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Weekends

tei o

What do you all do during the weekend?

Me? I’m constantly divided between

1) What I have to do… laundry, tidying house, baking, clearing paperwork
2) What I am required to do… volunteer work (I’ve been recalled due to shortage of volunteers and have been back at CDAC for the past 2 months)
3) What I would like to do…. catching up friends, sleep, eat, read

and

4) What I usually end up doing…which is a mish-mash of no 1 to no 3, depending on how productive or how lazy I feel. Of course, you always never ever end up doing what you have to do or would like to do. So hubby’s and my common grouse on Sunday night at 11pm- why can’t there be 3 days of weekend instead of just 2 miserable days.

I’m not sure what the other couples do but I’ve been told that hubby and I lead a very unusal lifestyle as a couple. I think probably the fact that we don’t have children and my in-laws aren’t around help fuel the kind of lifestyle that we have. Thankfully, even though my family lives just 5 minutes away, they have never expected us to be back during the weekends, fully understanding that as a couple, we need our own quality time together.

So we have time to go to concerts, plays, walks in the parks, visits to the museum, gym (bleah!) etc

Last Saturday, we went to one of our favourite place- the NIGHT SAFARI

Alright, you can stop laughing now. I’m not sure why people seem to think it funny that we both like to go to zoo and the bird park. It was one of my favrouite place when I was young too and I was always very excited when we go on such a school trip. It

Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari in Singapore have both won many acolades for providing as natural an environment as possible for the animals. And it’s always a joy to watch them- not behind bars in a cage. Of course, given a choice, we shouldn’t even have a zoo but I guess it’s impossible for that to happen.

Actually, to truely enjoy the Night Safari, you should really keep quiet and just observe (except when you are watching a animal show of course). This is esepcially so when you go on the tram ride and you really want to observe these animals. Unfortunately, it doesn’t normally happen… sigh…. Often, I have to repress my urge to tell to just ‘shut-up’


Here kitty, kitty…. I believe this is what they call a Fishing Cat. Isn’t it cute? hehe!

Basil- the recycling otter

I’ve always like the animal shows and isn’t Basil adorable? I remembered my Korean guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves at the animal show when they came down for a holiday last year.

My one complaint? – the limited eateries available and the exorbitant prices that they charge. $4.50 for a cup of lemonade??

Every weekend evening, and especially on Sunday, a few groups of men would be playing Singapore men’s favorite past time- football.

Frankly speaking, most of these men don’t err.. look very fit. In fact, more often than not, their tummy is hmm…. a little round. And most of them aren’t exactly young. Still, they seem to enjoy themselves running around in the field and getting all sweaty and smelly.

I’ve often wondered, are they glad to be out of the house and just kicking a ball around with thie kakis? Perhaps the wives and girlfriends are just as glad to have some breathing space once a week? hehe!

And no, hubby doesn’t play football. ^^ He brews beer instead.

One of the highlight of last weekend- at least for me. A delicious meal with a group of friends. No, they are not just fellow fans anymore, but really friends. Both bb and Jos have blogged about this.

Yes, it was really, really fun that night. I shan’t talk about the food much except that I was really, really surprised at how good the satay soup tastes. Both of them have described in depth about the delicious food. I can only say that i felt like a round fishball at the end of the meal. We could hardly move. Jos and me were leaning back in our seats, trying not to make our stomach look too fat and round.

One funny incident. Just as we were about to start eating, bb suddenly shouted “take photo, take photo.” And so, there we were, Jos, bb and I clicking away. I guess it came as no surprise that the 3 of us are active bloggers. bb said it’s a blogger’s symptom. haha! And that’s why you see the same photos in all our 3 sites. ^^

Chilli crab

Steamboat

Yes, it was true that we talked about BYJ (hey, we are all BYJ fans), but we also talked about other stuff.. and it was such fun reminiscing about the old dramas and movies. But that’s when age truely shows up, when only V and I could remember certain shows. The rest of them looked at us and went: “not our era.” Sob! Sob!

Haha! And after this makan session, Jos has started another BLOG. This time it will be all about food. Gosh… looking at the recipes. I’m salivating. Jos.. you going to cook for us? hehe!

In case you want to go try the very delicious steamboat that we’ve been raving about..

Paradise on Earth
200 Tanjong Katong Road T: 6345 9272

4 more days to the weekend.

Back to normal

tei o 3 Comments

Well… after about a week-and-a-half of shift duties, life has gone back to normal with the arrival of the new maid. Whew! How did our grandparents cope with a large brood, housework and earn a living at the same time?

People always say that’s because life was simpler then.

I figured it’s because we have made life complicated for ourselves.

A cup of coffee would be just a cup of coffee back then.

You can have ‘kopi-o’ (coffee without milk) or ‘kopi’ (coffee). There is only one size.

Now? Step into any of the coffee chain and you are presented with so many choices.

Coffee latte, cuppocino, coffee black, coffee with cream, coffee with milk.

Short, regular, tall…

and the list goes on.

Maybe that’s why Korean dramas have become such a hit almost everywhere with its simplistic storylines.

Of course, they are mostly fairytale stories, meant for dreaming and escaping from the world for that few hours. But how boring life would be without the world of make believe.

Anyway, I escaped from my usual life for a short while recently due to the Korean tornado that swept into town on the first week of September. It was truely, really fun.

To read about it, go to my Kimchi blog about Kimchi tornado.

Sorry about this short post…life will definitely be back to normal soon. ^^

Grandma

tei o 17 Comments

I’ve been helping my grandmother to shower for the last few days as part of my shift duties. We’re in between maids at the moment and the new maid will only arrive later this week. In the meantime, my aunties and I are taking turns to go on shift duties.

Don’t be mistaken. Grandma, who is a perfectly healthy 90 years old lady, is capable of taking care of herself but she does need that little help.

Like holding the shower head whilst she cleans herself (vigorously too, I must add), helping her to take off and put on her clothes etc.

Standing behind her, seeing her wrinkled body, a strange feeling came over me.

I remember the countless times when she bathed me when I was very young. Grandma is 50 years older than me, so I guess she would have been in her 50’s when she appears in my earliest memory.

My grandmother is a very strong woman.

She has to be.

She arrived in Singapore when she was in her early 20’s. I don’t know much about her hisory, only that she came in search of her husband, my grandfather. Like most early Chinese migrants then, they didn’t have much money and had to work hard. Through the Japanese occupation and poverty years, she raised 6 children pretty much alone. You have to be strong to do that.

I remember her temper.. her flashing eyes when she got angry, her loud voice (she still has a very loud voice. I think it runs in the family), her sturdy body. I especially remember the few rare times when I was caned by her.

But I also remember her holding my hand as we crossed the road, buying toys for me at the ‘pasar malam’, and cooking my favourite food.

Then, grandma to me was a formidable woman. At times, I was even a little afraid of her. But I could always depend on her.

When did it start to be the other way round? When did she start to depend on me instead?

Where once she held my tiny hands in hers and coaxed me to see the doctor, now I hold her hands rough hands in mine when I bring her to the hospital for check-ups.

Where once she bathed me in a little tub, now I help her to shower whilst she sit on a stool in the bathroom.

Where once she would whipped up a few delicious dishes for lunch, now I help to put the food in a plate for her.

Where once she would hide her modesty by closing the door to change, now she couldn’t care less that I could see every inch of her wrinkled, naked body.

Where once her word was law, now she listens to me.

In my teens, I used to feel so embarrassed to be seen together with her, wild horses couldn’t drag me to go out with her. And yet for the last 15 years or so, I’ve been on holidays with her almost every year. She’s been to Shanghai, Beijing, Su Zhou, Hang Zhou and Hong Kong etc.

When did this relationhip change?

I don’t know either.

A person reverts back to childlike behaviour and thinking as one gets older. I guess now, grandma is the ‘baby’ and I’m the adult.

I’m not sure how grandma feels about this reversal of relationship. If you are a child, and you depend on adults, you don’t mind because well, you don’t understand and know much. But when you do know and understand, it’s a little more difficult, isn’t it?

In truth, I feel a little emotional and there is a slight tug in my heart as I write this and remember all those years long ago…which really, wasn’t too long ago.

I’m not too sure what that little tug is for and who it is for.

Perhaps at the passage of time.

Perhaps at the the inevitable that will happen one day.

The Circle Game
by Joni Mitchell
Yesterday a child came out to wonder
Caught a dragonfly inside a jar
Fearful when the sky was full of thunder
And tearful at the falling of a star
………………..
………………..
And the seasons they go round and round
And the painted ponies go up and down
Were captive on the carousel of time
We cant return we can only look behind
From where we came
And go round and round and round
In the circle game

My office life is so exciting

tei o

Working on my own has its perks. Flexi hours, comfortable dressing, no boss to report to, no office politics, no gossips.

Actually, I lie.

I do miss the gossips. I miss hearing them from colleagues, the conspiracy type of human interaction.

In other words, I miss being a kaypoh.

Last night, over dinner, as usual, I would asked: “How was your day?” Now hubby is not a gossip person. But people can’t seemed to resist telling him stuff. Maybe because he’s so quiet, he looks harmless. So I hear the usual office stories of who’s left, who’s joined, who’s in, who’s out etc. Unfortunately (I supposed I should say fortunately) he doesn’t say alot… in terms of juicy details.

Sigh…men just don’t know how to tell stories.

I wanted to tell him about my day too. So I racked my brain to think of the most exciting thing that happened that day..

1) Someone new has moved downstairs. I know because I saw the empty cartons and the kitchen windows were opened.

2) There was a lizard in the bathroom. It was big, fat one.

My office life is so exciting.

忙与盲

tei o 6 Comments

Woke up to heavy rain this morning. Such a refreshing change from the hot weather for the past few days.

Days like that, I wish I could just curl up with a good book, accompanied by a cup of hot tea and good music…

忙与盲
(Busy and Blind. In chinese, they have the same pronounciation)
Singer” Emial Chou 周华建

曾有一次晚餐和一张床 (once there was a dinner and a bed)
在什么时间地点和那个对象 (when, when and with whom)
我已经遗忘 我已经遗忘 (I’ve already forgotten, I’ve already forgotten)
生活是肥皂香水眼影唇膏 (living is like soap, perfume, glasses, lipsticks)

许多的电话在响 (phones are ringing)
许多的事要备忘 (alot of things to prepare)
讦多的门与抽屉 (doors and drawers)
开了又关 关了又开如此的慌张 (open and shut, shut and open in a hurry)
我来来往往 我匆匆忙忙 (to-and-fro, in a hurry)
从一个方向到另一个方向 (I go from one direction to another direction)

忙忙忙忙忙忙 (busy, busy, busy, busy, busy, busy)
忙是为了自己的理想 (busy because of one’s dream)
还是为了不让别人失望 (or so that we will not disappoint the others)
盲盲盲盲盲盲 (blind, blind, blind, blind, blind, blind)
盲的已经没有主张 (blind till I’ve become indecisive)
盲的已经失去方向 (blind till I’ve lost of direction)
忙忙忙盲盲盲 (busy, busy, busy, blind, blind, blind)
忙的分不清欢喜和忧伤 (busy till I can’t differenciate between happiness and sadness)
忙的没有时间痛哭一场 (busy till there’s no time to cry)

To listen to this song, click here

忙是为了自己的理想 (busy because of one’s dream)
还是为了不让别人失望 (or so that we will not disappoint the others

希望大家忙是为了自己的理想
I hope everyone is busy because of one’s dreams.

Music is a universal language

tei o 2 Comments

It’s been a few days since I posted. The few times when I wanted to, I was so tired, I was falling asleep over my laptop.

I thought I’d be able to do it over the weekend when I don’t have to work. But as usual, my weekend is even busier than my weekdays….

You know, I have often heard people comment that there’s nothing to do in Singapore. I know I do that sometimes too (hey, I’m a Singaporean, so complaining is one of my forte). But if you look around you, there are actually lots of events going on…

Over the weekend, I attended 2 different concerts/events that could not be more opposite in terms of content and environment.

Singapore Symphony Orchestra SSO

The SSO was formed in 1979 and consists of local and foreign musicians. I don’t think Singapore has enough of a pool to have a wholly Singaporeans only orchestra…. yet.

Attending the SSO concerts have been a regular thing for us for the past 10 years or so. I was initiated into it by hubby (who was my boyfriend then). It was one of our regular dates. I must admit, I probably would not have thought of attending a classical concert then. But hey we were dating and I was in love.. so anything for him lah.

Over the years though, I’ve actually come to enjoy the concerts. No, I don’t know how to play the piano or the violin or any of the instruments for that matter. Neither am I very ‘cultured’ as some of my friends suggested.

I don’t profess to like all the pieces and indeed, sometimes I go “huh?” at the end of a piece and occassionally I fall asleep too (which can be rather rather embarrassing, as our seats are rather in front and normally in the centre). But generally, they are rather enjoyable and I have discovered that I actually know many of these classical music… more than I imagined.

And when the musicians play well… it touches and moves your heart.. even if you are not musically trained.

The SSO has moved from VCH to the The Esplanade (or the durian as we locals would call it). Since the move, I noticed that the audience has become more well dressed. I don’t mean they come in ball gowns or tuxedos but you can tell that they have made an effort to dress up and treat it as a respectable event. I think it’s rather nice and makes the night special. Indeed, it’s all rather civilised as people sipped their glasses of champagne or wine during the break.

That night’s concert was entitled The Fire, The Romance, the Passion.
Royal Fireworks by George Frideric Handel
Oboe Concerto in D major by Richard Strauss
An American in Paris by George Gershwin (who could forget Gene Kelly dancing away?)
Bolero by Maurice Ravel

Just before playing the last piece, I asked hubby, as I sometimes do, if I knew the piece. He said “yes, it’s a very well-known piece.”

And he was right. It’s not only well-known. It’s a very lively and beautiful piece. Makes me want to tap my fingers and dance. Click here to listen to the music. (Credit- The MIDI HALL)

Did you enjoy that? I did. It was indeed a very pleasant way to end a night.

World of Music, Arts and Dance WOMAD

If SSO was quiet and civilised then WOMAD, which I attended the following nights were lively, casual and slightly wild.

WOMAD brings together musicians from all over the world- South America, USA, Indonesia, China, South Korea and India to perform.

They are not your usual pop groups and most of the time, I may not have heard of the artistes. It does not mean that they are not well-known. It just means that their music is not played on the local radio stations 24 hours a day.

Like SSO, we have been attending WOMAD at least 8 out of its 9 years here… if not all the 9 years. I didn’t need hubby to ask me to come along for this. We were both interested.

Attending WOMAD is like going for a big picnic outing.

Held at the Fort Caning Park, the place has a carnival feel to it. Most people would pack a picnic basket, bring along a mat and generally just chill out under the stars. For the classical concert, infants or toddlers aren’t allowed in- which is understandable. But for WOMAD, it’s really a family and friends event. Drinks, food, music and family/ friends. What more can you ask?

But if you are asking for more.. than there are always the little stalls selling nick-nacks, palm reading and workshops to attend. In fact, we always felt torn as many events overlap.

What I’ve always found special about WOMAD is the energy and liveliness amongst the crowd. Who said Singaporeans are not spontaneous? They should come and see how the crowd would be grooving away… including me. And some of these artistes do really play up a storm that gets you on your feet.


Dancing the night away

Have you ever heard Indian, Korean, Australian and African music being played together at the same time? No?

Ahh…I did say music is a universal language didn’t I?

One group that I was particularly interested in was Dulsori from Korea (for obvious reasons). Someone has put up a short clip on Dulsori on Youtube. Take note of the short part where a group is playing on 3 big drums. Click here

And here’s a photo of this very dynamic group, consisting of mainly young girls.

WOMAD plays around the world in different countries, with different artistes. The next stop is… Korea! But no go, hubby said no, cannot go… 🙁 Guess I’ll just have to wait for WOMAD to come around to Singapore again in August next year.

Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without. ~Confucius

Let the music play on….. ^^

The efficient civil service

tei o 3 Comments

The Singapore government has always harped about productivity and efficiency. Of course, at the same time, must also be courteous. The civial service departement especially, is always coming up with new ways to improve and be more productive. On Wednesday, I came into contact with the efficiency of a civil service department which.

I had to renew a license for hubby. This department was located in the super, grand IRAS building – Revenue House.

Finding the place was easy… the rest required a little more work.

The departement was on the 9th floor. There was no reception counter and the door was controlled by security pass. You have to press the bell and then yell into the microphone for the whole office department to hear the purpose of your visit.

As I wasn’t too sure if it’s the right department, I thought I’d make a call to confirm.

You know, all these recorded phones information is supposed to help you right? But seriously? Most of the time, you just want to stranggle the phone.

“To hear this in English, press 1. To hear this in Chinese, press 2.”

And then it’s repeated in Chinese.

“Press 1 for xxx, Press 2 for xxx, Press 3 for xxx”.

And then you duly press 2

“Press 1 for xxx, Press 2 for xxx, Press 3 for xxx”.

You didn’t hear anything that seemed to be the right department. So you press a number that you think might be the right one.

“Press 1 for xxx, Press 2 for xxx, or Press 0 to speak to our officer.”

You still don’t hear anything that seems to be right, so you press 0 to speak to a human being.

“All our officers are engaged at the moment. Your call is important to us. Please hold and we’ll get back to you shortly.”

This is followed by some Richard Clayderman or Kenny G music over the phone. I’m assuming the music is supposed to calm you down.

After about 1 minute, you hear the “your call is important” message again and so you listen to the very soothing music on for another minute. And then this message comes on.

“I’m sorry all our officers are engaged at the moment and cannot attend to you. Please press 1 to leave a message or you may continue to hold.”

You didn’t want to wait anymore, so you press ‘9’ to leave a message and is greeted by this:
“I’m sorry the message box is full. Pleaae call again later.”

Click.

Ok, ok, the above was not exactly what I went through when I called but it was close enough. You can imagine my frustration then.

Anyway, I finally managed to get into the office, only to find out that the cashier may be closed.

Wait, I didn’t tell you about the timing? You see, you can only go down from Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 4.30pm. They must all think we don’t need to work and our sole purpose in life is to go down and renew a silly license. I mean, you can’t even opt to go down during lunch time!

Sigh..

The officer was kind enough to check to see if the cashier is still opened, so we trooped down to the 7th floor.

Why? Because the cashier is on the 7th floor.

Luckily it still was. I managed to pay and collected my receipt.

And then I had to go back upstairs to the 9th floor again… to collect the license.

I guess there must be some logic behind this arrangement and I’m sure it’s probably the best solution, after much deliberation,.

But I’m afraid the reason has escaped me, the normal citizen.

Maybe that’s why I’ve never applied for a job in the government sector. I’ll never make a good civil servant.