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....