in the jungle, I had to dig a hole and cover it up after I had finished. The officers had their own toilet, which was a large bucket filled with Jeyes fluid. The fluid smelled so bad that it made me puke; smells worse than the shit. One evening after dinner, I had wanted to shit and walked towards the jungle looking for a quiet spot. The sentry saw me and decided to keep watch over me. I doubled back and had to use the officers toilet.
My youngest daughter K and my grand daughter seem to have inherited this trait from me. Before they enter a toilet, they must check it out for cleanliness before use. Otherwise, they would rather constipate until they reached home or the hotel.
Enough shit jokes for now. Will keep some for future use.
Till then....
Saturday, August 18, 2007
You want to retire?
In the news lately is about retirement and in today's papers, there are news about people still working until their 80's & 90's. Friends have often asked me what it is to retire. They have the lofty notion of sitting back doing nothing, and away from the 9 - 5 routine (though nowadays it is very much beyond 5).
I wince every time someone asks me this.
This is now my 12th year of retirement. Seems how time flies. It was not my intention to retire, but I was forced into it. My world fell apart when I was told to retire. Not much of a golden hand shake as well, in monetary terms. To add insult to injury, I was taxed of my hard earned gratuity, just because some tycoon got away with a multi-million dollar hand shake setting a precedent.
I was offered a position by a Japanese company, who even went out of the way, to show me my new office on an offshore island. The next meeting was to discuss my remuneration. Suddenly, everything went quiet. I finally called up my friend who had arranged all this, and he was embarrassed to tell me that Tokyo head office had turned me down because of my age.
Disappointed by this, I began to apply for other job vacancies. No success, only one company replied saying the position had been filled. Turned down because of my age! How depressing.
Resigned to my fate, I then immersed myself into church work. I worked diligently and drew a lot of accolade from the Priests and people in church. It was very spiritually satisfying and I enjoyed the work. Unfortunately, church politics dampened my spirit somewhat, and I have now scaled down my involvement.
Retirement is not a bed of roses. Like I mentioned in my first blog posting, I am worried whether I will outlive my savings or my savings will outlive me. My life style is one of frugality, and even lower self esteem. Money spent is money gone and there are still so many bills to pay trying to stretch the dollar. I have spent many sleepless nights trying to figure out my finances. It is okay if I have a lot of money but I do not. So money is a big concern.
I have never been so close to my wife physically until my retirement. I mope around the house trying to do my own things. I am the automatic dish washer in the kitchen. Periodically, I sling my bag and take the bus out and browsed around the city sometimes aimlessly, sometimes looking for something or other. Even meeting up with friends is a good diversion. Without adequate funds, it is merely window shopping. After that it is home by bus, avoiding the evening rush and also before four and having to pay full bus fare. Home to face the wife again. I envy those couples who can get along with each other and going in and out together. I have resigned to being alone most of the time. Not good being lonely, but then I have no one to disagree with. Life can be funny at times. A paradox.
To be unemployed and not earning any money is a terrible thing. To have to pay bills on top of that is a nightmare. So to those who asked me about retirement, can you afford not to work and yet support yourself and spouse (with or without)? Are you sane enough to face your spouse every waking hour day and night? Can you and your spouse get along? Think about that.
True that you have the time to do the many things, that you long to do when you are working. If you can maintain the quality of life style that you are accustomed to, well and good. But if you cannot, sacrifices have to be made. As for me, I cannot say that I am absolutely happy with the way things are. I still nurse my depressions and anxieties. I am blessed by the Lord with what I am and I am grateful for that. I will continue to seek solace by trying to be a good Catholic.
Three important things you must consider seriously:
1. Have you a nest egg you can fall back on to sustain your life style? Money may be the root of all evil, but money pays for your food and bills. You cannot rely on anyone, even your children, for money. They also have their own bills to pay. You must be financially independent. Good if you receive some money from the children. Consider that as a bonus. Early financial planning for your retirement is essential.
2. Do you get along with your spouse? Good if you do but disastrous if you do not. You are going to face each other day in, day out. You begin to notice certain traits of your spouse that you did not notice before. That can be very irritating. Not married? Good for you. Keep your current friends and single out those you find agreeable. Loneliness is a terrible thing to live with. You may have a large family, but they are not with you all the time, because they have their own lives to live too. Do something to keep your mind occupied. I have my computer, photography and church work. Since my wife have no interest in any of those, that will keep me away from her. Important to keep your mind working all the time.
3. Be religious. You must be spiritual for the last and final lap in your life. If you have not been attending church regularly, it is still not too late to make amends. You are the lost sheep that our Lord will be very happy to welcome you back. Do charity or church work. It will stabilise you spiritually to prepare you for that final moment when you leave this troubled world. Make up for all your past sins. Not a Christian? Convert. It is not too late. Other religion will have their own teachings and doctrines too. Find yourself and God.
I hope anyone reading this post will learn from my mistakes and I hope I have given you, my dear readers, something to think about.
Till then....
I wince every time someone asks me this.
This is now my 12th year of retirement. Seems how time flies. It was not my intention to retire, but I was forced into it. My world fell apart when I was told to retire. Not much of a golden hand shake as well, in monetary terms. To add insult to injury, I was taxed of my hard earned gratuity, just because some tycoon got away with a multi-million dollar hand shake setting a precedent.
I was offered a position by a Japanese company, who even went out of the way, to show me my new office on an offshore island. The next meeting was to discuss my remuneration. Suddenly, everything went quiet. I finally called up my friend who had arranged all this, and he was embarrassed to tell me that Tokyo head office had turned me down because of my age.
Disappointed by this, I began to apply for other job vacancies. No success, only one company replied saying the position had been filled. Turned down because of my age! How depressing.
Resigned to my fate, I then immersed myself into church work. I worked diligently and drew a lot of accolade from the Priests and people in church. It was very spiritually satisfying and I enjoyed the work. Unfortunately, church politics dampened my spirit somewhat, and I have now scaled down my involvement.
Retirement is not a bed of roses. Like I mentioned in my first blog posting, I am worried whether I will outlive my savings or my savings will outlive me. My life style is one of frugality, and even lower self esteem. Money spent is money gone and there are still so many bills to pay trying to stretch the dollar. I have spent many sleepless nights trying to figure out my finances. It is okay if I have a lot of money but I do not. So money is a big concern.
I have never been so close to my wife physically until my retirement. I mope around the house trying to do my own things. I am the automatic dish washer in the kitchen. Periodically, I sling my bag and take the bus out and browsed around the city sometimes aimlessly, sometimes looking for something or other. Even meeting up with friends is a good diversion. Without adequate funds, it is merely window shopping. After that it is home by bus, avoiding the evening rush and also before four and having to pay full bus fare. Home to face the wife again. I envy those couples who can get along with each other and going in and out together. I have resigned to being alone most of the time. Not good being lonely, but then I have no one to disagree with. Life can be funny at times. A paradox.
To be unemployed and not earning any money is a terrible thing. To have to pay bills on top of that is a nightmare. So to those who asked me about retirement, can you afford not to work and yet support yourself and spouse (with or without)? Are you sane enough to face your spouse every waking hour day and night? Can you and your spouse get along? Think about that.
True that you have the time to do the many things, that you long to do when you are working. If you can maintain the quality of life style that you are accustomed to, well and good. But if you cannot, sacrifices have to be made. As for me, I cannot say that I am absolutely happy with the way things are. I still nurse my depressions and anxieties. I am blessed by the Lord with what I am and I am grateful for that. I will continue to seek solace by trying to be a good Catholic.
Three important things you must consider seriously:
1. Have you a nest egg you can fall back on to sustain your life style? Money may be the root of all evil, but money pays for your food and bills. You cannot rely on anyone, even your children, for money. They also have their own bills to pay. You must be financially independent. Good if you receive some money from the children. Consider that as a bonus. Early financial planning for your retirement is essential.
2. Do you get along with your spouse? Good if you do but disastrous if you do not. You are going to face each other day in, day out. You begin to notice certain traits of your spouse that you did not notice before. That can be very irritating. Not married? Good for you. Keep your current friends and single out those you find agreeable. Loneliness is a terrible thing to live with. You may have a large family, but they are not with you all the time, because they have their own lives to live too. Do something to keep your mind occupied. I have my computer, photography and church work. Since my wife have no interest in any of those, that will keep me away from her. Important to keep your mind working all the time.
3. Be religious. You must be spiritual for the last and final lap in your life. If you have not been attending church regularly, it is still not too late to make amends. You are the lost sheep that our Lord will be very happy to welcome you back. Do charity or church work. It will stabilise you spiritually to prepare you for that final moment when you leave this troubled world. Make up for all your past sins. Not a Christian? Convert. It is not too late. Other religion will have their own teachings and doctrines too. Find yourself and God.
I hope anyone reading this post will learn from my mistakes and I hope I have given you, my dear readers, something to think about.
Till then....
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Sunday at home.
This Sunday 12th August, 2007, had been a quiet Sunday at home. Frequently we are out with the son &/or son-in-law, daughter and grand daughter for lunch, browsing at malls or lately, viewing houses. But this Sunday, my son is in Hong Kong and my son-in-law pre-occupied. It has always been great going out with them for quality family time.
When I am at home on Sundays, I always like to listen to FM90.5 Brian Richmond presenting old favourites in the afternoon between 1.30 to 5 pm. I get to listen to some of the oldies I grew up with from the 50's and the 60's. It is very nostalgic and brings back fond memories of my young days. The program used to run in the morning, but since they changed it to the afternoon, I miss it often as I tend to go out in the afternoon.
This particular Sunday, the vintage chart at 3 pm., featured the top ten hits for the year 1957. It struck a chord with me, when I realised that 1957, was my last year in school, when I took the Senior Cambridge examinations. That was 50 years ago!
As I sat down to listen to the top ten hits of 1957, I was filled with nostalgia of my good old school days. Each tune brought back memories of that year. How foot loose and fancy free I was.
I began to think of my school friends and childhood friends and all the fun we had. I also felt very sad when I realised that so many of my friends are no more around. They did not get the chance to witness the passing of 50 years on. Friends like Chooi Chee Mun, who died as a bachelor; Toh Yi, who died a few days before the reunion dinner he organised for us; Kam Leong, who slided down from his chair and died at the foot of the table; Kok Wai Lum the tennis player and the many more, too sad to mention.
This is the problem with growing old, when you sit down and think of the good old days, and seeing the days passing by you. The young have no time for you for they have their own agenda and priorities. It is not right to impose upon them as they have their own lives to live. So we have to stop thinking that far back, and cope with our lives ahead, and live for the present. We can go anytime, like a thief in the night.
Till then....
When I am at home on Sundays, I always like to listen to FM90.5 Brian Richmond presenting old favourites in the afternoon between 1.30 to 5 pm. I get to listen to some of the oldies I grew up with from the 50's and the 60's. It is very nostalgic and brings back fond memories of my young days. The program used to run in the morning, but since they changed it to the afternoon, I miss it often as I tend to go out in the afternoon.
This particular Sunday, the vintage chart at 3 pm., featured the top ten hits for the year 1957. It struck a chord with me, when I realised that 1957, was my last year in school, when I took the Senior Cambridge examinations. That was 50 years ago!
As I sat down to listen to the top ten hits of 1957, I was filled with nostalgia of my good old school days. Each tune brought back memories of that year. How foot loose and fancy free I was.
I began to think of my school friends and childhood friends and all the fun we had. I also felt very sad when I realised that so many of my friends are no more around. They did not get the chance to witness the passing of 50 years on. Friends like Chooi Chee Mun, who died as a bachelor; Toh Yi, who died a few days before the reunion dinner he organised for us; Kam Leong, who slided down from his chair and died at the foot of the table; Kok Wai Lum the tennis player and the many more, too sad to mention.
This is the problem with growing old, when you sit down and think of the good old days, and seeing the days passing by you. The young have no time for you for they have their own agenda and priorities. It is not right to impose upon them as they have their own lives to live. So we have to stop thinking that far back, and cope with our lives ahead, and live for the present. We can go anytime, like a thief in the night.
Till then....
Monday, August 6, 2007
House hunting
Almost every weekend, I have been looking around at properties for sale preparing myself for the eventual purchase. Since last year, I have been going around with my son and son-in-law, looking at new launches and resale properties. My son-in-law is also looking for a new house.
Unfortunately, the properties market has shot up and everything has gone up alarmingly. I have been to view some new launches of condominiums. All the show flats were dressed up to entice the buyers with a lot of trimmings. Notice all doors are never installed to give it a spacious feel, and a lot of glass used to brighten up the place. They look more like a five star hotel suite, like a matchbox, with prices to match. With swimming pool, gymnasium, BBQ pits, the maintenance charges are also high.
Nearer where I live, it has become almost impossible to buy anything within my budget. So I have to move away. This places me in some dilemma, because I am hoping, that I still can come back to my church to perform my sacred duties.
What to buy? I am open about it. However, paying over a million for an apartment of matchbox size, I think it prudent to also consider paying the same amount for a landed property in the outlying area.
Last weekend, I viewed three properties, recommended by my agent. The first one at Springside was quite nice except that the three-storey terrace house, owned by a Chinese family, was rather cluttered and dark inside. Probably a complete renovation would put it right. It was also in a quiet neighbourhood where guests can park their cars by the side. At $1.5M, it was rather stiff, blowing my budget.
The second property at Mandai Road, was an eye opener. Not far from the first house, it was very bright and nicer looking. A semi detached house facing a short row of terraced houses opposite, it sat in a cul-de-sac. Owned by a friendly Chinese family, it was very well maintained and very impressive as well. Featuring three storeys, it was tastefully furnished. Except for a complete repainting and redecorating, that would have sufficed, except that my son was thinking of knocking down a wall to extend the kitchen. The neighbourhood was very nice and airy, with plenty of greenery, and near a golf course, and a eating place frequented by my son and son-in-law. At $1.7M negotiable, it shot my budget as well. However, the owner was in no hurry to sell and me, in no hurry to buy, the agent has asked me to negotiate. Since I have not received my money yet, I will sit on it until I am ready, and see by then if the property would still be available.
The third property, though not far away, was located at Springleaf Villa. New condominium about two years old, it had five storeys from basement to roof top garden. Interesting layout, the modern Malay family is migrating to New Zealand and is selling the place 'lock stock and barrel'. That means everything inside including the tv, furnishings and a pool table! The apartment was very clean and well maintained but the rooms were quite small. At $1.45M negotiable, it was within my budget but the timing was not right for me. Moreover, it was situated quite far from the main road, a 15 minutes walk, I have to pass on this one. Incidentally, the agent is staying diagonally from this apartment. The maintenance fee is $330 a month, with swimming pool. Sigh!
Prior to last week, I had viewed an HDB Penthouse at Sin Ming Court. Quite spacious, it was rather cluttered by the present owner, and I envisage that I will have to carry out much renovation work, to do it up to an acceptable condition. At $750k, it needs to be re-valued as the price is too high. Again, time is against me.
The Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) will be held on 25th August, and I will attend to listen to the update, and hopefully a more accurate timeline will be issued, as to when we can expect to receive our money.
Till then....
Unfortunately, the properties market has shot up and everything has gone up alarmingly. I have been to view some new launches of condominiums. All the show flats were dressed up to entice the buyers with a lot of trimmings. Notice all doors are never installed to give it a spacious feel, and a lot of glass used to brighten up the place. They look more like a five star hotel suite, like a matchbox, with prices to match. With swimming pool, gymnasium, BBQ pits, the maintenance charges are also high.
Nearer where I live, it has become almost impossible to buy anything within my budget. So I have to move away. This places me in some dilemma, because I am hoping, that I still can come back to my church to perform my sacred duties.
What to buy? I am open about it. However, paying over a million for an apartment of matchbox size, I think it prudent to also consider paying the same amount for a landed property in the outlying area.
Last weekend, I viewed three properties, recommended by my agent. The first one at Springside was quite nice except that the three-storey terrace house, owned by a Chinese family, was rather cluttered and dark inside. Probably a complete renovation would put it right. It was also in a quiet neighbourhood where guests can park their cars by the side. At $1.5M, it was rather stiff, blowing my budget.
The second property at Mandai Road, was an eye opener. Not far from the first house, it was very bright and nicer looking. A semi detached house facing a short row of terraced houses opposite, it sat in a cul-de-sac. Owned by a friendly Chinese family, it was very well maintained and very impressive as well. Featuring three storeys, it was tastefully furnished. Except for a complete repainting and redecorating, that would have sufficed, except that my son was thinking of knocking down a wall to extend the kitchen. The neighbourhood was very nice and airy, with plenty of greenery, and near a golf course, and a eating place frequented by my son and son-in-law. At $1.7M negotiable, it shot my budget as well. However, the owner was in no hurry to sell and me, in no hurry to buy, the agent has asked me to negotiate. Since I have not received my money yet, I will sit on it until I am ready, and see by then if the property would still be available.
The third property, though not far away, was located at Springleaf Villa. New condominium about two years old, it had five storeys from basement to roof top garden. Interesting layout, the modern Malay family is migrating to New Zealand and is selling the place 'lock stock and barrel'. That means everything inside including the tv, furnishings and a pool table! The apartment was very clean and well maintained but the rooms were quite small. At $1.45M negotiable, it was within my budget but the timing was not right for me. Moreover, it was situated quite far from the main road, a 15 minutes walk, I have to pass on this one. Incidentally, the agent is staying diagonally from this apartment. The maintenance fee is $330 a month, with swimming pool. Sigh!
Prior to last week, I had viewed an HDB Penthouse at Sin Ming Court. Quite spacious, it was rather cluttered by the present owner, and I envisage that I will have to carry out much renovation work, to do it up to an acceptable condition. At $750k, it needs to be re-valued as the price is too high. Again, time is against me.
The Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) will be held on 25th August, and I will attend to listen to the update, and hopefully a more accurate timeline will be issued, as to when we can expect to receive our money.
Till then....
Monday, July 30, 2007
Rasbora Heteromopha
This is the third of the trilogy on my passion with pets when I was a small boy.
When I cycled around Ipoh town, I loved to stop over at the pet shops selling birds and aquarium fishes and the market where there is a small corner selling fishes and sometimes puppies, birds and pigeons.
Once I kept Siamese fighting fish in a jar. I used to challenge my friends to a duel. By putting the two jars next to each other, the Siamese fighting fish would spread out the colouful fins to display their aggressive posturing.
I had always wanted an aquarium but had no money to buy one. Years ago, my father and sister kept gold fishes. My father used cement to build a large aquarium with a piece of glass in front. I was still very young then.
Saving my pocket money, I bought five pieces of thick glass, cut to my specifications. What a way to start an aquarium. I persuaded my mother to hold the glass while I tried to use scotch tapes and putty to hold the glass together. It was of course, a stupid way of building an aquarium when the whole thing collapsed. Luckily I did not break the glass.
Sometime later, I approached a friend of my father, who used metal angle iron to make window frames, to weld the aquarium. He agreed, for the princely sum of $20. I got hold of my trishaw rider friend, Salleh, to transport the glass to the shop in Old Town and to later carry the completed aquarium home.
It was an exciting day when I got the aquarium home. Using putty I bought from the hardware shop, I started to mount the glass after painting the metal frame with aluminum paint. With haste and impatience, I managed to get all these done within a few days and left the aquarium to stand for another few days. Home from school every afternoon, I would fuss over the aquarium.
Finally, the acid test - to fill with water. Running the hose in, I turned on the tap. After several inches of water, lo and behold, the darn thing leaked like a sieve! I immediately used putty to patch the leaks until the whole aquarium looked so grotesque. The putty needed time to set and I was so impatient. This went on for a week or so until I finally got all the leaks plugged. Unfortunately the aquarium looked terrible with patches here and there.
It was another happy day when I put sand in the aquarium with stones and rock to create an underwater scene. I managed to get some aquatic plants and even some snails to dress the aquarium. Looking at it, I was very pleased with the result.
Time to introduce the inhabitants - fishes. With limited funds, I visited the pet shop and had some difficulties trying to decide what fish to buy. They were all so beautiful. I finally settled for the triangle fish which goes with the Latin name of Rasbora Heteromopha! A colourful fish, pinkish with a blue triangle on both sides. After I introduced them into the aquarium, I spent hours sitting in front of the aquarium admiring them. Ah! such joy.
As time went on, I saved up enough pocket money to buy more fishes. I bought the swordfish and Mollies. They are live breeders i.e. they do not lay eggs but give live birth to tiny fry. They almost immediately started to breed, and I was astonished one day, when I saw tiny fry swimming among the water Hyacinth. I was as excited as the proud parents.
Later, I had enough money to buy some angel fish, both the white ones and the black ones. They were so beautiful and serene as they glided around the aquarium. They were also very tame and I would hand feed them with worms. They would come up to me to eat off my fingers.
I was plaqued with the problem of algea. Because the aquarium was in my backyard facing the sun, algea grew so fast I could not clean it in time. Every few days, I had to use cotton wool to clean so that I could see the interior. I could not afford the pumps and filter. It got so bad that I could only see the fishes when they came close to the glass. I persevered and changed the water frequently. The algea later became almum, which is dark brown in colour.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the aquarium and spent many hours sitting in front and admiring the underwater antics of the fishes. When I left home to join the Air Force, I gave the aquarium and the fishes to my neighbour.
Till then....
When I cycled around Ipoh town, I loved to stop over at the pet shops selling birds and aquarium fishes and the market where there is a small corner selling fishes and sometimes puppies, birds and pigeons.
Once I kept Siamese fighting fish in a jar. I used to challenge my friends to a duel. By putting the two jars next to each other, the Siamese fighting fish would spread out the colouful fins to display their aggressive posturing.
I had always wanted an aquarium but had no money to buy one. Years ago, my father and sister kept gold fishes. My father used cement to build a large aquarium with a piece of glass in front. I was still very young then.
Saving my pocket money, I bought five pieces of thick glass, cut to my specifications. What a way to start an aquarium. I persuaded my mother to hold the glass while I tried to use scotch tapes and putty to hold the glass together. It was of course, a stupid way of building an aquarium when the whole thing collapsed. Luckily I did not break the glass.
Sometime later, I approached a friend of my father, who used metal angle iron to make window frames, to weld the aquarium. He agreed, for the princely sum of $20. I got hold of my trishaw rider friend, Salleh, to transport the glass to the shop in Old Town and to later carry the completed aquarium home.
It was an exciting day when I got the aquarium home. Using putty I bought from the hardware shop, I started to mount the glass after painting the metal frame with aluminum paint. With haste and impatience, I managed to get all these done within a few days and left the aquarium to stand for another few days. Home from school every afternoon, I would fuss over the aquarium.
Finally, the acid test - to fill with water. Running the hose in, I turned on the tap. After several inches of water, lo and behold, the darn thing leaked like a sieve! I immediately used putty to patch the leaks until the whole aquarium looked so grotesque. The putty needed time to set and I was so impatient. This went on for a week or so until I finally got all the leaks plugged. Unfortunately the aquarium looked terrible with patches here and there.
It was another happy day when I put sand in the aquarium with stones and rock to create an underwater scene. I managed to get some aquatic plants and even some snails to dress the aquarium. Looking at it, I was very pleased with the result.
Time to introduce the inhabitants - fishes. With limited funds, I visited the pet shop and had some difficulties trying to decide what fish to buy. They were all so beautiful. I finally settled for the triangle fish which goes with the Latin name of Rasbora Heteromopha! A colourful fish, pinkish with a blue triangle on both sides. After I introduced them into the aquarium, I spent hours sitting in front of the aquarium admiring them. Ah! such joy.
As time went on, I saved up enough pocket money to buy more fishes. I bought the swordfish and Mollies. They are live breeders i.e. they do not lay eggs but give live birth to tiny fry. They almost immediately started to breed, and I was astonished one day, when I saw tiny fry swimming among the water Hyacinth. I was as excited as the proud parents.
Later, I had enough money to buy some angel fish, both the white ones and the black ones. They were so beautiful and serene as they glided around the aquarium. They were also very tame and I would hand feed them with worms. They would come up to me to eat off my fingers.
I was plaqued with the problem of algea. Because the aquarium was in my backyard facing the sun, algea grew so fast I could not clean it in time. Every few days, I had to use cotton wool to clean so that I could see the interior. I could not afford the pumps and filter. It got so bad that I could only see the fishes when they came close to the glass. I persevered and changed the water frequently. The algea later became almum, which is dark brown in colour.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed the aquarium and spent many hours sitting in front and admiring the underwater antics of the fishes. When I left home to join the Air Force, I gave the aquarium and the fishes to my neighbour.
Till then....
"Tinker!"
Tinker was the name of a black & white mongrel, that was owned by a neighbour, three houses away. Originally, the name was Tinkerbell, but it became Tinker, less of a mouthful. When he needed a bath, he was called Stinker, for apparent reason.
Tinker had the run of the whole estate where we lived, and everyone knew and loved him. He was well tolerated.
After a short while, Tinker decided to come to my house and refused to go home. Every efforts were futile in trying to get him home to his owner. When he was let off the chain, he would run to my house and went to sleep. Finally his owner decided to give him to us. Offers of compensation were refused since we were all friends and neighbours. So I became the custodian of Tinker. I was still a schoolboy at that time, and Tinker became the family pet.
Tinker had a nose for trouble. He would fight with every dog in the neighbourhood and get himself into many scrapes. Sometimes human beings become involved and I would have to step in to rescue Tinker. Several times, he would injure himself so badly that I had to send him to the veterinary. In the evening, I would go with my father and sister to visit him and bring him his favourite food. He would howl and cry and beg to be taken home. Driving away from the veterinary, I could hear him barking and howling away pitifully.
Tinker was also the 'Casanova' of the dog community in the neighbourhood. Sometimes he would stay away for the night and we knew that there was a bitch on heat nearby.
Being the family pet, Tinker showed his protective nature for my mother. One day, a young girl came to the house to sell eggs. After my mother paid her, the young girl picked up her bags to leave. Thinking that the girl had taken something from the house, Tinker lunged and snapped at the girl, frightening the girl, who broke down in tears. This created one heck of a commotion with the girl's family coming to claim compensation. We finally paid her some money and apologised to them.
When I placed a piece of 5 cents cake and a piece of 20 cents cake in front of Tinker, he would gobble up the 20 cents cake and left the 5 cents cake uneaten. This story appeared in the Straits Times children's page, when I wrote to the Wise Owl Club of which I was a member.
Sometime later, my father bought a Pekingese for my sister for $50. When we brought the new dog home, Tinker was absolutely irritated and intolerant of the Pekingese. We decided to call the Pekingese 'June' as it was the month of June, and it was a bitch. There were a lot of growling and snarling between the two jealous dogs.
June was a rather cantankerous and spoilt dog and snapped at everyone. Unlike Tinker, who was more friendly, June distanced herself from me for most of the time. She used to drive Tinker up the wall every time she came on heat, by snapping and hiding under the furniture. Sometimes in the middle of the night, I had to go downstairs to tick off Tinker for his amorous behaviour and separate the two. A very frustrated Tinker went back to sleep under the settee.
When I joined the Air Force and had to leave for the UK, Tinker became a problem. He refused to eat when the servant gave him his food. He ate when I gave the bowl to him. So I spent many days weaning him from me and finally he accepted food from the servant. They finally got along well. My father and sister kept me updated on Tinker by mail.
After all these years, Tinker became old and feeble. He would spend most days sleeping under the settee.
One day, I went home on leave. I noticed Tinker had goitre and was in very bad shape. He would wag his tail to greet me but I knew he was in pain. He looked bad and struggled to move.
My father spoke to me and we decided to do something to end the misery for Tinker. He called the veterinary and a vehicle was sent to collect Tinker. I carried Tinker, who had refused to come out at first, and prepared him for his final jouney. The handler insisted I muzzle Tinker to prevent him from biting. I knew that Tinker would not have the strength or will to do that, but had no choice. So I tied a white cloth round his mouth and carried him into the vehicle. Tinker sensed that it was the end as I looked into his sad eyes. I gave him a final pat on his head and stood watching the Land Rover as it drove off. Tinker looked over the tail board with his sad eyes until the vehicle turned out of sight. My tears fell for Tinker and as I think back to that day, my eyes still well up for Tinker.
Till then....
Tinker had the run of the whole estate where we lived, and everyone knew and loved him. He was well tolerated.
After a short while, Tinker decided to come to my house and refused to go home. Every efforts were futile in trying to get him home to his owner. When he was let off the chain, he would run to my house and went to sleep. Finally his owner decided to give him to us. Offers of compensation were refused since we were all friends and neighbours. So I became the custodian of Tinker. I was still a schoolboy at that time, and Tinker became the family pet.
Tinker had a nose for trouble. He would fight with every dog in the neighbourhood and get himself into many scrapes. Sometimes human beings become involved and I would have to step in to rescue Tinker. Several times, he would injure himself so badly that I had to send him to the veterinary. In the evening, I would go with my father and sister to visit him and bring him his favourite food. He would howl and cry and beg to be taken home. Driving away from the veterinary, I could hear him barking and howling away pitifully.
Tinker was also the 'Casanova' of the dog community in the neighbourhood. Sometimes he would stay away for the night and we knew that there was a bitch on heat nearby.
Being the family pet, Tinker showed his protective nature for my mother. One day, a young girl came to the house to sell eggs. After my mother paid her, the young girl picked up her bags to leave. Thinking that the girl had taken something from the house, Tinker lunged and snapped at the girl, frightening the girl, who broke down in tears. This created one heck of a commotion with the girl's family coming to claim compensation. We finally paid her some money and apologised to them.
When I placed a piece of 5 cents cake and a piece of 20 cents cake in front of Tinker, he would gobble up the 20 cents cake and left the 5 cents cake uneaten. This story appeared in the Straits Times children's page, when I wrote to the Wise Owl Club of which I was a member.
Sometime later, my father bought a Pekingese for my sister for $50. When we brought the new dog home, Tinker was absolutely irritated and intolerant of the Pekingese. We decided to call the Pekingese 'June' as it was the month of June, and it was a bitch. There were a lot of growling and snarling between the two jealous dogs.
June was a rather cantankerous and spoilt dog and snapped at everyone. Unlike Tinker, who was more friendly, June distanced herself from me for most of the time. She used to drive Tinker up the wall every time she came on heat, by snapping and hiding under the furniture. Sometimes in the middle of the night, I had to go downstairs to tick off Tinker for his amorous behaviour and separate the two. A very frustrated Tinker went back to sleep under the settee.
When I joined the Air Force and had to leave for the UK, Tinker became a problem. He refused to eat when the servant gave him his food. He ate when I gave the bowl to him. So I spent many days weaning him from me and finally he accepted food from the servant. They finally got along well. My father and sister kept me updated on Tinker by mail.
After all these years, Tinker became old and feeble. He would spend most days sleeping under the settee.
One day, I went home on leave. I noticed Tinker had goitre and was in very bad shape. He would wag his tail to greet me but I knew he was in pain. He looked bad and struggled to move.
My father spoke to me and we decided to do something to end the misery for Tinker. He called the veterinary and a vehicle was sent to collect Tinker. I carried Tinker, who had refused to come out at first, and prepared him for his final jouney. The handler insisted I muzzle Tinker to prevent him from biting. I knew that Tinker would not have the strength or will to do that, but had no choice. So I tied a white cloth round his mouth and carried him into the vehicle. Tinker sensed that it was the end as I looked into his sad eyes. I gave him a final pat on his head and stood watching the Land Rover as it drove off. Tinker looked over the tail board with his sad eyes until the vehicle turned out of sight. My tears fell for Tinker and as I think back to that day, my eyes still well up for Tinker.
Till then....
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Pigeons
I just saw a documentary on homing pigeons in China. It is amazing how the pigeons can find their way home after they were released 500 km away. Furthermore the pigeons were bought from overseas and sold to local breeders. This brings back memories of how I had wanted to keep pigeons when I was a young boy.
When I was a boy, I had this love for animals, fishes, birds and four legged animals. They formed the background of my dreams besides aeroplanes and guns. I even dreamt of owning a horse or pony! I was also thinking of being with the veterinarian services, but being in the Arts stream, that eluded me. In my future postings, I will write about my other pet keeping episodes.
My eldest brother, was working as an Air Traffic Controller, in Alor Star Aerodrome up north in Kedah state. He had a pigeon loft and kept many pigeons successfully. Below the loft, he had kept rabbits, and they were multiplying like there was no tomorrow.
One day, he brought some pigeon chicks home. I was thrilled by this and decided to keep them as pets. Unfortunately after a couple of days they all died.
A friend of mine, a pigeon fancier, invited me to see his pigeons. Seeing his big flock of various pigeon breeds, I was enthralled by the beauty of the birds. I decided to read up on the pigeons and bought some fascinating books. I was to learn of the different breeds - Turbit, Rollers, Pouters, Carriers, Fantails and the Runt, a giant pigeon the size of a chicken! My friend had all these in his loft. I quickly fell in love with the Fantails - a beautiful white pigeon with crested head, tail like an open fan and fluff legs like white feather stockings. They certainly looked cute and elegant. Rollers are pigeons that fly and perform rolls in the air like aerobatics. Pouters are pigeons that blow wind into their crop which expands like a big electric bulb. They may appear rather grotesque. Carriers are racing pigeons with very pronounced Ceres on their nose and circled eyes.
One day, this friend of mine gave me a few pigeons, much to my delight. Among the three birds, one was a Turbid - a cute pigeon with crested and frilled head and frilled legs. A small and elegant pigeon with grey wings and a white body.
I had five wooden boxes stacked two on top of the three, and nailed them to the wall at the back of the house. A wire mesh covered the entire make-shift loft to keep the pigeons inside. I was instructed to keep the pigeons inside for several days and with their droppings, the pigeons will make it their home and will not fly away.
After a week, I decided to release them. Except for the Turbit, the two ordinary pigeons flew off. They sat on the roof refusing to come home. To make matters worst, they joined other pigeons belonging to a neighbour across the street. I quickly caught the Turbit and put him inside a basket so as not to lose him. Days went by and the pigeons refused to come home. This caused me great distress. To add to my troubles, I had a scolding from my father and was told to get rid of the pigeons. My pigeon dream world came crashing down!
Deeply distressed, I brought out the Turbit and holding a knife in one hand, I wanted to kill it. But I could not do it and broke down in tears. My mother saw me and quickly took the pigeon and knife away. I simply stood there sobbing uncontrollably. The next day, I returned the Turbid to my friend, giving him all my books as well. It was a very sad end to my dreams of keeping pigeons.
Till then....
When I was a boy, I had this love for animals, fishes, birds and four legged animals. They formed the background of my dreams besides aeroplanes and guns. I even dreamt of owning a horse or pony! I was also thinking of being with the veterinarian services, but being in the Arts stream, that eluded me. In my future postings, I will write about my other pet keeping episodes.
My eldest brother, was working as an Air Traffic Controller, in Alor Star Aerodrome up north in Kedah state. He had a pigeon loft and kept many pigeons successfully. Below the loft, he had kept rabbits, and they were multiplying like there was no tomorrow.
One day, he brought some pigeon chicks home. I was thrilled by this and decided to keep them as pets. Unfortunately after a couple of days they all died.
A friend of mine, a pigeon fancier, invited me to see his pigeons. Seeing his big flock of various pigeon breeds, I was enthralled by the beauty of the birds. I decided to read up on the pigeons and bought some fascinating books. I was to learn of the different breeds - Turbit, Rollers, Pouters, Carriers, Fantails and the Runt, a giant pigeon the size of a chicken! My friend had all these in his loft. I quickly fell in love with the Fantails - a beautiful white pigeon with crested head, tail like an open fan and fluff legs like white feather stockings. They certainly looked cute and elegant. Rollers are pigeons that fly and perform rolls in the air like aerobatics. Pouters are pigeons that blow wind into their crop which expands like a big electric bulb. They may appear rather grotesque. Carriers are racing pigeons with very pronounced Ceres on their nose and circled eyes.
One day, this friend of mine gave me a few pigeons, much to my delight. Among the three birds, one was a Turbid - a cute pigeon with crested and frilled head and frilled legs. A small and elegant pigeon with grey wings and a white body.
I had five wooden boxes stacked two on top of the three, and nailed them to the wall at the back of the house. A wire mesh covered the entire make-shift loft to keep the pigeons inside. I was instructed to keep the pigeons inside for several days and with their droppings, the pigeons will make it their home and will not fly away.
After a week, I decided to release them. Except for the Turbit, the two ordinary pigeons flew off. They sat on the roof refusing to come home. To make matters worst, they joined other pigeons belonging to a neighbour across the street. I quickly caught the Turbit and put him inside a basket so as not to lose him. Days went by and the pigeons refused to come home. This caused me great distress. To add to my troubles, I had a scolding from my father and was told to get rid of the pigeons. My pigeon dream world came crashing down!
Deeply distressed, I brought out the Turbit and holding a knife in one hand, I wanted to kill it. But I could not do it and broke down in tears. My mother saw me and quickly took the pigeon and knife away. I simply stood there sobbing uncontrollably. The next day, I returned the Turbid to my friend, giving him all my books as well. It was a very sad end to my dreams of keeping pigeons.
Till then....
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Down in the dumps!
I have been down in the dumps lately with depressions. That is why there has been no postings for sometime.
Had a big fight with my stupid wife. She started to throw things at me including a rattan foot stool which grazed my right shin. So I picked up the electric fan and tossed it at her. I wanted to throw the television at her, but it was too heavy for me. Nearly ended with me jumping twenty floors down. Neighbours must have thought I was rehearsing for the NDP when I raised my voice. It has been a long time since I lost my temper so badly. I have been trying to control my temper and keeping quiet all these days of retirement but it has been in vain. My wife figured that my quiet demeanor must be a sign of dementia. She always take undue advantage of that. Difficult trying to be nice. At times I felt like giving it all up.
All these right over my birthday. I do not normally celebrate my birthday but this has to be my worst birthday ever. For lunch I had a bowl of Ban Mein at Tekka Mall. For every bite of the noodles, I shortened my life. The darn soup was so hot that I scalded my tongue. After that I browsed around the area and ended up at Sim Lim Square. Had some respite when I chatted with some friends who showed me his holiday video in Eastern Europe. For dinner, I sat down to a meal of sweet and sour fish and rice and carrot juice. The quiet meal gave me some peace and quiet and I was able to calm down. Seeing the people eating and drinking around me and laughing away reassured me that there is happiness among the people. After that I walked home to an empty place, washed and went to sleep. No one was at home and I was able to sleep after wandering around aimlessly for the whole day, feeling very tired emotionally and physically.
Maybe I will be in a better frame of mind to write the next time. Please pray for me.
Till then....
Had a big fight with my stupid wife. She started to throw things at me including a rattan foot stool which grazed my right shin. So I picked up the electric fan and tossed it at her. I wanted to throw the television at her, but it was too heavy for me. Nearly ended with me jumping twenty floors down. Neighbours must have thought I was rehearsing for the NDP when I raised my voice. It has been a long time since I lost my temper so badly. I have been trying to control my temper and keeping quiet all these days of retirement but it has been in vain. My wife figured that my quiet demeanor must be a sign of dementia. She always take undue advantage of that. Difficult trying to be nice. At times I felt like giving it all up.
All these right over my birthday. I do not normally celebrate my birthday but this has to be my worst birthday ever. For lunch I had a bowl of Ban Mein at Tekka Mall. For every bite of the noodles, I shortened my life. The darn soup was so hot that I scalded my tongue. After that I browsed around the area and ended up at Sim Lim Square. Had some respite when I chatted with some friends who showed me his holiday video in Eastern Europe. For dinner, I sat down to a meal of sweet and sour fish and rice and carrot juice. The quiet meal gave me some peace and quiet and I was able to calm down. Seeing the people eating and drinking around me and laughing away reassured me that there is happiness among the people. After that I walked home to an empty place, washed and went to sleep. No one was at home and I was able to sleep after wandering around aimlessly for the whole day, feeling very tired emotionally and physically.
Maybe I will be in a better frame of mind to write the next time. Please pray for me.
Till then....
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Million Hair!
Everyone knows by now the final outcome of my en bloc sale. Yes, Capitaland in association with Morganite Pte., Ltd., HP and several other heavy weights have clinched the tender with a bid of S$1,338,800. 00. They were the highest bidder.
Short of our asking price of S$1.5b, nevertheless, the owners will be receiving S$2.2m and S$2.1m respectively depending on floor area. It would be impossible to sell individually for this price. Unfortunately that prices of properties have since shot up by 7.9%, as reported in the newspapers, finding replacement property will be challenging.
With all the publicity, the market here is buzzing with astonishment. When I walk through the market place, everyone is talking about it and I get a lot of ribbing out of it. Every taxi driver talks about it and when I went to see my GP, he asked me about it before attending to my medical condition. One idiot in church went on and on about it and I had to turn around and walked away. Some people have his mouth bigger than his backside! Wonder why he ever comes to church at all.
According to the terms of the tender, it would appear that we will only get our money by February/ March next year, unless something should happen to shorten the legal procedures. It would be nice also if everyone now sign up making it 100%, so we need not go through the Strata Title Board, shortening the process and saving the extra cost.
But there are still pockets of owners who are still against the sale. We probably will have our EGM next month. The atmosphere around the neighbourhood is still cagey, with all those who have signed up talking excitedly in groups. I remember walking through the market last Thursday morning, and being greeted by a group of friends gesticulating with their fingers showing a two and a one! They were jubilent and offered to buy coffee all round.
The en bloc sale has been buzzing in my head everyday. Took time out today for my fast walking exercise and some relaxation. I weighed in at 64.5 kg, a drop from 64.8 kg last week. How low can you go!
Till then....
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Loss of a friend.
Just a short sad posting on the loss of a friend, and the poignant events that happened. I have just got back from his church funeral and the preceding three nights of wake.
Foo Tiang Koon, the husband of my wife's God Daughter, Cynthia Foo, lives a block away from us. Technically that would make him also my God Son. He was not a Catholic, but Cynthia has been trying very hard to convert him and has been asking me to convert him. Unfortunately he could not make up his mind, and the issue has been dragging for years.
In the course of time, Foo contracted cancer of the lymph node. It was thought that it has gone into remission after initial treatment. Unfortunately some time later, it surfaced again. He had high fever and was hospitalised repeatedly.
For the last few months, Foo was in the NUH, but his progress was not good. Last week was traumatic for Cynthia and the children Raymond and Grace. Cynthia consulted me on the question of baptising her husband. Since Foo had not given his consent, it was not possible.
Last Sunday morning, I met Cynthia in church and she was on her way to the NUH. She called me from the hospital to say that Foo had taken a turn for the worse and was admitted to the ICU. This was followed by her daughter who asked me for help in case her father should die. Raymond, the son, called later to say that his father was on his last breath and also asked me for help should the father dies. I was also traumatised by this chain of events and felt helpless.
Later in the morning, Cynthia called again, and this time told me that her husband would consent to his baptism. I immediately rushed to church to look for a priest. It being Sunday, all the priests would be busy handling four morning Masses. Fortunately I was able to get hold of Father Colin, who had just finished his 10:15 Mass. Together we rushed down to NUH. On the way, I mentioned to Fr. Colin that it being the Feast Day of John the Baptist, Foo could be baptised with the name of John Baptist. Father agreed.
At approximately 12.30 pm, we were in the ICU ward and commenced with the Baptismal Rites. As soon as Fr. Colin poured Holy Water on Foo's forehead and called out, 'John Baptist Foo, I baptise you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit' , all the alarms and lights started and Foo opened his eyes wide and started to shake. We were all taken aback by this.
This was to happen another four to five times, when Father confirmed the Baptism and anointed Foo. We were very astonished by all the alarm and flashing of lights.
We left the NUH after this. Later while I was having lunch with my family, my hand phone rang and Raymond informed me that his father had passed away. It was about 2.30 pm.
I then called Singapore Casket to make the funeral arrangements. Things fell in place as I managed to conduct the prayer sessions and arranged the church Funeral Mass. I arranged for Father O'Neill to celebrate the Funeral Mass on Wednesday 27 June, at 3 pm. When the hearse arrived in church, I was surprised to be told that Fr. O'Neill was nowhere to be found. While we all waited, a frantic search was made for the missing priest. Eventually Fr. O'Neill walked into the Vestry to robe. Although we started late, everything went according to plan for the cremation slated at 5.15 pm.
Now that everything is over, I am very glad that there were no hitches. The Holy Spirit worked on all of us and especially on myself. I am very grateful for all the help that the priests and my church friends rendered as they rallied round me. I give thanks to God and pray for solace and comfort for Cynthia, Raymond and Grace Foo.
Till then....
Foo Tiang Koon, the husband of my wife's God Daughter, Cynthia Foo, lives a block away from us. Technically that would make him also my God Son. He was not a Catholic, but Cynthia has been trying very hard to convert him and has been asking me to convert him. Unfortunately he could not make up his mind, and the issue has been dragging for years.
In the course of time, Foo contracted cancer of the lymph node. It was thought that it has gone into remission after initial treatment. Unfortunately some time later, it surfaced again. He had high fever and was hospitalised repeatedly.
For the last few months, Foo was in the NUH, but his progress was not good. Last week was traumatic for Cynthia and the children Raymond and Grace. Cynthia consulted me on the question of baptising her husband. Since Foo had not given his consent, it was not possible.
Last Sunday morning, I met Cynthia in church and she was on her way to the NUH. She called me from the hospital to say that Foo had taken a turn for the worse and was admitted to the ICU. This was followed by her daughter who asked me for help in case her father should die. Raymond, the son, called later to say that his father was on his last breath and also asked me for help should the father dies. I was also traumatised by this chain of events and felt helpless.
Later in the morning, Cynthia called again, and this time told me that her husband would consent to his baptism. I immediately rushed to church to look for a priest. It being Sunday, all the priests would be busy handling four morning Masses. Fortunately I was able to get hold of Father Colin, who had just finished his 10:15 Mass. Together we rushed down to NUH. On the way, I mentioned to Fr. Colin that it being the Feast Day of John the Baptist, Foo could be baptised with the name of John Baptist. Father agreed.
At approximately 12.30 pm, we were in the ICU ward and commenced with the Baptismal Rites. As soon as Fr. Colin poured Holy Water on Foo's forehead and called out, 'John Baptist Foo, I baptise you in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit' , all the alarms and lights started and Foo opened his eyes wide and started to shake. We were all taken aback by this.
This was to happen another four to five times, when Father confirmed the Baptism and anointed Foo. We were very astonished by all the alarm and flashing of lights.
We left the NUH after this. Later while I was having lunch with my family, my hand phone rang and Raymond informed me that his father had passed away. It was about 2.30 pm.
I then called Singapore Casket to make the funeral arrangements. Things fell in place as I managed to conduct the prayer sessions and arranged the church Funeral Mass. I arranged for Father O'Neill to celebrate the Funeral Mass on Wednesday 27 June, at 3 pm. When the hearse arrived in church, I was surprised to be told that Fr. O'Neill was nowhere to be found. While we all waited, a frantic search was made for the missing priest. Eventually Fr. O'Neill walked into the Vestry to robe. Although we started late, everything went according to plan for the cremation slated at 5.15 pm.
Now that everything is over, I am very glad that there were no hitches. The Holy Spirit worked on all of us and especially on myself. I am very grateful for all the help that the priests and my church friends rendered as they rallied round me. I give thanks to God and pray for solace and comfort for Cynthia, Raymond and Grace Foo.
Till then....
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
"This #@&* thing!!!!"
Ever since I got back from my holidays in Phuket, I have been kept busy with one thing after another.
I came back with over 300 pictures taken with my Nikon D200 and two HD video tapes of one hour each. It was difficult handling two cameras, but fortunately my daughters and son helped out with the occasional shots. I got to the point where I forgot what I shot with my DSLR and my video. Coupled with that, one day I ran out of tape for my video and out of battery with the Nikon. I missed some pretty good shots, despite the fact that I had spare batteries and tapes with me. My camera bag was big and quite heavy. So I did not carry that around with me. Defeated the purpose, really! (Sign of old age!)
Anyway, for the last couple of days, I sat in front of my PC and worked on the pictures with my Photoshop CS3. Deleting the bad ones, I ended up with 301 pictures. Editing with CS3, the pictures came up nicely and I am well pleased with them. My daughter later passed me 80 shots from her camera. This added on to the whole lot.
Putting them all together, I managed to compile a slide show of 327 pictures with background music. The whole show would have taken 30 minutes to view at 5 seconds per scene. Problem was the music to fit. I had to eventually use Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto No.1 1st movement. At 22 minutes, I shaved some 7 - 8 minutes off, not counting the odd seconds. The final result was good, and I burned several copies for the family. I understand my grand daughter Emma has been happily watching it at home.
Having accomplished my slide show DVD, I next ventured on editing my video. That was when my problems started. (See my title on top for this posting.) Since upgrading my PC, I now have a problem capturing my video. I now have a HD video camera but my video capture card is still a composite one (old technology!). Since I could not capture my video, I found a way to import my video successfully. Well and good, but my Sony software, which was bundled free with the camera, gave me one heck of a problem. I could not cut and edit, and the instructions and tutorial was so complicated that I gave it up. Finally I had to resort to my Pioneer recorder to do the cuts and edit.
I had allotted all of Tuesday - 19 June, to work on my video. This week, all the Priests have gone on retreat, so there are no morning Mass in church. I was also scheduled to serve the altar but no Mass, no duty. So this week I had more time in the morning.
Working feverishly on the video after my breakfast and reading the papers, I found the Sony program getting more complicated. I had problems with the transition, so I left that out. I managed to put in the titles and the background music. I copied a CD of Thai songs and loaded them in. After what I thought was a plausible video package, I previewed it and was ready to go to the next phase. The file got lost! I tried to retrieve the file but found it in drips and drabs. It was already late afternoon when I threw my hands in the air!
After quiet contemplation, I decided to re-work the video again. After much interruption including taking my shower and the wife calling me for dinner, I finally put the whole thing together. When I finally rendered the video after finding all the necessary settings, I found that it would take four hours to complete the process. It was already past 9 pm. I was not going to wait four hours. So I decided to leave the PC on for the night. Albeit, when I checked at 1.45 am, the rendering had completed but I was too sleepy to work. So back to bed.
By 5 am, I got out of bed to check. It was then I discovered the program would burn the video to VCD and not DVD. Rubbish! I got out of the program and managed to use another program to burn to DVD. Then I discovered that the video had to be transposed! (Whatever that means! I thought only magicians transpose.) So I left the program to do the job while I went on with my other morning rituals. Halfway through reading my papers, I checked and found that the DVD disc was sitting on the open tray. I loaded the disc in my DVD machine and lo and behold, my video appeared on tv as I had packaged it, with titles and background music and all the editing. What a pleasant ending to a marathon of frustrations. I quickly made copies for the family.
Besides the above, I also had another problem. When I was in Phuket, I had a mild case of constipation. Normally, my bowel moves twice a day starting as early as five in the morning with the second one after breakfast. With all that eating, I had full house inside me, despite the irregular movements.
So I decided to take a laxative for relief. Something I do not take normally. Since I need not go to church, I took the pills on Monday night, according to the instructions.
At four on Tuesday morning, I was awakened by stomach cramps. Lying in bed, I felt the cramps moving slowly down my abdomen. I had thoughts of women having labour pains. I was about to give birth to my lump of sh*t. When the cramp reached my backside, it gave me a jolt and sent me running to the toilet. The time has come! What a relief! I was so glad that I wanted to put one lump on a tissue paper, photograph it and put it in my blog. Maybe another time. To you my readers out there who are reading this, do you think I am going senile or suffering from my second childhood? Let me know. With all these writing, I wonder whether anybody is still reading my blog.
When I was a small boy, I used to sometimes have worms. Squatting over the toilet one day, I had this tingling sensation on my backside. Looking down, I discovered a long tape worm emerging from my backside. Efforts to dispel it failed as it hung sentimentally to my backside. In desperation, I grabbed it and pulled. It hung on. I then realised that while I was pulling it, my backside was trying to suck it in. So relaxing my backside, I made a grab for it and pulled. It flopped on the toilet bowl like a long white spaghetti smothered with minced beef and brown sauce. It was the length of a track shoe lace. Incredible how it got in there in the first place.
I went for my brisk walk on the track today for six laps. I weighed in at 65.4 kg. It has been this for the last two weeks. Despite all the eating at Phuket, I have not gained weight.
To whoever who bothers to read my blog, see the pictures above of the house in Phuket.
Till then....
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