Hope the time spent is worth it....
Slim
Friday, December 11, 2009
Win 7
Its 5.51 am. I have installed Win 7. Or basically, Win 7 has installed it by itself. Looks a bit different from Vista. But seems to still have the same feel as Vista. Oh well, maybe its because I chose to do an upgrade instead of a clean install.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
What a powerful day!
Its not easy having all your wishes come true in less than a day. Its a wonderful feeling but it sure takes some out of you.
Today, my family and I, including Risa, decided to go to Johor. It was meant to be a quick in and out, doing my usual stuff.
Well, my usual stuff would mean, having lunch in Johor, fill up my tank with petrol and then make my way back again. That would mean I would be back home, sleeping, by 3 pm.
What I wanted to do, and this is since the longest time, is to buy Windows 7, bring my family out for whole day out in Johor, just us and me buying a local line so that I could surf the net on my many trips north.
Well, what do you know! I did it.
I pick Su at the National Library where she was having a meeting. After which, I picked Adam and Risa from my in-laws in Woodlands. It was a synch going through Singapore customs but traffic was snarling on the causeway. We spent about 30 minutes before we went into Malaysia.
Risa wanted to meet her fiance at Angsana. So I dropped her off to tell her to call me once she bought a Malaysian line. Or else, there would be no means of communications.
After dropping her off, Su suggested that we go to Jalan Padi Emas which she remembered had the most wonderful sweet potato filled epok-epok. We drove there and it took us less than 5 minutes! How wonderful!
I had briyani with curry chicken while Su had briyani with fried chicken. Adam ordered rojak keling but it took its own sweet time to end up on our table. He nibbled on some wonderfully prepared goreng pisang while waiting. My briyani was good, but nothing compared to the briyani I had in Penang. Su said her chicken was "power!". I liked Adam's rojak keling but he does not seem to like it though. Maybe, drinking a big glass of iced Milo somehow would dampened your appetite si?
I had iced Nescafe and Su had iced lime drink. Both were "power!". Rich and refreshing at the same time, but not overpowering. Just what my mother would have ordered.
We finished up by ordering another two cups of iced water.
Mydin, a departmental store was only twenty meters away. We went in not knowing what to expect. Adam, though were looking for a baseball bat that he could take to on our trip to Penang. We ended up buying a carrom board, the smaller version and Adam bought a snorkeling set. He looked so cute with it on.
After which, we went to Bukit Indah and there, I bought two copies of Win 7 Basic. They costs me some $RM279 each. I think it is $S150 each here in Singapore.
And then I bought myself a maxxis hotlink prepaid account. It was a snap, only to realise that they weren't the cheapest!
Adam could not find his baseball set in Daiso and that got him upset. Not in a "throwing a tantrum" kind of way but a sad kind od way.
Risa called and said that she is done with the measuring. She wanted to tailor a suit for her wedding. Feeling great that all is coming together nicely, we headed back to Angsana.
Met up with Risa and finally at 6.00pm we made our way home!
We reached Woodlands at around 7.30pm and ate the lemang that we bought in Angsana. "Power!"
Its now 11.07 pm. Adam fell asleep on Su's lap, who is asleep herself. I've a pot of camomile tea waiting for me outside 'Thanks Risa!". I've just completed making the recovery discs of Adam's Toshiba laptop and would be installing the Win 7. Like I said. This day is full of "power!".
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Missing you.
Again, another just in case I forget note...
Su is coming back on a late flight. She said she will land in Changi at 10.45pm. I would give her an hour after that to be home free. Anyways, I think Adam called her just now and she returned his call. What Adam said, understates how he feels about her not home.
He said, "maybe mom wants to tell me that she is at the airport already I think."
Su is coming back on a late flight. She said she will land in Changi at 10.45pm. I would give her an hour after that to be home free. Anyways, I think Adam called her just now and she returned his call. What Adam said, understates how he feels about her not home.
He said, "maybe mom wants to tell me that she is at the airport already I think."
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Kuih Raya
I know that Hari Raya 2009 has long past but I'm inspired by weekh blog. The picture in this post is shot using the Tamron 90mm macro with my Konican Minolta 7d. I like the colours that come off the image.
A bit about the picture. It is taken using available light in my kitchen. Those hands belong to my mother in-law. The green thing? It tastes delicious once it's done in the oven. It's called makmur.
An article regarding water in Singapore.
http://greensingapore.com/Singlenews.aspx?DirID=87&rec_code=410187
Forget bottled water, tap water as good as it gets
Forget bottled water, tap water as good as it gets
WATER is a common but very precious asset. Without water, human beings cannot survive. Without water, the planet's ecosystem, which sustains life, will be destroyed. Without water, there will be no agriculture and no industry. Without water, life on planet Earth will perish.
We regard the right of a person to safe and affordable water as a basic human right. It is a great shame that, at the beginning of the 21st century, about one billion out of six billion people do not enjoy this right. In Asia, about 700 million people do not have access to safe and affordable water.
In Singapore, all citizens have access to clean water at an affordable price. The water from our taps is safe to drink. In spite of this fact, many Singaporeans still boil their water. In recent years, partly because of our growing affluence and partly because of the influence of the West, Singaporeans are drinking more and more bottled water. In 2007, Singaporeans spent $98.3 million on bottled water, an increase of 80 per cent over 10 years. We observe that some of our ministries and universities serve bottled water instead of tap water. In many restaurants, the waiters pressure their customers to order bottled water.
We want to start a campaign to persuade Singaporeans to drink tap water instead of bottled water, whenever possible. The following are our reasons.
First, it is a waste of your money. Bottled water is more expensive than petrol. For one bottle of water you buy off the shelf (at 50 cents), you can get 850 bottles off the tap (at $1.17 per cubic metre).
Second, the tap water is as safe as bottled water. In Singapore, the water in our taps is safe to drink and subjected to daily checks. Health-wise, there is no difference between drinking tap water and bottled water. On the contrary, tests in the United States have shown that sometimes harmful chemicals, such as bisphenol-A (BPA), can leach from bottled water. Other tests in the US have shown that expensive bottled water is no better than tap water.
Third, bottled water uses energy unnecessarily. To make water bottles, you need polyethylene terephthalate or PET, a derivative of crude oil. In the US, 1.5 million barrels of oil are used each year just to make bottles for the water industry. This is enough oil to power 100,000 cars for a year.
Fourth, bottled water is bad for the environment. In Singapore, most of the bottles are not recycled but incinerated. This uses energy and produces carbon dioxide, adding to our carbon emission. Some bottled water travels great distances to Singapore. We are importing bottled water from as far away as France, Italy, Fiji and Serbia. Transport consumes energy and produces carbon dioxide. This is another reason bottled water is not a friend of the environment.
Fifth, you should drink tap water because it is the right thing to do. We can understand the need to drink bottled water in places where the tap water is unsafe to drink.
In Singapore, there is no good reason to drink bottled water. It costs you more, but it does not make you healthier. It is unfriendly to the environment.
By all means boil your water if that makes you feel better, but please do not buy or serve bottled water if you can help it. If a waiter asks you, 'still water or bubbly water', you should politely say you prefer PUB water.
We think the Government should lead by example.
We therefore urge the Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources to write to all ministries, statutory boards, agencies, Temasek-linked companies and educational institutions to consider stopping the practice of serving bottled water.
Professor Tommy Koh is the chairman of the Governing Council of the Asia Pacific Water Forum and chairman of the 2008 and 2009 Water Leaders Summits in Singapore.
Leong Ching is a PhD student at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy.
This is a revised version of an article appearing in the PUB publication Pure this month.
The right of a person to safe and affordable water is a basic human right. It is a great shame that, at the beginning of the 21st century, about one billion out of six billion people do not enjoy this right. In Asia, about 700 million people do not have access to safe and affordable water.
Water
A friend of mine was trying to sell me the idea that the filtration
system he is selling give cleaner water than the tap water. If this
was in another country, I would so be the very interested, but I live
in Singapore.
Anyway, by using a magnifying like in the shape of a periscope, devise, he showed me a canister of
tap water, which I saw some floating particles. Then he showed me
another canister of water which has been filtered
Sure enough, no floating particles. And then the sales pitch.
"As you can see, Singapore water is not clean. This devise is our top
selling product."
Then my response.
"Are you saying we are drinking dirty water?"
"Not dirty, just less clean."
"What would happen to me if I continue to drink the tap water."
"You'll be sick. In the long run."
"How long is long?"
"Maybe 10 to 20 years."
"So are you saying that I won't be sick if I drink water from your
filtration system?"
"Er, that depends. For example, what you eat or drink when you are out
of the house."
"So there are other factors that contribute being sick lah.."
"Yes"
"So you are saying that there is no guarantee that I won't be sick if
I drink water from your filtration system."
".."
I wanted to dwell more on the other claims but I sense that he sensed that I can see
through his claims.
But the fact that still bothers me is his claim that bottled water is
better than Singapore's tap water
system he is selling give cleaner water than the tap water. If this
was in another country, I would so be the very interested, but I live
in Singapore.
Anyway, by using a magnifying like in the shape of a periscope, devise, he showed me a canister of
tap water, which I saw some floating particles. Then he showed me
another canister of water which has been filtered
Sure enough, no floating particles. And then the sales pitch.
"As you can see, Singapore water is not clean. This devise is our top
selling product."
Then my response.
"Are you saying we are drinking dirty water?"
"Not dirty, just less clean."
"What would happen to me if I continue to drink the tap water."
"You'll be sick. In the long run."
"How long is long?"
"Maybe 10 to 20 years."
"So are you saying that I won't be sick if I drink water from your
filtration system?"
"Er, that depends. For example, what you eat or drink when you are out
of the house."
"So there are other factors that contribute being sick lah.."
"Yes"
"So you are saying that there is no guarantee that I won't be sick if
I drink water from your filtration system."
".."
I wanted to dwell more on the other claims but I sense that he sensed that I can see
through his claims.
But the fact that still bothers me is his claim that bottled water is
better than Singapore's tap water
I beg
To differ.
Slim.
Resourcefullness
Just in case I forget, I better write what happened less than an hour
ago.
Today is wawa's sports day. As it is, we had planned to go to the
stadium to lend her our support. When I woke up this morning, I knew
that i am going to be unwell. So, after lunch I called my darling
sister to pick Adam and Risa up and I am feeling very drowsy. The
resolution of that conversation resulted in us agreeing that she will
pick Adam and Risa up at 2.15 pm of which I highlighted to Adam and
risa. So there I was, lying in bed trying to shake off the effect of
the cold and the drowsiness of the cold medicine.
Only to be told at 2.45pm that sis can't pick Adam and Risa up because
my lovable parents need to use the car. I then told her that I will
send adam and Risa.
I then dozed off again.
It was 3.15pm when Adam literally had his face in mine as he woke me
up. He seemed pretty upset that I seemed to have overslept in sending
him to the stadium.
After a very quick washing up, I told him about the effect of the
medication that I have taken and we rushed to the car heading towards
the stadium.
It was during the ride that Adam told me what had happened.
He was worried that my sister has not pick him up. He called his
grandfather and asked for her number. He then proceed to call my
sister who explained what has transpired between her and me.
Honestly, I would not think a 7 year old boy would have the
resourcefullness to call his grandfather for his aunt's number so that
he could find out what happened to his aunt without anybody telling
him to.
Anyway, I've sent him to the stadium while I am here at my mom's car
park typing out this note.
I am so grateful that he is here, being always part of my life.
ago.
Today is wawa's sports day. As it is, we had planned to go to the
stadium to lend her our support. When I woke up this morning, I knew
that i am going to be unwell. So, after lunch I called my darling
sister to pick Adam and Risa up and I am feeling very drowsy. The
resolution of that conversation resulted in us agreeing that she will
pick Adam and Risa up at 2.15 pm of which I highlighted to Adam and
risa. So there I was, lying in bed trying to shake off the effect of
the cold and the drowsiness of the cold medicine.
Only to be told at 2.45pm that sis can't pick Adam and Risa up because
my lovable parents need to use the car. I then told her that I will
send adam and Risa.
I then dozed off again.
It was 3.15pm when Adam literally had his face in mine as he woke me
up. He seemed pretty upset that I seemed to have overslept in sending
him to the stadium.
After a very quick washing up, I told him about the effect of the
medication that I have taken and we rushed to the car heading towards
the stadium.
It was during the ride that Adam told me what had happened.
He was worried that my sister has not pick him up. He called his
grandfather and asked for her number. He then proceed to call my
sister who explained what has transpired between her and me.
Honestly, I would not think a 7 year old boy would have the
resourcefullness to call his grandfather for his aunt's number so that
he could find out what happened to his aunt without anybody telling
him to.
Anyway, I've sent him to the stadium while I am here at my mom's car
park typing out this note.
I am so grateful that he is here, being always part of my life.
Slim.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Name cards
Oh boy, forgot to insert into the last post. I have receive my name cards. The picture on it made me look angry. Oh well, first time for everything...
Weekh
I was at www.clubsnap.com the other day and I read a post in the 4/3rds folder. I remembered reading a post from a guy who used a LX2. Now, that same guy is using the oly ep-1. But, no what camera he is using, he has the eye for it. I know this because I stumble onto his blog and I went there 3 times this week. Its weekh.blogspot.com
If only I could update my blog like he does. With pictures.
Anyways, my wife encourages me to enter the various photo competitions that is available. Maybe I should give it a try. Anybody know of any photo competitions?
I'm at Unisim right now, revising for my paper this evening. As you can see, I'm spending my time NOT revising. Honestly, its freaking me out. Such overconfidence can only mean one thing in my life, stupidity.
Oh well, let me just continue reading the stupid book.
Another advert
I'm a property agent!!! Yoohooo!
If only I could update my blog like he does. With pictures.
Anyways, my wife encourages me to enter the various photo competitions that is available. Maybe I should give it a try. Anybody know of any photo competitions?
I'm at Unisim right now, revising for my paper this evening. As you can see, I'm spending my time NOT revising. Honestly, its freaking me out. Such overconfidence can only mean one thing in my life, stupidity.
Oh well, let me just continue reading the stupid book.
Another advert
I'm a property agent!!! Yoohooo!
Monday, November 02, 2009
It's a Monday
Just came back from tuition. A very slow session as my tutee had
already completed her exams. Anyway we went through comprehension
cloze. At least she learnt new words.
My noisemaker has now learnt to appreciate the different smell and
aroma shampoo and soaps has. At least, he used them.
It has been a wet afternoon. It started to rained approximately at 1
pm. Just as I had finished waxing the car. It rained too the other
day, just as I had finished waxing the car. Anyway, wifey just called
and she is cabbing her way home. Just as well.
Exams is around the corner and I can't seem to get it out of my mind.
How I wish I could start studying for it.
Watched the Liverpool against fulham. What a load of crap. If I had
known, I would not have stayed up late. Liverpool lost 3-1 with 9 men
at the end of full time. Sigh. Lousy game. Not because Liverpool lost,
just that both teams played badly.
already completed her exams. Anyway we went through comprehension
cloze. At least she learnt new words.
My noisemaker has now learnt to appreciate the different smell and
aroma shampoo and soaps has. At least, he used them.
It has been a wet afternoon. It started to rained approximately at 1
pm. Just as I had finished waxing the car. It rained too the other
day, just as I had finished waxing the car. Anyway, wifey just called
and she is cabbing her way home. Just as well.
Exams is around the corner and I can't seem to get it out of my mind.
How I wish I could start studying for it.
Watched the Liverpool against fulham. What a load of crap. If I had
known, I would not have stayed up late. Liverpool lost 3-1 with 9 men
at the end of full time. Sigh. Lousy game. Not because Liverpool lost,
just that both teams played badly.
Slim.
NYTimes: DVR, Once Mortal Foe, Is a Friend After All
From The New York Times:
DVR, Once Mortal Foe, Is a Friend After All
Once feared as commercial killers, the recorders now add significantly
to program ratings and thus to ad revenue.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/02/business/media/02ratings.html
Get The New York Times on your iPhone for free by visiting http://itunes.com/apps/nytimes
Slim.
Send instant messages to your online friends http://asia.messenger.yahoo.com
Name cards
I am resorting to emailing my blogs. Not a big deal especially with a
smartphone like the iPhone.
Anyway, I am still waiting for my name cards to be ready. Can't wait
to start distributing MY name cards to my friends.
Anyway, if any of you readers need an agent for help in your property
matters, leave me a message.
Slim.
Send instant messages to your online friends http://asia.messenger.yahoo.com
smartphone like the iPhone.
Anyway, I am still waiting for my name cards to be ready. Can't wait
to start distributing MY name cards to my friends.
Anyway, if any of you readers need an agent for help in your property
matters, leave me a message.
Slim.
Send instant messages to your online friends http://asia.messenger.yahoo.com
Monday, October 26, 2009
Propnex
I have registered myself as a Propnex agent. Thus, begins a new phase in my life. Anyway, because I'm a beginner, I have my manager to help me. Thus, if anybody need advise on property whether selling or buying, or even rental and advise from a manager at that, msg me! No obligation. Your time allows me to learn. Its a win-win thing.
Tutor
Qualified primary school teacher available for private tuition.
Female.
NE Area.
Well verse with P1-P4 syllabus.
AM or PM, weekdays.
4
$45 per hour.
Msg me.
Female.
NE Area.
Well verse with P1-P4 syllabus.
AM or PM, weekdays.
4
$45 per hour.
Msg me.
Friday, October 02, 2009
NYTimes: From Birth, Engage Your Child With Talk
From The New York Times:
PERSONAL HEALTH: From Birth, Engage Your Child With Talk
All too often, mothers and nannies are tuned in to their cellphones,
BlackBerrys and iPods, not their young children.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/29/health/29brod.html
Get The New York Times on your iPhone for free by visiting http://itunes.com/apps/nytimes
Slim.
Send instant messages to your online friends http://asia.messenger.yahoo.com
Gas mask in bra wins IgNobel
Your friend thought you might be interested in the following story
from The Straits Times:
from The Straits Times:
You can read it up by clicking on http://is.gd/3SjPD
Slim.
Send instant messages to your online friends http://asia.messenger.yahoo.com
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
laptop
I just bought a laptop, a toshiba 15.4 inch P intel duo running at
2.1g. It comes with 2 gb ram. I got it for $899. I bought it to
replace the 12.1 acer that Adam is using. A bit slow in its starting
up, but otherwise hang free. Got a McAfee anti virus free.
Love the screen.
Nor Salman Mohd Sumantry (Mr)
'Beyond the right answer'
2.1g. It comes with 2 gb ram. I got it for $899. I bought it to
replace the 12.1 acer that Adam is using. A bit slow in its starting
up, but otherwise hang free. Got a McAfee anti virus free.
Love the screen.
Nor Salman Mohd Sumantry (Mr)
'Beyond the right answer'
Send instant messages to your online friends http://asia.messenger.yahoo.com
Friday, August 21, 2009
Ain't I a woman, speech
Sojourner Truth (1797-1883): Ain't I A Woman?
Delivered 1851
Women's Convention, Akron, Ohio
Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that 'twixt the negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what's all this here talking about?
That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?
Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's this they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"] That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rights or negroes' rights? If my cup won't hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?
Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.
If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.
Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain't got nothing more to say.
Delivered 1851
Women's Convention, Akron, Ohio
Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that 'twixt the negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what's all this here talking about?
That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?
Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's this they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"] That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rights or negroes' rights? If my cup won't hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?
Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.
If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.
Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain't got nothing more to say.
Ain't I a woman, poem
Ain't I a Woman
That man over there say
a woman needs to be helped into carriages
and lifted over ditches
and to have the best place everywhere.
Nobody ever helped me into carriages
or over mud puddles
or gives me a best place...
And ain't I a woman?
Look at me
Look at my arm!
I have plowed and planted
and gathered into barns
and no man could head me...
And ain't I a woman?
I could work as much
and eat as much as a man---
when I could get to it---
and bear the lash as well
and ain't I a woman?
I have born 13 children
and seen most all sold into slavery
and when I cried out a mother's grief
none but Jesus heard me...
and ain't I a woman?
that little man in black there say
a woman can't have as much rights as a man
cause Christ wasn't a woman
Where did your Christ come from?
From God and a woman!
Man had nothing to do with him!
If the first woman God ever made
was strong enough to turn the world
upside down, all alone
together women ought to be able to turn it
rightside up again.
- Sojourner Truth, 1797-1883
That man over there say
a woman needs to be helped into carriages
and lifted over ditches
and to have the best place everywhere.
Nobody ever helped me into carriages
or over mud puddles
or gives me a best place...
And ain't I a woman?
Look at me
Look at my arm!
I have plowed and planted
and gathered into barns
and no man could head me...
And ain't I a woman?
I could work as much
and eat as much as a man---
when I could get to it---
and bear the lash as well
and ain't I a woman?
I have born 13 children
and seen most all sold into slavery
and when I cried out a mother's grief
none but Jesus heard me...
and ain't I a woman?
that little man in black there say
a woman can't have as much rights as a man
cause Christ wasn't a woman
Where did your Christ come from?
From God and a woman!
Man had nothing to do with him!
If the first woman God ever made
was strong enough to turn the world
upside down, all alone
together women ought to be able to turn it
rightside up again.
- Sojourner Truth, 1797-1883
Ain't I a woman.
I've just reached home, after a 3 hour session of a literature class. I never did like literature. "Too much talk" and "Too much English" were the main reasons I cited. Today, however was like a turning point to me. I was made to discuss a poem, entitled Ain't I a woman. In my first reading, my reaction surprises me. I felt that the speaker of the poem (unnecessarily the poet) was very rude in venting out her frustration. The class then proceed to discuss the poems, in terms of forms (free verse), tone (anger), who the speaker was (a female black slave) and in respect to feminism, what were the main points that were brought out. Understanding the poem a little bit more made me appreciate how powerful it was.
On the way home, however, I couldn't thinking as to why I felt that the speaker in that poem was rude. Could it be of the values that I was brought up in? Could it be that I was taught that one should not be angry in public, one should control one's anger? Or could it be, I resent this woman? I felt that it was the latter. Why would I resent the woman? Its has been one and a half hour since the lesson end and I still don't know whereupon the resentment are from. I resent her, for she dares to state her mind. I resent her for not being a slave, but for being wasting her time. A speech is only just as powerful as the actions that comes after it. Otherwise, it was just blowing hot air. Thankfully, it was not. But still, I resent her, perhaps for doing what I could not, for being brave to speak in front of other men and women, of other men and women. How much must one feel and how much must be affected before one can be blessed enough to speak out against injustice. Still I resent her, for doing what I could not, and in that respect, I am thankful for without her doing what she did, or me coming across that poem, I know one less that is possible.
On the way home, however, I couldn't thinking as to why I felt that the speaker in that poem was rude. Could it be of the values that I was brought up in? Could it be that I was taught that one should not be angry in public, one should control one's anger? Or could it be, I resent this woman? I felt that it was the latter. Why would I resent the woman? Its has been one and a half hour since the lesson end and I still don't know whereupon the resentment are from. I resent her, for she dares to state her mind. I resent her for not being a slave, but for being wasting her time. A speech is only just as powerful as the actions that comes after it. Otherwise, it was just blowing hot air. Thankfully, it was not. But still, I resent her, perhaps for doing what I could not, for being brave to speak in front of other men and women, of other men and women. How much must one feel and how much must be affected before one can be blessed enough to speak out against injustice. Still I resent her, for doing what I could not, and in that respect, I am thankful for without her doing what she did, or me coming across that poem, I know one less that is possible.
Ain't I a woman.
Ain't I a woman.
I've just reached home, after a 3 hour session of a literature class. I never did like literature. "Too much talk" and "Too much English" were the main reasons I cited. Today, however was like a turning point to me. I was made to discuss a poem, entitled Ain't I a woman. In my first reading, my reaction surprises me. I felt that the speaker of the poem (unnecessarily the poet) was very rude in venting out her frustration. The class then proceed to discuss the poems, in terms of forms (free verse), tone (anger), who the speaker was (a female black slave) and in respect to feminism, what were the main points that were brought out. Understanding the poem a little bit more made me appreciate how powerful it was.On the way home, however, I couldn't thinking as to why I felt that the speaker in that poem was rude. Could it be of the values that I was brought up in? Could it be that I was taught that one should not be angry in public, one should control one's anger? Or could it be, I resent this woman? I felt that it was the latter. Why would I resent the woman? Its has been one and a half hour since the lesson end and I still don't know whereupon the resentment are from. I resent her, for she dares to state her mind. I resent her for not being a slave, but for being wasting her time. A speech is only just as powerful as the actions that comes after it. Otherwise, it was just blowing hot air. Thankfully, it was not. But still, I resent her, perhaps for doing what I could not, for being brave to speak in front of other men and women, of other men and women. How much must one feel and how much must be affected before one can be blessed enough to speak out against injustice. Still I resent her, for doing what I could not, and in that respect, I am thankful for without her doing what she did, or me coming across that poem, I know one less that is possible.
The speech.
Ain't I a woman, speech
Sojourner Truth (1797-1883): Ain't I A Woman?Delivered 1851
Women's Convention, Akron, Ohio
Well, children, where there is so much racket there must be something out of kilter. I think that 'twixt the negroes of the South and the women at the North, all talking about rights, the white men will be in a fix pretty soon. But what's all this here talking about?
That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages, and lifted over ditches, and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages, or over mud-puddles, or gives me any best place! And ain't I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me! And ain't I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man - when I could get it - and bear the lash as well! And ain't I a woman? I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mother's grief, none but Jesus heard me! And ain't I a woman?
Then they talk about this thing in the head; what's this they call it? [member of audience whispers, "intellect"] That's it, honey. What's that got to do with women's rights or negroes' rights? If my cup won't hold but a pint, and yours holds a quart, wouldn't you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full?
Then that little man in black there, he says women can't have as much rights as men, 'cause Christ wasn't a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him.
If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back , and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it, the men better let them.
Obliged to you for hearing me, and now old Sojourner ain't got nothing more to say.
The poem.
Ain't I a woman, poem
Ain't I a WomanThat man over there say
a woman needs to be helped into carriages
and lifted over ditches
and to have the best place everywhere.
Nobody ever helped me into carriages
or over mud puddles
or gives me a best place...
And ain't I a woman?
Look at me
Look at my arm!
I have plowed and planted
and gathered into barns
and no man could head me...
And ain't I a woman?
I could work as much
and eat as much as a man---
when I could get to it---
and bear the lash as well
and ain't I a woman?
I have born 13 children
and seen most all sold into slavery
and when I cried out a mother's grief
none but Jesus heard me...
and ain't I a woman?
that little man in black there say
a woman can't have as much rights as a man
cause Christ wasn't a woman
Where did your Christ come from?
From God and a woman!
Man had nothing to do with him!
If the first woman God ever made
was strong enough to turn the world
upside down, all alone
together women ought to be able to turn it
rightside up again.
- Sojourner Truth, 1797-1883
Erlene Stetson
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Recipe for pizza dough.
Recipe for pizza dough.
300gm flour
1tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
1tsp yeast
175ml water
Add oil approx 3/4 table spoon.
Leave about an hour. Until it double the size.
300gm flour
1tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
1tsp yeast
175ml water
Add oil approx 3/4 table spoon.
Leave about an hour. Until it double the size.
Slim.
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Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Adam birthday present.
Adam receives a bionicle from his grandmother and cousin! His birthday is tomorrow.
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Tuesday, July 21, 2009
News article from Channelnewsasia.com
Dear Salman,
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for the latest in news and information and has highly recommended
the following URL:
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Scary lah this news.
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News article from Channelnewsasia.com
Dear Salman,
Your friend just visited www.channelnewsasia.com
for the latest in news and information and has highly recommended
the following URL:
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/443542/1/.html
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Scary lah this news.
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real-time online
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From CNA
SINGAPORE: More than half of flu cases here (53%) are H1N1 positive. The number had jumped from just 13 per cent in a span of only four weeks.
The latest data by Singapore's Health Ministry showed that the country was well past the mitigation stage for the management of H1N1 flu cases.
Giving an update in Parliament on Monday, Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan said the virus circulating in Singapore currently is largely benign, with almost all patients recovering fully.
He added Singapore remains in Yellow alert because unlike seasonal flu, the at-risk groups involve younger adults with underlying medical problems.
Moving forward, Mr Khaw said H1N1 prevalence in the country should peak within a week or two.
The latest data by Singapore's Health Ministry showed that the country was well past the mitigation stage for the management of H1N1 flu cases.
Giving an update in Parliament on Monday, Health Minister Khaw Boon Wan said the virus circulating in Singapore currently is largely benign, with almost all patients recovering fully.
He added Singapore remains in Yellow alert because unlike seasonal flu, the at-risk groups involve younger adults with underlying medical problems.
Moving forward, Mr Khaw said H1N1 prevalence in the country should peak within a week or two.
The little noisemaker that is ill.
Tonight is the second night that Adam is ill. I was told to pick him up from school yesterday as he managed to hit a temperature of 37.7. I took him to the doctor and it was 37.4 I think as a precaution, the doctor gave him two days of medical leave and told me to bring him back for a medical review if his temp hit 38. Well, it did, that very night. I brought him to the doc again in the morning and his temp then was 38.5. Doc prescribed Neurofen, a stronger anti pyrectic medicine as compared to paracetamol.
This evening, his mom too had a bout of breathlessness. Took her to the doctor, and doc diagnosed her as having asthma.
I think it was my fault for not stressing enough to Risa and Adam to take his medicine at six. As result Adam waited for us for dinner and by the time we arrived it already 8. Risa, not knowing any better, did not administer the medication to Adam as he has not taken his dinner. So by 9.00 p.m his temp rose to 39.3. Su gave him another dose of Neurofen and he is now sleeping.
If not for the fact that his lips are reddish and his face is flush, one would not think that Adam is sick. Still active, still cheeky and still hungry, he appears to be perfectly normal. But appearance can be deceiving. I'm not betting that I will get a good night sleep later. Most probably, I'll have to sponge him around 3. How do I know? 15 years of being a medic tell me so.
Be strong, I tell myself this morning as visions and images of him, very sick and in the hospital, came floating in my mind. I really hope, it will not come to that.
As for me, aside from muscle aches and swollen hands, everything seems to be ok.
Be strong, god willing.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
News for you to read from Channel NewsAsia
Iran airliner crashes, all 150 on board feared dead
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_world/view/442538/1/.HTML
God be with them.
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The little noisemaker that listened.
Adam came home the other day, in his usual talkative self. He has become so talkative that one even tends to ignore he is there. Anyway, while I was reading the newspaper, he came to up and said, "Abah, I got ten upon ten for my listening comprehension." Giving the usual reply, "that's good," etc etc, I noticed him still standing next to me. I turned and stared him in the eyes, and with a cheeky smile, he added, "I'm the only one in my class who managed to do that!" I don't know what got over me, but I hugged him. Maybe it was because it was a natural, parent-like, thing to do, maybe I was surprised that he was the only one that could do it, or maybe I was shocked that he was the only one who could do it. Considering that this is his first attempt and exposure to a listening comprehension test, I'm very, very happy.
So, being that happy father, I sat him down and made him tell me how could he have achieved such wondrous results.
He replied was, "I listened."
That one sentence, those two words brought tears to my eyes.
You know of somebody, who hears but never listened? He is the one who pissed you off for not being there for you. Well, to many, adults and children included, listening is a highly unattainable skill. I think, in this respect there are just two types of people. Not those who can or those who can't, but those who will and those who won't. This is so real that MOE conducts a course that incorporates the skill of how to listen. Why is it that we need to learn to listen and not just to hear.
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Double decker
Double decker
I am now in a double decker bus after sending my car for it's regular
servicing. I am sitting way in front on the upper deck. While
listening to
Miley Cyrus the climb and looking At the ever changing view I say this
is very exhilirating.
Am in hougang now and soon I will reach my destination, that is
tampines. Going to the library and return some of the books I borrowed
and maybe I go into jb.
I am now in a double decker bus after sending my car for it's regular
servicing. I am sitting way in front on the upper deck. While
listening to
Miley Cyrus the climb and looking At the ever changing view I say this
is very exhilirating.
Am in hougang now and soon I will reach my destination, that is
tampines. Going to the library and return some of the books I borrowed
and maybe I go into jb.
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Saturday, July 04, 2009
Sleeping in the study tonight.
Sleeping in the study tonight.
Have not done this for quite some time. It's a personal choice not a
have to choice. I am sleeping here so that I could do what I have done
during my bachelor years, that is listening to music while falling
asleep.
Listening to il divo's sempre. Anyway, it's two in the morning and I
have to wake up early tomorrow. Not a nice thing on a Saturday. Lots
of errands to run.
Have not done this for quite some time. It's a personal choice not a
have to choice. I am sleeping here so that I could do what I have done
during my bachelor years, that is listening to music while falling
asleep.
Listening to il divo's sempre. Anyway, it's two in the morning and I
have to wake up early tomorrow. Not a nice thing on a Saturday. Lots
of errands to run.
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Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Tuition.
Tuition.
This is the second tuition assignment. I am tutoring my neigjbour's
son. He is in p6. I have not taught p6 for a long time. I hope I can
handle it. Does not pay much but I like to think that I am making
better use of my time.
I am also tutoring the daughters of
my ex colleagues. Again, does not pay much.
This is the second tuition assignment. I am tutoring my neigjbour's
son. He is in p6. I have not taught p6 for a long time. I hope I can
handle it. Does not pay much but I like to think that I am making
better use of my time.
I am also tutoring the daughters of
my ex colleagues. Again, does not pay much.
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Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Adam swimming lesson.
Adam swimming lesson.
I am at sengkang swimming pool now and it's such a pleasure to have a
parking lot. I still have to make a big round trip to the entrance of
the complex but it's ok. Actually I can view Adam from where I am. His
pool us just over the fence.
Been to jusco, bukit indah and I must say that it's a very nice place.
It's huge and I have yet to venture anywhere else besides the food
court and a quarter of the supermarket. Bought sushi for Adam. It was
about 50 cents each. He seems to love it. According to one of the
staff, the shopping centre was opened about 6 months ago. I hope the
management can maintain the complex cleanliness.
I am at sengkang swimming pool now and it's such a pleasure to have a
parking lot. I still have to make a big round trip to the entrance of
the complex but it's ok. Actually I can view Adam from where I am. His
pool us just over the fence.
Been to jusco, bukit indah and I must say that it's a very nice place.
It's huge and I have yet to venture anywhere else besides the food
court and a quarter of the supermarket. Bought sushi for Adam. It was
about 50 cents each. He seems to love it. According to one of the
staff, the shopping centre was opened about 6 months ago. I hope the
management can maintain the complex cleanliness.
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Monday, June 29, 2009
Swine flu.
Swine flu.
Just heard that there are three new cases in my wife school. This is
really starting to worry me. Not only is my son at risk my wife is at
risk too.
A friend of mine who is from the school I use to teach is under
quarantine orders. Apparently, he was in close proximity to an army
liasion officer during a briefing in the ne show. Sheesh.
Just heard that there are three new cases in my wife school. This is
really starting to worry me. Not only is my son at risk my wife is at
risk too.
A friend of mine who is from the school I use to teach is under
quarantine orders. Apparently, he was in close proximity to an army
liasion officer during a briefing in the ne show. Sheesh.
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First day of school and I had readily settled in the usual routine except this time there are some twists. I have registered myself as a relief teacher and thus I could be callled any day. Thus, today I sent Su to school all dressed up only to find that there were no calls for me. Oh well, it was a good day for a nap anyways. So, having just woken up from a nap I should be off to complete some errands.
First day of school and I had readily settled in the usual routine
except this time there are some twists. I have registered myself as a
relief teacher and thus I could be callled any day. Thus, today I sent
Su to school all dressed up only to find that there were no calls for
me. Oh well, it was a good day for a nap anyways. So, having just
woken up from a nap I should be off to complete some errands.
Will be giving tuition this afternoon but I am all ready for that.
Checked the motoring website and it's jammed up on the way back to
Singapore. I think I should make my way now. Oh oh, toilet calls first.
The swine flu is really getting me worried. The reported case now
exceeds 500 and still schools are kept open. Thus the countdown has
begin. If there is no major outbreak in the next seven days then, all
is well. But all it takes is just once instance if swine flu related
case and any amount of regret is useless.
except this time there are some twists. I have registered myself as a
relief teacher and thus I could be callled any day. Thus, today I sent
Su to school all dressed up only to find that there were no calls for
me. Oh well, it was a good day for a nap anyways. So, having just
woken up from a nap I should be off to complete some errands.
Will be giving tuition this afternoon but I am all ready for that.
Checked the motoring website and it's jammed up on the way back to
Singapore. I think I should make my way now. Oh oh, toilet calls first.
The swine flu is really getting me worried. The reported case now
exceeds 500 and still schools are kept open. Thus the countdown has
begin. If there is no major outbreak in the next seven days then, all
is well. But all it takes is just once instance if swine flu related
case and any amount of regret is useless.
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Forgotten it was father's day today until Leonard came and wish me so. Leonard's family came and visited us as they handed over their keys. Lynn was teary eyed as she spoke to yok peng and the other Lynn.
Forgotten it was father's day today until Leonard came and wish me so.
Leonard's family came and visited us as they handed over their keys.
Lynn was teary eyed as she spoke to yok peng and the other Lynn.
Seeing that it was a few minutes past four, I thought it would be a
good idea to go to spc to pump a few dollars of petrol and to buy some
curry puffs. So this was how the conversation I had with my son went.
Me: who wants to follow me to old chang kee?
Adam: not me. But can you buy for me 2 sardine o and 1 curry o?
Me: but why don't you want to follow me?
Adam: because I want to play with Irsyad.
Me: come lah, follow me.
Adam: it's fathers day. You go lah.
Me: sigh.
Leonard's family came and visited us as they handed over their keys.
Lynn was teary eyed as she spoke to yok peng and the other Lynn.
Seeing that it was a few minutes past four, I thought it would be a
good idea to go to spc to pump a few dollars of petrol and to buy some
curry puffs. So this was how the conversation I had with my son went.
Me: who wants to follow me to old chang kee?
Adam: not me. But can you buy for me 2 sardine o and 1 curry o?
Me: but why don't you want to follow me?
Adam: because I want to play with Irsyad.
Me: come lah, follow me.
Adam: it's fathers day. You go lah.
Me: sigh.
Just one more lonely night and Su will be back tomorrow.
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Su called and told me about the newspaper article this morning in the straits times. In that article it is reported about a man who travel to kl and came back diagnosed with the swine virus. The problem was and it could be still is that Su was on that same plane. That was six days ago and since it is reported that the onset period is 7 days at the most, Su seems to be in great shape.
Su called and told me about the newspaper article this morning in the
straits times. In that article it is reported abou lt a man who travel
to kl and came back diagnosed with the swine virus. The problem was
and it could be still is that Su was on that same plane. That was six
days ago and since it is reported that the onset period is 7 days at
the most, Su seems to be in great shape.
Personally, I am very worried. That flu thing could really be a bad
thing. Su is coming back on monday and after which she is on a 7 days
quarantine period. If I were to look at it positively, I guess it's
payback time for the days she had to be away from the family.
straits times. In that article it is reported abou lt a man who travel
to kl and came back diagnosed with the swine virus. The problem was
and it could be still is that Su was on that same plane. That was six
days ago and since it is reported that the onset period is 7 days at
the most, Su seems to be in great shape.
Personally, I am very worried. That flu thing could really be a bad
thing. Su is coming back on monday and after which she is on a 7 days
quarantine period. If I were to look at it positively, I guess it's
payback time for the days she had to be away from the family.
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It's almost eleven. I am here l, at home, alone. Su is still in Malaysia while Adam is at woodlands. I am not feeling well so that's why I excuse myself from the class tonight. I did not even go to Batrisha's birthday party just now as I was sneezing and was having a runny nose.
It's almost eleven. I am here l, at home, alone. Su is still in
Malaysia while Adam is at woodlands. I am not feeling well so that's
why I excuse myself from the class tonight. I did not even go to
Batrisha's birthday party just now as I was sneezing and was having a
runny nose.
The house is quiet. Well, except for the noise generated by the
traffic downstairs. I have to do a car exchange with my dad tomorrow
as he is going to spg renggam tomorrow. I won't be following.
My mother in law just call asking me to stay at home while she brings
adam out. I am not going to just sit there and have her running my
life with Adam. After I do the car exchange I will buy Adam breakfast
and have it there. Then I will let her have some time with Adam.
I have been told what to do too long a time and she have been telling
people what to do too long a time. I wonder what will be good?
I guess to make matters better for I will bring her the credit card
statement.
I am not being mean but I have a voice and it's a voice that will be
heard.
Malaysia while Adam is at woodlands. I am not feeling well so that's
why I excuse myself from the class tonight. I did not even go to
Batrisha's birthday party just now as I was sneezing and was having a
runny nose.
The house is quiet. Well, except for the noise generated by the
traffic downstairs. I have to do a car exchange with my dad tomorrow
as he is going to spg renggam tomorrow. I won't be following.
My mother in law just call asking me to stay at home while she brings
adam out. I am not going to just sit there and have her running my
life with Adam. After I do the car exchange I will buy Adam breakfast
and have it there. Then I will let her have some time with Adam.
I have been told what to do too long a time and she have been telling
people what to do too long a time. I wonder what will be good?
I guess to make matters better for I will bring her the credit card
statement.
I am not being mean but I have a voice and it's a voice that will be
heard.
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An Indian couple just jogged past me. I like to think that I am adverse to judging people but you have to say something about people who jogged in their flip flops. By the looks if them, I would label them as one of those Indian expats. I am not racist but to jog with flip flops, I mean, it's crazy. Honestly I cannot stand people with an I am holier than though attitude. And I find this very prevalent in the Indian expat community. It has affected me so much that I have started to label almost every Indian I met as such. There is really a great difference in Singapore indians and those expat Indians. My Indian friends are themselves not too fond of them either.
An Indian couple just jogged past me. I like to think that I am
adverse to judging people but you have to say something about people
who jogged in their flip flops. By the looks if them, I would label
them as one of those Indian expats. I am not racist but to jog with
flip flops, I mean, it's crazy. Honestly I cannot stand people with an
I am holier than though attitude. And I find this very prevalent in
the Indian expat community. It has affected me so much that I have
started to label almost every Indian I met as such. There is really a
great difference in Singapore indians and those expat Indians. My
Indian friends are themselves not too fond of them either.
adverse to judging people but you have to say something about people
who jogged in their flip flops. By the looks if them, I would label
them as one of those Indian expats. I am not racist but to jog with
flip flops, I mean, it's crazy. Honestly I cannot stand people with an
I am holier than though attitude. And I find this very prevalent in
the Indian expat community. It has affected me so much that I have
started to label almost every Indian I met as such. There is really a
great difference in Singapore indians and those expat Indians. My
Indian friends are themselves not too fond of them either.
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I am so pissed at wawa. It is so difficult to get her to respond to any ofbthe questions that I put to her. It is as if she is becoming too lazy. We went to the library just now. She chose a book where it was just one line on each page and a very simple picture on every other page. Knowing that she can't read, I attempted to have her tell me a story based on the pictures. But to get her to respond to a simple question such as what do you see in the picture or what do you think the dog is doing is monumental. And when she did respond it will using the squeaky voice of hers. I got so pissed when she does that. So pissed that I shouted at her on the way to the swimming pool. I mean she used her loud voice when she talks. I do not see why age would use the squeaky one when she is answering to me. I don't even know why she is here. It's one thing to have poor family support but it's another to be just plain lazy. I still am angry right now as I ponder as to what I could do more. I mean I am a teacher and I should be able to handle this.
I am so pissed at wawa. It is so difficult to get her to respond to
any ofbthe questions that I put to her. It is as if she is becoming
too lazy. We went to the library just now. She chose a book where it
was just one line on each page and a very simple picture on every
other page. Knowing that she can't read, I attempted to have her tell
me a story based on the pictures. But to get her to respond to a
simple question such as what do you see in the picture or what do you
think the dog is doing is monumental. And when she did respond it will
using the squeaky voice of hers. I got so pissed when she does that.
So pissed that I shouted at her on the way to the swimming pool. I
mean she used her loud voice when she talks. I do not see why age
would use the squeaky one when she is answering to me. I don't even
know why she is here. It's one thing to have poor family support but
it's another to be just plain lazy. I still am angry right now as I
ponder as to what I could do more. I mean I am a teacher and I should
be able to handle this.
I think I would go over the story book again but this time I would
include adam in the discussion. Maybe she was feeling a bit too self
conscious. Afraid of getting it wrong. If that is the case then my
strategy of scaring her while she was in the car would backfire on me.
Miss you darling.
any ofbthe questions that I put to her. It is as if she is becoming
too lazy. We went to the library just now. She chose a book where it
was just one line on each page and a very simple picture on every
other page. Knowing that she can't read, I attempted to have her tell
me a story based on the pictures. But to get her to respond to a
simple question such as what do you see in the picture or what do you
think the dog is doing is monumental. And when she did respond it will
using the squeaky voice of hers. I got so pissed when she does that.
So pissed that I shouted at her on the way to the swimming pool. I
mean she used her loud voice when she talks. I do not see why age
would use the squeaky one when she is answering to me. I don't even
know why she is here. It's one thing to have poor family support but
it's another to be just plain lazy. I still am angry right now as I
ponder as to what I could do more. I mean I am a teacher and I should
be able to handle this.
I think I would go over the story book again but this time I would
include adam in the discussion. Maybe she was feeling a bit too self
conscious. Afraid of getting it wrong. If that is the case then my
strategy of scaring her while she was in the car would backfire on me.
Miss you darling.
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Su has reached klia safely. It's half past noon now and I am enjoying the rain. Leonard is moving house today. Might drop by and see if he needs help.
Su has reached klia safely. It's half past noon now and I am enjoying
the rain. Leonard is moving house today. Might drop by and see if he
needs help.
Just to add, both of them were in tears. Lynn broke down in front me.
I think they are second guessing themselves too much. Sent them to
their new house and I must say, it's not bad. Tastefully done.
Basically, the deal was to move to tampines so that they could send
their two sons to st hildas. After which they want to mice back here.
Sheesh! But then every parents wants what's best for their kids.
the rain. Leonard is moving house today. Might drop by and see if he
needs help.
Just to add, both of them were in tears. Lynn broke down in front me.
I think they are second guessing themselves too much. Sent them to
their new house and I must say, it's not bad. Tastefully done.
Basically, the deal was to move to tampines so that they could send
their two sons to st hildas. After which they want to mice back here.
Sheesh! But then every parents wants what's best for their kids.
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Called su about half an hour ago. She is still not done for the day! They are having ice breakers and knowing what su went through last night, we slept around 3am, I bet she is dead tired now. I do not have her iterinary so I do not know what is in store for her tomorrow.
Called su about half an hour ago. She is still not done for the day!
They are having ice breakers and knowing what su went through last
night, we slept around 3am, I bet she is dead tired now. I do not have
her iterinary so I do not know what is in store for her tomorrow.
Adam cried on the way to send wawa back. He must really be missing his
mom. Heck! I was crying with him too.
They are having ice breakers and knowing what su went through last
night, we slept around 3am, I bet she is dead tired now. I do not have
her iterinary so I do not know what is in store for her tomorrow.
Adam cried on the way to send wawa back. He must really be missing his
mom. Heck! I was crying with him too.
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Just had dinner at sushi king. Cost us $115. Adam enjoyed himself and so did I. It's now 8.15 and I wonder as to when will we reach home.
Just had dinner at sushi king. Cost us $115. Adam enjoyed himself and
so did I. It's now 8.15 and I wonder as to when will we reach home.
Su still needs to pack for her trip tomorrow.
Now waiting for Ravin and monica to return as shreya has soiled herself.
so did I. It's now 8.15 and I wonder as to when will we reach home.
Su still needs to pack for her trip tomorrow.
Now waiting for Ravin and monica to return as shreya has soiled herself.
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I am now at jusco malacca. We stopped here to have dinner but it's too early. Most of us are still full.
I am now at jusco malacca. We stopped here to have dinner but it's too
early. Most of us are still full.
Prior to this, we drove on the inner roads. It was a very bumpy ride.
We exited at pedas linggi and too the highway towards Ayer keroh. It
was less than 100 km but it took us more than an hour.
Now my back hurt. Su is leaving for a comference tomorrow. She will be
gone for some 7to 8 days. Have not told her yet but I am sure going to
miss her. She will be back next Monday. I hope I can last that long.
early. Most of us are still full.
Prior to this, we drove on the inner roads. It was a very bumpy ride.
We exited at pedas linggi and too the highway towards Ayer keroh. It
was less than 100 km but it took us more than an hour.
Now my back hurt. Su is leaving for a comference tomorrow. She will be
gone for some 7to 8 days. Have not told her yet but I am sure going to
miss her. She will be back next Monday. I hope I can last that long.
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It's almost 8 am and I am out with Su looking for breakfast. Found a shop that sells prata and bought twenty of them. Bought tea and kopi as well. I wonder if Adam is awake already?
It's almost 8 am and I am out with Su looking for breakfast. Found a
shop that sells prata and bought twenty of them. Bought tea and kopi
as well. I wonder if Adam is awake already?
Right butt feels very tender. I think
It has something to so with night being so cold. But it is the air
cond unit. If I switch it off it will be too hot. I guess it was too
late when I went under the covers.
shop that sells prata and bought twenty of them. Bought tea and kopi
as well. I wonder if Adam is awake already?
Right butt feels very tender. I think
It has something to so with night being so cold. But it is the air
cond unit. If I switch it off it will be too hot. I guess it was too
late when I went under the covers.
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While waiting for Riza to come out of the shell shop, Ravin hit my car from behind. Although there was contact thankfully there was no serious damage.
While waiting for Riza to come out of the shell shop, Ravin hit my car
from behind. Although there was contact thankfully there was no
serious damage.
Right now I am waiting for them to receive the foodbthat they ordered.
It's past 9 already and Adam still has not had flhis dinner. I can see
Su waiting anxiously for the food.
I don't get it. How difficult is it for someone to keep to his or her
word. I never should have agreed to Riza suggetion of eating in. I
wonder how much longer it will take to end this wait.
I would not wait to have my children have their dinner. Thus, I
wouldnot want to waste time meeting at anybody else's place later. I
will just have dinner at my place.
Same goes for tomorrow breakfast as well.
from behind. Although there was contact thankfully there was no
serious damage.
Right now I am waiting for them to receive the foodbthat they ordered.
It's past 9 already and Adam still has not had flhis dinner. I can see
Su waiting anxiously for the food.
I don't get it. How difficult is it for someone to keep to his or her
word. I never should have agreed to Riza suggetion of eating in. I
wonder how much longer it will take to end this wait.
I would not wait to have my children have their dinner. Thus, I
wouldnot want to waste time meeting at anybody else's place later. I
will just have dinner at my place.
Same goes for tomorrow breakfast as well.
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Making my way to port dickson the second time around. Now stuck at causeway. Suppose to leave latest by 7.30 am but ended up leaving at 8. What a diff a half an hour makes.
Making my way to port dickson the second time around. Now stuck at
causeway. Suppose to leave latest by 7.30 am but ended up leaving at
8. What a diff a half an hour makes.
causeway. Suppose to leave latest by 7.30 am but ended up leaving at
8. What a diff a half an hour makes.
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Went to toys r us and bought Adam and Irsyad a bionicle toy each. Now sending Su to school.
Went to toys r us and bought Adam and Irsyad a bionicle toy each. Now
sending Su to school.
sending Su to school.
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Went to a warong to buy breakfast. Settling for roti prata and nasi lemak. Looking at the car park, cars are malayisians but from many different parts of Malaysia.
Went to a warong to buy breakfast. Settling for roti prata and nasi
lemak. Looking at the car park, cars are malayisians but from many
different parts of Malaysia.
lemak. Looking at the car park, cars are malayisians but from many
different parts of Malaysia.
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Don't forget to buy ice and utensils as they charge twenty ringgit for a set of four.
Don't forget to buy ice and utensils as they charge twenty ringgit for
a set of four.
a set of four.
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We had chicken and mutton satay, nasi goreng ikan kering, nasi empet accompanied with kuah kacang and sambal ikan bilks for dinner.
We had chicken and mutton satay, nasi goreng ikan kering, nasi empet
accompanied with kuah kacang and sambal ikan bilks for dinner.
accompanied with kuah kacang and sambal ikan bilks for dinner.
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The food stalls by the beach stop selling when the sun set. As a result, it can be difficult to find find food for dinner.
The food stalls by the beach stop selling when the sun set. As a
result, it can be difficult to find find food for dinner.
result, it can be difficult to find find food for dinner.
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There is a Japanese restaurant in the hotel. I hope I can try it, either this trip or the next.
There is a Japanese restaurant in the hotel. I hope I can try it,
either this trip or the next.
either this trip or the next.
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At ancasa. Beautiful place. Should have come here instead of selesa. Superb view. Only gripe is the parking when there was too many people.
At ancasa. Beautiful place. Should have come here instead of selesa.
Superb view. Only gripe is the parking when there was too many people.
Superb view. Only gripe is the parking when there was too many people.
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Tuesday, June 16, 2009
The little noisemaker part 2
Now, where was I? Oh yes, my little noisemaker was on his way. That nurse was very comforting when she said that my noisemaker will be able to see me in about half an hour. Even though she was wrong. 2 hours passed and the doctor came and told my darling wife it'll be another four or five hours! Oooh, might as well be an eternity seeing that both of us were exhausted! We then asked for the epidural. If not for that 'half an hour' talk, we would have asked for it earlier!
Ah! Epidurals, a godsend to husbands! But to administer it, one really must bare to endure the risks. The problem with epidurals, at least in our case, was that it did not come in a pill. No, it came pre packaged in a syringe with a million inch needle. The needle, the very long needle has to be inserted at the back, where the spine is. It was scary, for all of 5 seconds, as we (I) were really exhausted. My wife then had to go into a foetal position while I hold her head and knees such that the back is stretched. It was made easier when the doctor who was adminstering was from the same army camp. It was comfortable reenacting those times, but I'm sure my wife did not share the same sentiments. Finally, the Epidurals went in, and after a few near deaths complications immediately after, we slept. What happened was, my noisemaker's heartbeat shoot up as well as my wife's. Mine, shoot up too but only in the anticipation of making use of the recliner. So there we were, me and the expert epiduralist, sitting down talking about the old times, while several nurses and several doctors came rushing in and out of the delivery ward, perhaps in panic seeing that the heart beat rate was going beyond 120 bpm. (Thats beats per minute).
Having full trust in the hands of Allah, and of course western medicine, my wife's and my little noisemaker's heartbeat soon stabilised. By that time, my wife's fell asleep. Me? All I know was, it was 27th July 2002 when I woke up.
---To be continued---
Monday, June 15, 2009
The little noisemaker.
I remember that day very clearly. People always say that you remember the first time it happened to you and I proud to stay true to that saying. That was the day I had my very first and my very own noisemaker. I don't remember wanting a noisemaker, but I'm beginning to realise the deal I got myself into.
It was the 27th July 2002. That was the day I was in school. That was the day I was told to go home as my wife had broke her water bag. That was also the day when I know that the training, mission, hunger pangs I faced in almost 25 years of national service in the army was nothing, nothing as compared to staying awake for 12 hours hearing your wife screaming every now and then. Add to that, they really should have a bed for accompanying weak kneeed husband. Yup, I can still the pain in my right thumb as my wife twisted in during one of her contractions.
We were admitted into our ward first. It was cosy, clean and quiet. 2 hours of enjoying such bliss, that my wife wanted, no, demanded that we made our way to the delivery ward. Nurses, who I believe, were more experience in this matter than me, made the decision for me. Before I could ask for a wheelchair, there were two. Before I could ask for directions, a guide pushed our wheelchair out. None, however, told me to bring the blue or the pink jacket. That took me aprroximately 5 minutes. By that time, my wife was on the way out of the building. Yup, my noisemaker was on its way.
It turned out, that I had a very efficient noisemaker. He had pooped while still waiting for entry or exit whichever the case may be. I guess he has to be taken out fast, as I don't think anybody would want to be in the same pool as his own poop. But nobody was in a hurry. Nobody except me. The nurses came in every few minutes, just to check on my wife, and a couple of doctors came chit chatting what they had for dinner. My wife, looking dazed, just wanted to sleep. There were a few fifteen minutes before I or we heard some good news. A senior looking woman, in a nurse's uniform came and after inspecting my wife 'down there', exclaimed with all honesty and sincerely, it'll be another half an hour before my noise maker makes it own sign.
----To be continued---- (My noisemaker is making a menu.)
Monday, May 25, 2009
I phone
Su bought me an iphone today. Its a 3g iphone with a black back. I was there when she bought it and the only thing that I could think off was that that iphone is going to blow our budget way off course! But it was for my birthday and I happened to mentioned that I like it. I know that she liked it too. Anyway, I've been using my motorola v3i for the past several months now and I like it so much. It may be old but it works. And it really is cool to flip it open in front of so many people, especially when there are many teenagers around.
I hate the teenagers of today. They are loud, boisterous and spoilt. Its like they seem to be living in a parallel universe where everybody else is invisible. I was at this eating place called Magic Wok Express and me and Su were having a late lunch when all of a sudden, these geeky, female teenagers walked in and treated the place like their own home. They helped themselves to the drinks without waiting for the waiters and drag and push their chairs as though we are not there. If those teenagers are reading this, I would just like them to know that its never cool to be rude. It was just rudeness on their part, plain and simple. And to think that they came from one of the elite girls school. I fear where Adam is going to thread.
Adam seems to be doing fine in school. He brought a paper flower from school today and he painstakingly sticked it onto a straw and some green piece of paper to make it looked like a stalk of flower. It was so sweet of him. And to think that the flower was given to him by a girl in class. Heh heh...Like I said, I fear where he is going to tread.
What I planned to do today, did not materialize or did not occur in its chronological order. I planned to bring Adam to East Coast, together with Wawa and they could both cycle, while I complete a much needed walk. What happened was this:
1. Su called and said that she was done.
2. I picked her up leaving Adam at home watching Cicakman 2.
3. Went out for a late lunch with her.
4. Went to Singtel and bought an iphone.
5. Went back home for dinner.
6. Went through Adam's spelling words.
7. Brought Adam cycling downstairs.
8. Su went to www.storyonline.com with Adam.
9. Su went to sleep in Adam's room leaving me alone to gripe about the very rude teenagers.
Oh well, at least Adam cycled.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Notes from my reading; Religions and Science in Context
The contextual study of science and religion is an objective study of religions and science. The implication is that whether this is possible.�
Would a person without faith or even an individual with faith be able to study a religion or a religion aside from his faith and yet be able to achieve an objective point of view? In so doing, one needs to be an outsider looking in. Implication would be that one need not be a scientist to study the history of science, one need not be religious to study religion as one is merely an outsider looking in. This could provide conflicts with the insiders or those who practise a particular religion or in the case of a studying the history of science, the insiders would be the professional scientists.
Insiders VS Outsiders
1. Outsides depend on the insight of the insiders, thus the information that he derived is second hand. He can only give an account based upon �observation and testimony from a third party.
2. Outsiders may only be able to rely on abstractions and generalisations, possibly from the sacred books as they do not or maybe could not participate in rituals in which they could have access to direct experience.�
3. Outsiders do not accept whole truth. They read them in context. For example, the truth of god or even the existence of god. They investigate as to how this claim exist.
4. Religion refers to a totally distinct unique discovery of human experience which is beyond human comprehension and thus outsiders being non practitioners are not able to experience it.
5.Being an outsider, one would be able to study religions and not just one religion.
6. Outsiders avoid premature judgements.�
What is Religion?
In answering this question, we need to look at the characteristics of religion. Would it be the same for all religion. For example, the believe of a supernatural being. Would the believe of the presence of a supernatural being be the main factor of a belief being a religion. Thus is this the reason as to why Scientology is not a religion? What effect would this supernatural being have on its devotees. Could that effect be derived from somewhere else?
Would any of the characteristics of religions be similar to an activity such as watching a soccer game? Thus would soccer be a religion? Why is it or it is not?
Many mainstream religions rely on the authority of a sacred book, the authority of which is not recognised by followers of other faiths or by people of no faiths. Thus under whose authority does the authority of the book is recognised? It is this fact, that does not allowed the outsiders to fully experience and understand the faiths.
Can religions be harmful?
Examples would be the mass suicides of various religious groups.
Does religions have boundaries? For example boundaries to state as to what is and what is not a religion? Or boundaries to state as to what is and what is not part of a particular religion.
To be continued after Friday prayers.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Satay
Its 15 minutes to ten in the evening now and I've just reached home. We had dinner at Jalan Kayu and it was a nice way to end the long weekend. We had chicken murtabak ($6), mee goreng ($3.50) and Adam ordered prata kosong and prata plaster ($0.90 and $1.50 respectively). An interesting addition to the menu at JK was the appearance of Satay. We ordered 20 sticks of chicken satay ($10.50) with a serving of rice cakes. It was worth the wait if I do say so myself.
Adam going back to school tomorrow and I guess my routine will be go back to normal. He seems full of spirit and he managed to complete all the homework which was given by his teacher. Too bad he could not be at the BBQ I had with my Holy friends. We had that BBQ at Changi Civil Service club and although the view was fantastic (it was sea facing), the day was quite warm. It took alot from me as I really was begging for more sleep throughout the day after. I'd would take pictures if not for the fact that I was the principal BBQer. Generally, it went well and it ended when it should, that is around 11 pm.
I think I'll drop by JB for petrol tonight seeing that the tank is already at its three quarter mark.
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
Engaged
Engaged is the key word now in the education sector. Its not merely facilitating or even teaching, its engaging the pupils. Its not easy, that is for sure. To engaged a set of 10 minds would be a daunting task and to engaged 40 would be a tremendous task indeed.�
Primarily, it is to set the pupils mind and body to the activity on hand. It is of my opinion that once engagement is done and sustained, only then can meaningful�teaching and learning takes place.
Adam has been staying at home for the past three days and to get him, just him, engaged is really an uphill task. Its like trying to fill a pail with a hole at the bottom with water. If you are not fast enough, it'll emptied itself. Then the pail will not lose its function and purpose. Looking at things, I'm very glad that the hole in Adam is small, yet is present.
We have made a parachute, and from that parachute, he made a kite. We made a pizza and from that pizza, he made me do it. He practised on the piano and during his warm up, he came up with the tune of twinkle-twinkle stars. Now he is doing his homework which I picked up from the teacher about 3 hours ago.
We set up a blog and he told me to take a picture and he inserted it into his blog. Set up an email account to email his mom and after he emailed his mom, he emailed his cousin.
What is the point I'm trying to say? The point is simply, once you can get engagement, development come along with it, and fortunately for me, Adam is easy.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Context
Context to anything is important especially in an argument. If an argument is taken out of context, then meaning is lost and the argument becomes invalid. Ever more so if one is trying to prove a point.�
We were watching the news yesterday and the newscaster mentioned that anybody who has the flu and quarantined, if they were caught flouting the quarantined order, they would be fined a significant amount of money. Here, the context is the swine flu. Something that my wife forgot to mentioned to Adam as she happily rephrase the news to him.
It became apparent when today, as I told him we would be going out grocery shopping, he went into the room and confided to the maid. He does not want to follow and he felt awkward in telling me so. The maid told him to talk to me.
Well, he did. He said that he is afraid to follow me to the store as he'll be caught by the police and made to pay $10000. Sheesh.
I clarified that to him and finally, I went to the store alone. His limp though is getting worse and although he does not show it, I'm sure the pain is killing him.
Monday, May 04, 2009
Shingles
Its five minutes to 9 in the evening and I'm sitting at the dining table looking on at Adam and Risa playing Ben 10 monopoly. Can't believe that they can be that noisy. I hope this noise would not be replace by wailing or crying tomorrow. Adam has been infected by Shingles. It is caused by the same virus as chicken pox. Unlike chicken pox, blisters in Shingles will not appear throughout the body. It'll appear only on the path of the nerve that is infected. As for Adam's case, his blisters is appearing in his right leg. It is at the back of the leg and stretched from his calf to the area around his anus. The blisters looked quite bad and I read that soon it'll be filled with blood. I'm afraid that since Shingles affects the nerve, it might cause Adam a great deal of pain.
We went to the doctor today. As it was a Monday, the clinic was quite busy. We waited for some two and a half hours to see the doctor. After diagnosing Adam, she gave Adam 7 days of medical leave. I'm sure any parent would be taken aback by the number of medical leave given. Being a non-medical person, the length of medical leave would correspond to how serious the sickness is. The longer the medical leave, the more serious is the sickness.�
We got a scare in the evening, Adam cried saying that he can't walk. I was psyching myself up to spend the rest of the day at the hospital. As it turned out, it Adam's crying for attention from his mother who has just returned home. It was comical, the dramatics and the reactions from both mother and son, but it was very apparent, the concern faces of Risa and Su.�
He is limping now, walking on the ball of his right feet. I hope he'll be better.
The cases of swine flu around the world has really given me the jitters. During SARS and the bird flu scare, I wasn't this afraid. But after feeling what I felt when I first heard Adam's diagnosis, I know I could never empathized with the families and loved ones of those that were infected with the diseases.�
I pray all goes well.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Kuda Kepang
Was at Woodlands today. On the way to the car park after visiting Su's cousin new born baby, saw many people gathering at a void deck. Quickly parked the car and together with Su, her mum and...everybody else, we saw that it was a birthday celebration. And in this birthday celebration we saw that a kuda kepang performance was being put up.Armed only with a 28mm 2.8 lens, I went and seek out the head of the troupe and asked his permission to take pictures. He readily agreed. It was a long event but I was�spell-bounded...
It started with the dances coming out slowly and dancing to a traditional tune from the accompanying gamelan. I think that it took some 20-30 minutes of slow dancing when the action finally started. The dancers seemed to go into a trance and after some dramatic hesistation, they took to their horses. Some had to be baited using burning charcoal and incense. While waiting for the action to start, I actually spied a big plate filled with fruits like banana and coconuts. And not only were there edible stuff, but there were also broken glass. When I enquired further, these were meant as food for the dancers. Whoa!�
Anyway after the dancers got into a trance, some of them were fed broken glass, some of them got whipped, some were hit using a stick. It then appears that they acted as though they were horses...
More pictures in my album.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
the sixties
Been reading as to how the sixties has affected the science environment. Part of my UNISIM assigned readings. It seems that the sixties had made a great impact on the science environment. Most probably it was because of the second world war. What I meant was, after any wars, scientist would go about researching about how to make the world of man a better one. For example, research on diseases. However, after the second world war, governments especially the then US government realize that it was a good time as any to get ready for the third world war. Thus, in this sense, the government injected funds for research into making weapons. Two of the research were profound. They are the nuclear weapons and radar.�
The effects on such research trickled down to the public. For instance, it somehow seems cooler to be associated, or working for, a company that does research in weaponry. Almost all advertisements were shown with pictures of rockets and missiles. And the advent of the Vietnam war further increase the importance of research and development in that area.
Many implication arose because of this new directions. Scientist began research into weapons as dictated by the armed forces instead of towards the overall good of mankind. The implication of this implication would be then scientist would then go above and beyond their boundaries.
Another implication would be the fact that the nation would be ruled by the elite who are well versed into science and technology. For example, since a lot importance is placed on science and technology, then the insiders would be the one who decides as to what is and should be research upon. These implication could be the reasons as to the "revolution" the US faced in the sixties.�
My question is, is this direction still the direction being taken by current scientist. Do they let the government dictate what should be researched into? How bad is it? Or were there any good that comes from adopting the 'direction'? How as the revolution affected the direction taken by the scientist now?
Another point which I wanted to write about is the NRMs or new religion movements that sprouted in the sixties. The�
Garlic Spread
Made this spread while Adam was practising on the piano.
I used 3 cloves of garlic, three stalks of cilantro (parsley) and 3 cm cut from a brick of butter. Since I used unsalted I also added a pinch of salt.
Instructions.
Chopped up the garlic and the cilantro and add them into the butter.�
Mix them well. Spread them on bread, I'd like to use meatier bread so I used whole grain.
Toast them on a grill and served.
Sprinkle some extra virgin olive oil if you want.
I used 3 cloves of garlic, three stalks of cilantro (parsley) and 3 cm cut from a brick of butter. Since I used unsalted I also added a pinch of salt.
Instructions.
Chopped up the garlic and the cilantro and add them into the butter.�
Mix them well. Spread them on bread, I'd like to use meatier bread so I used whole grain.
Toast them on a grill and served.
Sprinkle some extra virgin olive oil if you want.
Service
Did servicing for the car today...
Bought engine oil for $48, oil filter for $5 and labour charges was $15. So total was $68. Used chevron engine oil 5w-20. This is the second time I'm using it. The cheapest synthetic 20w oil I can find.
Bought the oils at mxtradings.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Lunch
Not feeling very good lately. Stomach been churning and had to do the doo after every meal. Must be all the medication. Was tired after sending Su to work today so I decided to force myself to sleep. Woke up after a restless nap at 11.30 am and fixed myself lunch...
Wished I'd took some pics.
I had two slices of turkey bacon with lettuce and sauteed cherry tomatoes and onions in between half a baguett. It wasn't filling but I still did the doo after half an hour of eating it...
Friday, April 03, 2009
Spanish Tortilla
Finally did it.
Here is what I used.
Three potatoes, sliced.
4 eggs.
Salt.
Olive oil.
Heat olive oil in a pan, preferably non-stick.
Peeled and sliced potatoes.
Fry potatoes until mushyable.
Beat eggs.
Add salt to eggs to tast.
When potatoes are ready add in egg.
Use a plate to help to flip the tortilla.
Cut it up like a pizza and serve.
Took me ten minutes.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
tortilla a la española
Saw this on discover channel. Since I'm going grocery shopping later. I think I'll just make one.
http://www.finecooking.com/articles/how-to/spanish-tortilla.aspx
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Penne and angelhair pasta in oil.
It was ten in the morning and I was hungry for something warm, smooth and beautiful but my wife was not at home so I made this... I used Penne and Anglehair spaghetti as I had them. I'd recommend the normal spaghetti though.
I cm cut off a brick of butter.
2 cloves of garlic chopped.
Chilli flakes, you could use chopped chilli too.
Salt to taste.
1. Cook pasta.
2. Strain pasta.
3. Heat butter and pour in chilli flakes and garlic in a pan.
3. Add in olive oil.
3. Add in pasta.
4. Stir.
5. Serve.
Notes.
1. Stir butter, chilli flakes and garlic constantly while cooking. This is to avoid burning the sauce.
2. Switch off flame when you add in the pasta. Total cooking time, the time taken tohave the pasta cook +5 minutes. In the pictures above, I add in cherry tomatoes.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Earth Day
It's earth day today and Adam was so excited. He made sure the lights were switched off and was adamant that Risa did the washing up in candle light. As for me, I had my dinner in candlelight as well. However, when I looked outside the windows, there were many flats still with the lights on. I guess, they had their own reasons. It was fun though with Adam shouting and laughing hysterically whenever one of the candles blew out. Su, took out a glass bowl, half filled with water and placed some candles. It was a nice cosy hour.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Trying something diff
There I was attempting to complete my TMA for the 2nd time when I had an urge for something salty and tasty. Realised I had a couple of potatoes and some leftover grated cheese, I decided to re attempt my potatoes brisquet.
Ingredients. Produced 4-5 brisquet.
1. 2 potatoes
2. grated cheese (mine is a mix of mozzarella, Parmesan and cheddar)
3. finely chopped parsley
4. salt to taste.
Instructions.
1. Grate the potatoes.
2. Placed them on a napkin and squeeze the juices out.
3. Mixed the cheese, the parsley into the potatoes.
4. Form patties, much the same way you'd form beef patties.
5. Shallow fry them using any oil you like, I used grape seed oil.
6. Served.
It took me some 10 minutes to prepare and some ten minutes to fry all of them. It took Adam only 5 minutes to eat four of them...
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Its so hard....
Its so hard to concentrate. So many things on my mind. The death of one of my uncle left me dumbfounded. The fact that I'm totally relying on my wife's source of income is worrying, the fact that I've yet to complete or even starts on my TMAs is a great cause of concern. Felt like a cow going into the slaughter house.Anyway, read in the news today, that an Ang Moh person was convicted and thrown in jail for throwing his Thai wife out the window. They were at a fourth floor apartment when that happened. I thought, oh my, this is like CSI. But its Singapore, no hollywood style excitement here!
Apparently his mom is sick and he was upset that his Thai wife was not giving the attention that he thinks he needed. Hah hah. So he waited for her to fall asleep, went into the room and he flung her out of the window! How cool is that?
Whats even cooler is that she survived, albeit bleeding from the head, spent some time in our very world class hospital and wanted him to be released from Prison. Hey this is no Hollywood. You can't just go into the police station and tell those boys in blue, "thanks for all your help but I think you could let him out now." Awesome. But whats not cool is when its stated that he is a good provider, etc etc. I mean, so what if he is a good provider. He flung you out of the window! Imagine if like me, she stayed in an apartment 16th floor up!
Anyway, Adam now has a blog. Its in www.lead.com.sg so I don't think it accessible to the public. He is writing alot now. I'll see if I can get him to post in blogger.com
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Doughnut Recipe
2 eggs
2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of sugar
2 cups of flour
3 teaspoon of butter
1 teaspoon of baking soda
Milk
1. Cream sugar and butter together, add beaten eggs.
2. Mix and sift dry ingredients.
3. Add dry ingredients to mixture. Add milk. Mixture should be very soft.
4. Form into a ball and roll to one-half inch thickness.
5. Cut and fry in hot oil.
Hope that helps!
2 teaspoon of salt
1 cup of sugar
2 cups of flour
3 teaspoon of butter
1 teaspoon of baking soda
Milk
1. Cream sugar and butter together, add beaten eggs.
2. Mix and sift dry ingredients.
3. Add dry ingredients to mixture. Add milk. Mixture should be very soft.
4. Form into a ball and roll to one-half inch thickness.
5. Cut and fry in hot oil.
Hope that helps!
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Kinderchef
While I was contemplating as to how I could attempt my TMAs, Adam went to Kinderchef today. There was a celebrity present, Chef Bob. He cooked pizza using a slice of french loaf as a base. He made a cookie too. He enjoyed the session. Took some pictures.
The picture above shows the teacher that accompanied Adam. Did not catch her name though.
That's chef Bob.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Doughnuts
Adam came back from Kinderchef all excited of what he did in Kinderchef. Kinderchef is a cooking enrichment class conducted by Iman. Anyway, he was telling me so much of the doughnuts that I can't wait to try them out at home. We went over the cheklist and we have all of the ingredients but one. Baking soda! What the heck is baking soda? Since Su is not at home, I'll guess I have to leave it to her then. Heh heh...
By that time, the excitement has died down and he is now xboxing...
Will be going to tutorial later. Oh my, it had been such a cold day, my joints are aching.
Anyway, for those who are interested in strawberries, the Korean strawberries sold in NTUC nowadays are very sweet. If not for the fact that strawberries may trigger another gout attack, I had only a couple. I bought them for my dearest wife anyways.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Adam's shoes
It has been three months since Adam went to Greendale Primary. Since then, he has made new friends and and experience a whole new level of teacher talk. Teacher talk? The way teacher talks to the kids, the very unnatural way of talking. I mean we, human beings do not talk like that when we talk to other human beings right? Think of teacher talk as an abberation of mother talk.
Anyway, Adam has got into a pretty good routine I must say. Only last week, he took out his assessment books and finished his homework, all without being told. I planned it such that 3.00pm will be his work time. He can do anything he wants from the time he got back from school until work time.
A funny thing happened the other day, well him, not me. He walked straight into a lampost! He was coming back from school and he was distracted looking at a friend of his that he smack straight into the lampost. It was funny, but both me, wifey and grandparents were not surprised. I mean, when he was in Iman, he walked straight into a bush!
His weeknights and weekevenings are quite eventfull.
He'll have swimming on Tuesdays, ngaji on Wednesdays, library on thursdays with his mum and piano on fridays. Not to mention Madrasah on Saturday morning. He seems to be coping well. Will be updating again.
Friday, March 13, 2009
This is so stressed.
Only two more hours till my TMA submission deadline. And I'm blogging and facebooking! Crazy!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
99000
I read in an article that it is expected to have 99000 people who will lost their job. Its getting very real. At first, one would think that it'll not affect us, Singaporeans I mean. But if the numbers do come true, imagine how it must feel like for those involved. Some may be lucky to have saving to tide them over, but for how long? What will happen then? And imagine the stress people are feeling now, thinking that they may lose their livlihood.
I have friends, who are zipping around, travelling to overseas destinations, talking about buying new cars and all, all painting a rosy picture to their aquitances. But it is not that rosy. The person sitting next to you on the bus, is probably thiniking as to how to feed his or her children in the coming weeks! Its that bad.
I have friends who resigned from jobs, because they don't like the environment. Who does? If you like your environment, then its not work. But in this times, there are mouth to feed and bills to pay.
I'm sitting here, on my bed, listening to the sound of tyres splashing on the wet road. I wonder, will it affect me? And if it does, am I fully ready?
I guess the answer will be yes, it has already affected me, and no I can never be ready. People close to me have their lives changed because of this recession. A relative had to spend time away from her son just so she could work and bring $1.5k back home. Another close friend, has fallen sick thinking as to where is he going to get the money to pay for his house instalments.
Many of my colleagues or ex colleagues seems to be living in this bubble, sterile inside, translucent to see through. They see what they want to see. They see misbehavior, they see dirty unwashed uniforms, they see borrowing and lending of money to buy food for luch. Its what they don't see that makes me wonder. I'm not one to judge, but I want to know, what is it that makes them unable to see, or empathise. Perhaps, its their lot. Perhaps they can't do anything about it. Perhaps they don't bother. I don't want to judge. I want to know.
I want to know what will happen to my neighbour who has two kids and husband only earning 1k per month. I want to what what will happen to another neighbour who owes a bank 1.4k a month on car instalments. Sheesh!
All I'm saying, it time one be prepared. Spend some time in putting some away. It might just come in handy.
I have friends, who are zipping around, travelling to overseas destinations, talking about buying new cars and all, all painting a rosy picture to their aquitances. But it is not that rosy. The person sitting next to you on the bus, is probably thiniking as to how to feed his or her children in the coming weeks! Its that bad.
I have friends who resigned from jobs, because they don't like the environment. Who does? If you like your environment, then its not work. But in this times, there are mouth to feed and bills to pay.
I'm sitting here, on my bed, listening to the sound of tyres splashing on the wet road. I wonder, will it affect me? And if it does, am I fully ready?
I guess the answer will be yes, it has already affected me, and no I can never be ready. People close to me have their lives changed because of this recession. A relative had to spend time away from her son just so she could work and bring $1.5k back home. Another close friend, has fallen sick thinking as to where is he going to get the money to pay for his house instalments.
Many of my colleagues or ex colleagues seems to be living in this bubble, sterile inside, translucent to see through. They see what they want to see. They see misbehavior, they see dirty unwashed uniforms, they see borrowing and lending of money to buy food for luch. Its what they don't see that makes me wonder. I'm not one to judge, but I want to know, what is it that makes them unable to see, or empathise. Perhaps, its their lot. Perhaps they can't do anything about it. Perhaps they don't bother. I don't want to judge. I want to know.
I want to know what will happen to my neighbour who has two kids and husband only earning 1k per month. I want to what what will happen to another neighbour who owes a bank 1.4k a month on car instalments. Sheesh!
All I'm saying, it time one be prepared. Spend some time in putting some away. It might just come in handy.
Friday, February 27, 2009
TMAs
Been sometime since I last log in. Been busy finishing my TMAs and now I've got three more to hand in a couple of weeks. As to what I've been up to, well, its what I've not been up thats interesting. My leg was hurting real bad last week that I've to used a wheelchair. I felt so useless; I cried myself to sleep. Took me three days to be able to stand up without support. As a result, I missed my tutorials and a lecture. It won't be so bad except the TMAs could do a lot of help.
Because of a lack of driving, my Jet FC went down. So went to JB once a week for the past two weeks instead of my normal twice a week routine. Just went in last Wenesday in the afternoon. Left the house at 11am and reach back home by 1,40pm. Managed to catch Adam as he was walking home. Heh heh. Spent some RM$100 on groceries too!
Now as I sat here watching and Adam practising his piano, I can smell the pizza baking in the oven. I made a half and half. What I mean is, I used Ranch dressing as a base on half of the pizza and a traditional tomato, garlic and olive base on the other half. Just a few minutes more for me to see if it'll taste nice.
Actually, me and the whole family seems to be doing fine. Athough I've yet to be broke, there are some belt tightening that needs to be done. Its o.k, I'm living well with $150 dollars in my bank account. Su is doing well with $800 and Adam hmm, lets say he has a long way to go in understanding the concept of savings.
Still hoping for the GST credits to come in and Su's pb to come in. It'll be really useful I bet. Anyway, my job is to study and I better do it well. Else, why would I need to tighten up my belt for. I need to make this worth it. Its not a nice feeling not to be able to buy new stuff, especially Cds, DVDs and er...oh yeah, car stuf. But hey, if a friend of mine can do it, I's sure I can.
Because of a lack of driving, my Jet FC went down. So went to JB once a week for the past two weeks instead of my normal twice a week routine. Just went in last Wenesday in the afternoon. Left the house at 11am and reach back home by 1,40pm. Managed to catch Adam as he was walking home. Heh heh. Spent some RM$100 on groceries too!
Now as I sat here watching and Adam practising his piano, I can smell the pizza baking in the oven. I made a half and half. What I mean is, I used Ranch dressing as a base on half of the pizza and a traditional tomato, garlic and olive base on the other half. Just a few minutes more for me to see if it'll taste nice.
Actually, me and the whole family seems to be doing fine. Athough I've yet to be broke, there are some belt tightening that needs to be done. Its o.k, I'm living well with $150 dollars in my bank account. Su is doing well with $800 and Adam hmm, lets say he has a long way to go in understanding the concept of savings.
Still hoping for the GST credits to come in and Su's pb to come in. It'll be really useful I bet. Anyway, my job is to study and I better do it well. Else, why would I need to tighten up my belt for. I need to make this worth it. Its not a nice feeling not to be able to buy new stuff, especially Cds, DVDs and er...oh yeah, car stuf. But hey, if a friend of mine can do it, I's sure I can.
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