'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....
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