Common Wealth

Economics for a Crowded Planet.  I am listening to this book now.  I am at the first few chapter.  It talks about some of the problems CIA's good intention American interests have created.  In fact, CIA meddling with other countries internal politics have backfired a number of times.  The only problem is these examples are only highlighted by an academic in a book for Economics.  The author works in Earth Institute. 

Earth is getting consumed by the economic activities of human and huge growth in their numbers.  The pre-industrial level of carbon dioxide was 280 parts per million.  Today, the level of carbon dioxide is 380 parts per million.  The rise will cause changes in the weather pattern and have severe impact on our oceans.  In economic activity, man blatantly disregard future and future generation all for $$$$.  Technological advances have allow man to continue to grow its number.  Farms productivity mean more people can be fed and city living mean higher density with more people.  We are all fed by consuming more energy.  So alternate sources energy is vital for human race to continue it existence. 

Reunion Dinner

My in-laws have the reunion dinner tonight.  It is a vegan affair and steamboat.  Everyone enjoys vegetarian food once a year.  My boys had a chance to meet their cousins.  Also the sisters i.e. my wife and her siblings have good pow wow and enjoyed their girly gossips.

I was tired and fell asleep amids the noise and bustle.  My father-in-law is well.  He is very happy and fit.  I can see he has recovered well from his open heart surgery.  My mother-in-law is busy preparing the dinner and getting the food ready as usual.  When we are ready to go, she will give us fruits and tidbits to bring home.  She is a very traditional mother and mother-in-law.

Massive Crowds in Chinatown

B1 suggested going to Chinatown after dinner.  He just wants to explain the Chinese New Year festive mood.  Mummy had a tummyache and decide not to go.  B3 did not want to go anyway.  So it all worked out well as B1 and B2 will be easier to handle if there is a situation.  Traffic in Chinatown is just a crawl.  It is impossible to get a carpark.  So we parked a distance away.

When we walk to towards Smith Street, it is just a sea of humanity.  I do not like crowds but just want to let my two boys experience how it is like just before CNY in Chinatown.  I was getting claustrophobic.  Everyone is walking slowly and looking at the items on sales.  B2 feel that it is like Jonker Walk in Malacca which is true.  Just that there are a lot more people here.

We finished our walk and go home at about quarter past 10.  CTE is so heavy traffic.  Saturday night is so busy.  Singapore do not sleep.

Blue Coral Crabs

Finally, we bought 5 kgs of frozen Blue Coral Crabs from Bering Sea.  They are quite fishy in taste but my boys like to try.  Last year, we bought from Cold Storage and had like 3 or 4 legs for $108.  So buying from frozen seafood supplier direct much better value except we have to give some away as we do not have enough freezer space.  We took out and transfer frozen chicken and soup to make way for the crab legs. 

Price always go up as we get nearer to the new year's eve.  So it is good that we are prepared and pay less for our food items.  Anyway, new year is an important festival for all of us and it is time for family gatherings. 

Anyway, back to the crabs.  The shells are quite soft and easy to cut with scissors.  The meat is quite fishy.  So I did not like them but the two older boys are fine with them.  B3 did not eat as much as he does not like fishy taste.  The crab meat looked exactly like those used in sushi making.  I am glad my boys can eat to their heart content.

6.9 Million People

It is going to be a crowd!  Right now, the infrastructure is creaking and groaning.  B3 taking train is always being squeezed out by the adult commuters.  We are only 5.5 million now.  It seems our Government is worshipping growth.  Economic growth is important for all of us to earn more and enjoy higher standard of living.  It will be a bigger rat race.

How about those who wants to opt out of the rat race?  Are we able to slow down if we are tired of the rat race?  Money chasing is what Singapore is focusing on.

I don't think it is a good idea to have such a big population.  Today, we keep losing all the open fields that were used for flying model planes.  While size matters, it can also be disastrous when things go wrong.  I hope the White Paper will result in a Great Debate and bring the projected population back to a realistic level.

Stories

Stories warm up our life.  I am listening to the The Beggar King and Search for Happiness.  A lot of stories are Jewish as the author is a Jew.  Telling story is an art.  To interest the listener, engage and teach.  I enjoys listening to the stories as the author, who is a professional storyteller weave tales and set the stage and intrigue the listener to hear the end of the story.

Stressed by Homework!

B3 is in Primary 6.  He is very upset by all the homework he has to do.  He has tuition homework, school homework, Chinese homework and practise, he has so much that he is crankly.  He keeps saying he will be up till 12am to finish up his homework.  He had tuition till 7 pm.  After dinner, mummy gave him moral support by keeping him company and helping him as and when required.  I made hot chocolate for him and he loved to dip Cream Cracker on the hot chocolate. 

My poor boy is stressed by the pressure of PSLE.  The workload is heavy and pressure intense.  Such is life in Singapore and the rest of Asia.

What will be will be.

In life a lot of things seems pre-destined.  So in the fantasy movies, it is "Your Destiny" for the protagonist, I always feels transported into the dream world where I have super powers to do good for the world.   This is good escape from the drudgery of our materialistic world where money is needed to do anything.  Where economic growth is the we are measured by and being bullied by schoolmates, colleagues or neighbours is common.

Sometimes, I am fatalistic and feel everything is fated.  Kind of like the butterfly lovers story.  Other times, I enjoys delving in a world of stories.  Most time, working is the best.  Making customers happy gives me the best satisfaction.

Happy Friend

I have a friend who is very happy-go-lucky.  He has no worries about anything.  He does not worry about his wife, his kids or his dog.  They are all healthy and well.  Obedient and listens to him 95% of the time.  The balance 5% his philosopy is looking at the cup 95% full.  What an optimist!  A happy man is a lucky man. 

I wish I am the happy-go-lucky man.  Inflation is up, income stagnating and medical escalating, transport woes, I worries about everyday life.  Life in the modern world where money is required for everything.  Having lots of money makes Singaporeans Happy.  Hence we are always working and working to make more money.  No time for kids.

New Clothes

My wife carry on the tradition her family has, new clothing for new year.  And B1's girlfriend had a coupon for 50% discount in Gap.  So put the two together and she brought B2 and B3 to buy clothing from Gap.  B2 did not like the style in Gap and go to Takashimaya instead to shop.  B1 and B3 got their new clothing from Gap.  As for me, I do not follow new year tradition.  I just wear the old worn out clothing as I enjoys comfort more and do not worry about other people's perception of me.

However, I am sure my wife will buy something for me to wear to visit her parents on New Year's Day.  I think the new clothing tradition no longer hold as dear before.  When we were in the third world status, all of us are poor and therefore rarely buy new clothing.  Today, we go shopping every weekend and will buy any new clothing on sales or caught our fancy.  So it is not so necessary to use new year as an excuse to buy.

Wholesale Market

The wholesale market is extremely busy.  Lots of bargain hunters and plenty of goodies.  We bought Japanese flower mushroom for my MIL, mother-in-law.  She does have a good daughter!  Two packs for MIL and one pack for us.  Then I bought 1 kg of Californian Pistachios and 1 kg of skinned peanuts.  We did not get the spicy prawn rolls or pork floss rolls.  Too many stuffs available and we do not know how to cook them.

I must say CNY is the peak period for the wholesale center.  The lifts are so crowded with oldies shoppers.

Random Thoughts

I am up early this morning before 5am.  It is usual for go to the AMK Ave 10 market for tea.  I do not know why I have this habit.  Maybe just sitting at home in the dark with the computer or TV for company is not good enough.  I need to be surrounded by people.  As I observed the bustling scene of hawkers busy with their wares, it reminds me of when I was just returning from living in Canada.  It is both novel and familar since it is the only busy place when I cannot sleep due to jetlag.  I also noticed the life is so different from Canada.  No wet market!  In Canada, when I have jetlag, I will be wandering about in the house.  Home is big, so enough room to wander about.  It is also cold as we usually reduce the thermostat at night to save energy cost.  My first task is to boil water to make a cup of hot drink.   

At least one common thread is a HOT drink when I get up.  The wet market also reminds me I am home.  Home in Asia and Singapore.  Canada is also home for me, my secondary home.  Also I been to many countries, it is short visit.  In Canada, my kids were born and they go to school there.  We also go to the doctors when one of us is sick.  Gone to the hospital for treatments.  Do repair in where we live, cut grass, visit friends, have friends over, kids sleepover, all the tiny routines that make the place a home.

Returning home, I took out the book Good Strategy Bad Strategy.  The audio version is exactly the same as the written.  I have this thought!  Why intelligence does not equal wealth?  Why I learn so much and increase my capability, yet I am just a regular guy in the scheme of life.  How come I am not like say Osim's founder, Ron Sim or Breadtalk's founder, George Quek who become multimillionaire.  Why are they so rich?  How did they do it?  Is it pure luck?  Or is it their good karma from previous life?  I am sure I am not less intelligent or knowledge, why why why!

I remember one time during a meeting, a colleague of mine blurt out - I am sure I am no less intelligent than K, but this does not mean I can do what he does.  Our boss immediately laugh and said "I have never doubt your intelligence!  You have a Masters in Operations Research!"  Now I can't remember what was the context she said what she said.  Maybe she is putting forth a point that others in the company are implying they can do what I do in the company.  She is a good friend and supporter.

Fu Lu Shou

My boy has tuition in Fu Lu Shou tomorrow.  I shall go to the wholesale center to buy my CNY goodies.  The price is competitive.  It is a lot greener as there are no packaging to waste.  So it is a win-win situation.  I like the place to get my snacks.  I usually buy cashew nuts, macadamia nuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, bird nests and all the dried and preserved food. 

Buying at the wholesale center saves money except we have to buy in quantities.  It is like shopping in Costco in US or Canada.  The price is good but need to get big serving.  Sometime we cannot finish in time and the food will go to waste.  The other problem with quantity purchase is we tend to eat more.  So it is not good for the heart and waistline.

Reader's Digest

I read a copy of the latest issue of Reader's Digest.  Guess what?  It is about happiness.  Happiness is a hot topic.  Simple recommendation like spending on others will make you happier.  It does not matter the amount.  The research is done by giving two groups of people $5 and $20.  Within each group the subjects are randomly select to use the money to buy something for themselves or buy something for someone else.  Two hours later, they are survey for their happiness level.  The result show the group buying something for others is happier.  There is no statistical difference for those who had $5 and those who spent $20. 

It's so easy.  This is why I donate regularly.  It is a good booster of my happiness level although I did not know this fact until recently.  I was donating to acquire good merits...

Good Strategy Bad Strategy

As I listen to this book, I am inspired to read case study.  I actually paused writing and go to my library to look at the Strategy textbooks I have on the shelf.  I have two - Strategic Management by Mark C Baetz and Business Policy by Joseph Bower.  I looked through the content pages of Strategic Management and no it is not there.  Amazingly, the Crown Cork and Seal is one of the first cases in the text.  The case is as described in the book Good Strategy Bad Strategy.  After reading the case, I look at first page.  I signed the first page and put in the date I bought the book and price if there is no price tag.  I bought this textbook on  16 Sep 1997.  Amazingly, the book cost only $36.50.  It was very costly at the time I bought it.  Today, it looked like a really good buy!!! 

I like this book.  Good Strategy is not about goals or some mumbo jumbo.  What the author describes about what typical company says is their strategy is so true like my previous company.  It is a $16 billion in sales.  It is so true about all the things this company says and do.  The author professor sounds like he is describing my previous company.  It is so funny.  But hey, it is still around and kicking.  So while the professor is right, there is really nothing anyone can do about.

Dark and Gloomy at 7

It is 7am and what a dreary morning.  Dark clouds and rain.  Weather is cool and I am up doing blogging.  I am glad my scheduled call is cancelled.  It is holiday in US. 

It is reflection time.  I am glad to be seeking happiness nowaday.  Count 3 blessings at the end of everyday.  Do a good turn for others - relatives or strangers.  My happiness therapy includes cooking and eating.  I just need to exercise a lot more to get rid of the calories.  Meditate for calmness and joy. 

10 mins of reflections chase away the gloom and bring joys of life.   Help the less fortunate to acquire good merits.  Many paths to happiness...

Chili's

Since Chili's is back in Singapore, it is my 3rd time there.  I had the meal with my Aussie boss when it was quite new.  I tried to eat with my family when it was new but unsuccessful as the queue was long.  We delay for a couple of weeks and then was successful.  My three boys enjoy the healthy American fare.

Tonight, I had dinner with an ex-colleague.  The food is still good.  I loved the Pulled Pork sandwich.  It was yummy!  We had two types of ribs - original and sweet bbq recommend by our hostess.  It is the original which still tastes supreme with the tangy bbq sauce.  I loved the Wings over Buffalo as well.

The dinner is great and best of all, I did not over-eat.  Even though I drank a lot of lemonade, my total weight is still lower than last night.

Lazy Sunday

Thank God for Sundays.  It is a time for God to rest and for us to rest as well.  It is nice to laze around.  I woke up to pee and saw a message that makes me unable to go back to sleep.  So I get up to fire up my computer and get to work.  I had it done and send it off.

Now that I have no more worries, I just laze around trying to kill time with TED and movies.  It is just plain doing brain dead stuff.  Sometimes it is good to relax.  Working all the time whether it is income producing or doing chores or reading to learn mean mind and body is always in a state of productive work.  The joy of idleness is something to be savoured.

Chinese New Year Goodies

The goodies are stacked high on the shelves.  The red colours are everywhere.  I love the CNY goodies.  It is sweet, hi-cal and very heaty!  So many a time, my teeth give me problem during or just before Chinese New Year.

I love the kueh bangkit, loveletters and sugee cookies.  It is also the time where I buy the bak kwa or bbq sliced sweetmeat.  It is busy time of the year for the retailers and I believed the cash registers are ringing and ringing.

I had a free can of New Moon Abalone from Shell petrol station(cost 1800points).  I am trying out Korean canned abalone as well.  My weight will go up and it may be time to exercise more than usual.

Pen Cai

I try to make my own Pen Cai using frozen abalone, fishmaws and shark fins.  The soup base is also frozen type.  I thought it was regular but my wife like it and opine that it is better than the pen cai we bought last year.    I am not a connoisseur of soup although I enjoyed the shark fins a lot!  I know it is bad to eat sharkfins.   But this is once a year.  I am glad to try out super premium soup.  It warms my soup beside tasting good.

I will make a more complete pen cai for reunion dinner with chicken wings, vegetables and dried scallops.  I will just go to the one on display in Takashimaya Basement and copy the Pen Cai I bought last year.

The Story of Success

I took out my physical copy of The Social Animal by David Brooks and the subtitle reads The Story of Success.  It is the same as Outlier by Malcolm Gladwell.   The two books are both interesting read but the approach is so different.  Gladwell uses different examples to illustrate his points.  Brooks use the life of a couple going through their lifecycle. 

Both are talented writers and have engaging style.  I enjoying reading both books.

Cost Competitive Books

The price of books in India is really competitive.  The quality is not bad too.  This trip I bought 5 books.  Mostly, Econmist series as B1 is quite interested in this series.  He like British books.  I am now reading more British books as well.  My mind is quite slanted towards American ways as I read mostly books by American authors.  It is good to get different perspective reading authors from other country.  The cultural differences give me a different take.  I did not like British books since young as I found them dry and boring.  American books have the reader in mind and easier to read.

Equilibrium

According to the Happiness show now on every Saturday on Channel News Asia, we tends to stay in equilibrium.  Winning a million dollar, we will be ecstastic for a few weeks and then our emotion will be back to normal.  If we are hit with a negative event, we will be sad or depressed for a couple of weeks and then our emotions will revert back to normal. 

It is natural to be in a more or less neutral state although some of us are naturally optimistic and therefore happier and others are pessmistic and less happy.  Most of us are... hmm! just balanced.   To make ourselves happier, we just need to review our 3 gratitudes for the day before we go to bed.

Nowadays, I can get into a happier mood by thinking and thanking for all the good things I have.

The Social Animal

The format of this book is different.  It is on social psychology and use fictional and composite life of a family in American to explain and illustrate the latest research findings.  I had read the book halfway and now continuing with the audio version.  The family is half Mexican half Chinese and from working poor moving up the social ladder through education and hard work.  The cultural heritage of the two different ethnic groups are highlighted and articulated.  Being a Chinese I can identify with what the author says about the Chinese culture.  As the life of the family unfolds, different research papers and books are cited.  So it is quite scientific in a story form.  I can't wait to finish this book!

Fantastic Job - Open Net!

The Open net team did a fabulous job for us.  They manage to install the fibre cable using our existing conceal cabling conduit.  It was not easy and took time to figure out.  Finally, we had to allow them to knock open our concrete wall to access to the conduit.  The push cable went through to the other side of the conduit.  So our Open net was install without any external conduit.  My wife is most pleased with the results.

So we treated the 3 Indian workers to mutton nasi bryani from Cafeela.  It was good of them to try and finally make it happen.  It is also because my wife has high expectations and worked with them to make sure they have the support to make this happen.

Stress! Short Temper

It is is stressful day today.  We were at each other throats as we were both busy at work.  Then open-net is here to lay the cable and fix our termination point.  When busy, it is easy to fly off the handle at any interruption.  I was hot temper.  Luckily, at dinner time we both cool down and life is back to normal.  I am sorry to be such short fuse today.  Today will be a better day I am sure.

Weight Gain

My weight was down after living in India for a week.  Although I enjoyed Indian food, I ate only two meals a day.  I skip dinner since my lunch is usually late and it is the same as dinner time with the 2 and half hour time difference.  I also wished I explored the resturants near my hotel earlier.  There were quite a few Chinese resturants.  Chinese food in Mumbai was quite nice.  I should have tried the Chinese food in New Delhi.  I only found the resturants after my last lunch in India when I walk about to explore.  The weather warms up a little making it easier to walk outside.

Now that I am back, I am eating healthily causing my weight to go up.  I exercise more as well but I guess I did not spend all my extra calories input.

Pursuit of Happiness

Even January issue of Asian's Reader Digest featured Happiness.  Happiness is a pastime many pursue beside me.  The key suggestion of 3 gratitudes everyday is mention.  Consumer of Happiness must create Happiness.  I like this concept of making others happy.  It is interesting that Singaporeans in a strange land like IGI Airport is still very unfriendly.  Maybe they are travelling in group and feels unnecessary to return a smile.  However, I am not impressed.   For me, I always smile at people first.  Many do return my smiles, ang moh and Malays are warmer than Singaporean Chinese.  Singaporean Chinese seems suspicious and unfriendly.  They make it downright clear we are strangers to each other and prefer it that way.

I do says hello to some regulars in the PCN.  They are usually the older men.  Maybe older men feels they have nothing to lose to greet or return greetings of strangers.  For me, being friendly to each other is a way to increase our happiness.

Male Cabin Crews

I am not sure and I did not dare to ask... on the way to India, I noticed a male cabin crew's behaviour make me feel like he may be a homosexual.  I have forgotten about this observation as I was busy at work the moment I landed.  What interesting is on the way back, I was also serve by a male cabin crew that makes me suspicious.

I will need my good friend Boh Tong to shed some light on if there are a number of male crews with different sexual orientation.  There are only 12 crews onboard and probably on 4 or 5 are males.  So if there is one, it means 20% of the male crews...scary!!!

Early by Indian Time

I was up at 4:30 am Indian time.  Turned on the tv as usual for company and just do the channel flipping until I decided to get up and fire up my computer.  The good thing it is the last leg and I just need to get to the airport and home sweet home.

Reflecting my reading, I am wondering if it is time to look for a eBook.  Recently, I check in Popular Bookstore and no more eBook reader on display.  I guess the sales must be terrible.  I also do not see people reading using the eBook reader in the aircraft.  I used to see them especially Americans bring their eBook readers.  Now, it is the pulp version.  Real books!  I like the real things too:)

Last Night!

Finally, I am going home.  I am glad to log my last entry in India.  The cold and isolation of the hotel prevent me from walking about except for today.  I did walk out for about an hour.  It is so dusty and dry.  Men peed out in the open, the fields have wild boars family foraging for food.   Near my hotel is a hub for resturants.  The ubiquitous McDonald and actually quite a few Chinese resturants.  So Chinese food must be popular here.

India culture is slowing changing but some things don't change.  Promises made but not delivered is quite common.  But punctuality is now common.  Indians come on time and no more Indian Rubber Time. 

Significant Progress in New Delhi

The clear and obvious signs of economic progress....Traffic jams!  It is bad traffic everywhere in New Delhi where it took hours to get from one place to another.  We were making customer's calls and going from one location to another takes at least an hour and a half.  The distance is short but time to get from place to place is just horrendous by car.  Metro is running.  Although I do not know the frequency or reach, it looked like a good option.

The weather is warming up.  It is nicer today.

Gurgaon

I am now in the city which PM Lee Hsien Loong just visited a few weeks ago.  The weather is freezing cold.  I have chance to explore the city.  From what I heard, it is modern and busy.  Next few days I will be experiencing this city.  The hotel has high security.  The cars are checked before entering and bags x-rayed.  The food is quite good. 

During breakfast, there are quite a few ang mohs and another Singaporean man.  It is easy to recognise a fellow Singaporean from his mannerism and dressing.  I have to go and prepare for my meeting...

Groggy

I am feeling groggy now.  I was up early to take a flight.   Landed and head straight to work and now check in to my room.  I have showered and need to go to dreamland.  I shall write more tomorrow...

Imperial Treasure

The Wife has craving for dim sum from Imperial Treasure.  It is easy to get the craving.  She met a friend who told her that they have tried dim sum everywhere in Singapore(they lived in US and was located in Sin for a couple of years) and after they tried Imperial Treasure, they stopped trying out anymore and just go to Imperial Treasure.  Because she heard this, she just must go to Imperial to eat again.

I love the stewed beef innards which is available only on weekends.  We had the regular siew mai, pan fried buns, egg tarts, steamed rice rolls with prawns, szechuan pig stomach and spring rolls. The kaofu was not as good as Din Tai Fung.  The place is extremely busy and we went early to get a table.  After brunch, we pass time doing window shopping at Kinokuniya and Prologue.  B3 bought mould maker from Art Friends and some stuff from Daiso.

Freshly Roasted Roast Duck

After I send B3 for his tuition in the afternoon, I had to figure out what to do for dinner as B1's girlfriend is coming over.  Since I am on the way back through McDonald in the AMK Park, I detoured to buy roast meat for dinner.  There were a few roast ducks hanging up on the display rack.  The Hong Kong proprietor was chopping up soya sauce chicken.   There was half a chicken left and I ordered takeaway.  The price is ok at $10 for half.  The roast duck is $36 for one and $18.50 for half.  After my chicken was chopped and packed, the proprietor split one of the roast duck into two and strong steam emitted out from it.  Looks fresh!  So I asked if the ducks were just out of the oven and the owner says "Yes!  You can see for yourself!"

As duck is my favorite bird, I decided to buy one complete bird.  I told him not to chop it up as I intend to cut it up myself.  My boys like it when I cut it up the duck without any bones.  I used the bones to make soup.   B1 keeps saying how good this duck tastes.  It is one of the best he ate.

I really enjoys my family enjoying the fruits of my labour even though I was not the one who cooked the roast duck, I did spent an hour painstaking cutting it up as it was very hot and juicy.

Now I know where to get the duck my boys loved.

My French Neighbours

My French neighbours kids are very active.  This morning, they went out cycling as a group for two hours.  After they returned, they head straight to the pool to swim.  It is like biathon.  I wish my boys are half as active as they are.  My boys are interested in using the computer all the time and not active at all.  The French kids are playing, socialising and interacting.  My boys interact more with machines.  This is not so healthy both physically and socially.

I wished Singapore kids lead a healthier lifestyle instead of books and computers only.

Cough Cough Please Go Away

I was having a breakfast meeting with my customer from Korea in Coffee Beans at Forum.  I keep coughing that he is worried about me.  He is a good friend and introduce me to his golfing friend as a business partner.  I am happy that my customer treat me as a partner.  I always treat my customers as partner and always look for win-win ways to resolve business issues.

My cough is very persistent.  The antibiotics and cough suppressants are finished and still the cough is on.  Sigh.  Dry cough is hard to get rid off.

I hope I can recover as soon as possible.  Next week, I will be travelling and it may worsen my cough.

Brain Rules

Although I have bought this book hardcover some time ago, I only read the summary.  Now I have the audio version, I listened as I exercise.  Exercise is the first rule for the brain.  Exercise increases the blood flow and research proof that this is the most critical requirement to improve brain performance.  Stress management and control is next.

I am glad to note I do both!

Buzzing Airport

B1's flight lands close to midnight in Terminal One.  We went there to pick him up.  The airport is buzzing with people.  It is so crowded and full of people.  We were early and look for F&B(food and beverage joints) to pass time.  Starbucks are very popular and so is the traditional style coffeeshop.  I had laksa and teh-C.  Customers keeping coming and going.  So the business is good.  Looking at the tourist arrival and number of Singaporeans travelling, the lifestyles has changed.

The first time I took an airplane was when I am 24 years old.  My kids are flying since they were born.  Now, B1 flew on his own with the money he earns from temp job in DBS and army allowance.  During my time, I could not afford to fly on my army allowance.  The cost of travel i.e. ground and airfare cost so much more than what I earn and save.  Today, the airfare has come down substantially.  Plenty of low cost hotel as well.  Yes, during my time it is only the YMCA.  Other low cost hotels or rooms are in seedy places.

Today, the kids have plenty of exposure and experience.  Life is so different and so competitive.  The world is evolving and changing.

First Day of 2013

Today is the first day of a brand new year.  It is a Public Holiday.  So everyone is taking it easy.  B3 is starting his P6 and prepared his school bag and all the homework he had to do.  I start the day with a ride to PCN and B2 runs to keep his fitness level up. 

We brought mum to eat curry fishhead in Ocean Curry FishHead in Toa Payoh Lorong 4.  The black pepper chicken is quite tough.  Pork chops are fine, I did not get to try the curry vegetable which my wife says it is good.  The deep fried fish in soya sauce is quite tough but tasted okay.  First mum goes out lunch with us since she landed early December.  We will have to bring her to Hillman Resturant next time.

In the late afternoon, B2 accompany me to cycle.  B3 sat on the passenger seat of our hybrid bike.  The PCN is incredibly crowded.   It looked like a popular place for everyone to exercise or take walks with their kids.

Later, I will have to go to airport to pick up B1.  He is back from holiday in Taiwan.

The End of an Interesting Year for Singapore

The review of 2012 is indeed a year to remember.  It is busiest year for CPIB.  We have money corruption and sex corruption.  The City Harvest Church misappropriation of millions.  Then we have sex scandals of politicians like Yaw Shin Leong and Michael Palmer.  MRT breakdowns and disrupted the commuters royally.  The bus drivers from China strikes and 29 were sent back and the leaders go to jail.

51 men charged for having sex with underage prostitute and have to go to jail.  It is exciting times in the staid and sterile Singapore.

It is also a year of change for me, personally.  I learn happiness techniques and applied them.  Net result my happiness index went up.  B1 will ORD soon.  B2 broke up with his girl friend and started his blogshop and billard supplies business.  B3's Chinese improved with the right tuition.

We have a malicious neighbour who plot evil deeds against my maid.  We are Buddhists and believed they are incuring bad karma.  However, they are Christians and will continue the evil deeds as they believe their God, Jesus Christ died for all the wrongdoings they have done and will be doing. 

All good deeds will be to your own personal credits and all bad deeds also goes to your own personal credits.  Please do good and acquire more good merits.

May Buddha bless all of you and my family.

2013

I hope 2013 is a better year.  The stars are getting aligned.  The happiness level increasing.  3 gratitudes everyday helps a lot!  I am glad to learn techniques from TED and of course my favorites - books.

The world is changing fast and we have to cope with all the changes.  I am learning from Positive Psychology.  It is good to know more how we think and what we can do to improve our thinking.

I do not make new year's resolutions.  However, I do pray for safety for my family and peace on Earth.  New year give us a chance for new beginning.  We have hope and aspirations to make the new year a better year then before. 

I wish all my readers Happy New Year.  May the new year brings joy and happiness to you and your loved ones.

Tires Changed

Yesterday, we change our car tires as it is wearing thin.  Although there are plenty of good treads, the wife is concerned as we had slight skidding occurence before.  So we change to Yokohama brand, made-in-Philippines.  Yokohama has made-in-Japan and slightly more expensive.  Unfortunately, it is out-of-stock. 

We also decided to switch to 205/65 15.  The tire is slightly wider and bigger than my current 195/65 15.  Although 205 is more expensive, I wanted my car to have a higher clearance.  The profile is very low and sometimes the speed bumps hit the superstructure of the car.

So far I am quite happy with the tires.  The only complaint is it is slower to accelerate due to the greater resistance.  The ride is more comfortable as the wider tires are better cushion.

B2's Party

B2 invites some of his course mates over for party.  There were supposed to be 6 but only 4 turned up.  However, they had a ball of time.  They played cards games all afternoon.  They were chatting and laughing all the time.  I can hear that B2 is quite happy with this group of friends.  At about 6pm, they made bruschetta.  They seems to enjoy the food.  I am quite happy they have a chance to eat our food.  I think it is different but who knows.  Maybe they ate it before.

I am very happy to have guests over.  It is a chance for me to see if others like our food.  I love sharing our joys.

My Niece Accompany Me to the Cardiologist

My niece accompany me to see the cardiologist today.   She has been having trouble.  After the consultation, I realised the cardiologist basically says there is nothing he can do.  He proposes several Chinese medicine and eggs.  My niece has seen the top cardiologist in Singapore.  She is his wife and his teacher.   His wife is my classmate who is out on MC. 

So after the consultation, I told my niece to look for different specialist.  I don't think Cardiology will be able to solve her problem, although her symptons are manifested by heart palpitations, increased heart rate and blood pressure.

My wife thinks chiropractor may be able to help.  So we told her mum. 

Quiet Boxing Day

Last night, B1 left for Taiwan.  He arrived this afternoon as he took Cathay Pacific at very good price.  The flight leaves Singapore at 1am and have a 4 hours layover in Hong Kong.  After that, it is under 2 hours flight to Tapiei.  He has to wait till 3 pm to check in.  The hotel is in a quiet not far from busy thoroughfare.  So he think it is safe.  It is budget hotel through internet. So he does not really know what he is getting into until he arrived at the hotel.

We had lunch at New York New York in Ang Mo Kio Hub.  Just clam chowder soup in a bread loaf, cesar chicken pizza and fish and chips. 

It is a quiet Boxing Day for us.  B2 when to Tai Hwan for a project with his classmates.  Dinner was with B2 and B3.  We had mainly leftovers from yesterday's dinner.

B3 is coughing and coughing.  He has not seen the doctor yet.  The eldest girl of our family friend was coughing too.

Happy Wife!

My wife has lots of compliments for her cooking.  She is over the tops.  The steamed sea bass is very good, like resturant standard.  The red beans is just right sweetness level and soft and gooey without adding corn starch.  My eldest sister loved the salt-baked chicken which I did as promised to my niece.  Everyone enjoys the dinner, I think. 

We had conversations.  My youngest sister leave first as she has to send her boy to camp.  Then my nieces as they have to work tomorrow.  After that, my eldest sister sending my mother to youngest sister's home.  We had a great time.

I forgot to take out the mango cake, so my boys, mummy and daddy enjoys the cake.  We all had 2nd helpings. 

Family Friends

My wife's long time classmate and friend is here today.  They came about 1pm.  We are very happy that all three kids came.  Two elder girls and the boy.  The eldest will go to dental school in Adelaide after Chinese New Year.  It is a five year program.  Tuition fees alone is $61K annually.  The total estimate cost is half a million.  The 2nd girl finished her "A" level and is waiting for results.  She is planning to go medicine.   If she manages to go NUS medical school or NTU then it is fine.  Otherwise, if she go oversea, it will be another sizeable expense for the Parents.  The boy will go secondary 1 next year.

We cooked spaghetti with minced beef, minced pork and chopped ham.  The boy ate very little but both girls finished their plate.  We are very happy to see the girls enjoyed our cooking.  The kids went home and the parents stayed for dinner.

We bought fish head curry and several dishes from Ocean in Toa Payoh Lorong 4.  We thought Ocean has closed since the original location in Lorong has changed and the food tasted below average.  We are happy to know the new location of Ocean.  I like the pork chop, otak and curry mutton.  The fishhead curry is very spicy.  We cooked steamed tofu top with crispy pork floss and boiled Hong Kong Kailan in oyster sauce.

After dinner, I cut mango and persimmons.  We also have cherry, seedless grape they brought as gift.  It is a good day.  My boys enjoyed the company as well.  We are very happy to have visitors.

Along the Travellator

We finished our grocery shopping and pushing our trolley with all our purchases.  Behind us was a middle age lady.  She saw a friend going up on the opposite directions and wave "hi" to her.  The friend of hers says she is tired as she had spent 3 days shopping.  Funny thing is I believe her.  This is what we do.  Work and shop, work and shop.  No other healthy activities.  This is why volunteers to help less fortunate are very few and they become heroes.

Today, a hero was featured in Sunday Times.  He sold his Mercedes and use a van instead to help fund shelter for ophans in Philippines.  It is a touching story and yes, he is my hero.

Tomorrow, we have friends over.  We will be cooking spagetti with mushrooms, minced beef and beef balls. My new next door neighbour have house warming tonight.

Festive Mood

The carols, the lights and the cool temperature give out a festive atmosphere, holiday moods for Christmas and New Year.  I am at home taking it easy.  I have to figure out what to cook for guests visiting over the next few days. 

We have our extended family coming over during Christmas.  Mum, my sisters and all my nieces and nephews.  I am happy to have a get together regularly.  I missed all these family events when I lived in Canada for several years.  Now it is good to have family traditions and making sure my kids know their cousins.  I grew my with aunts, uncles and cousins.  My kids have totally different environment.  More nuclear family and isolated and do not know their extended family well.  Now only on public holidays they get the opportunity to meet aunts, uncles and cousins.  I am glad to be the one to host everyone.  It is nice to see the family growing bigger and older. 

I always welcome my boys to invite their friends and only B2 would take up this offer.  B2 is a lot more sociable and less self conscious. I enjoys the kids around the house.  Gives me a chance to understand and know the company my boys keep.  My wife's good friend will bring her family to visit as well.  Hurray for Christmas and New Year.

Glutinous Rice Balls

My boys are saying everyone is eating riceballs with sweet peanut fillings tonight.  So I cook sweet peanut soup using the pressure cooker and add on the pre-made frozen rice balls from the supermarket. 

B2's project group for management studies was here and I gave them tang yuan.  They enjoys the sweet dessert.  The group was here to interview a practising manager.  They had prepared a set of questionaire and wrote the report after interviewing me.

The tang yuan symbolise returning and reunion with the kids.  So I am happy we had tang yuan as a family.

Complete Family at Dinner

I landed at 6:50pm.  Had to wait for my luggage as I have to check it in since I have a bottle of liquor which my friend gave me.  I do not carry liquid nor any sharp objects so that I do not need to check in my lugguage.  I believe in zooming in and out of airport. 

Anyway, when I reached home, all my boys are at home and even B1's girlfriend is in.  So we have dinner together.  After dinner, we enjoys the cookies I brought back from Taiwan.  B2 was bursting with stories in school.  I am glad to have good conversation for dinner and this makes me very happy.

Sao Bing, Youtiao and Tou Nai

This morning my ex-colleague and friend brought to me eat the famous place for soya milk, oven-baked (like tandoor) sao bing and youtiao.  The queue is quite long and the place is quite popular.  The soya milk is thick and flavourful.  Not too sweet.  The youtiao and fried omelette is stuffed into the sao bing.  Sao bing just layered wheat bread.  The meal is quite filling.  I guess Taiwanese really like the sao bing. 

It is interesting to immerse in the local culture.  I enjoyed the conversation and the "kopitiam" style place.  It is original and authentic.  My friend is very warm and nice to wake up early to bring me for local breakfast. 

After breakfast and dealing my work emails, I was feeling bored and thought I will go to the mall to kill time but the shops open only at 11am.  So I decided to write and then get ready to check out and get to the airport.

Frankly, I am quite at home in Taiwan as plenty of mandarin and hokkien are spoken.  I grew up speaking on hokkien, so this is really comfortable like going back to "lao jia" old hometown.

Beef Noodle

I decided to try the street food for dinner.  I had beef noodles, lightly pickled cucumber, beef tripe, braised tofu and "vegetarian chicken.  The soup is delectable.  The sauce on all the side dishes is too salty.  Overall, it is quite a satisfying meal.  There are so many snacks to try.  I wish I have a bigger stomach and not worry about gaining weight. 

Finishing up my dinner on a sweet note, I had tea and cookies in Crown Bakery.  The food culture is like home during the good old days.  It is chaotic  and messy.  Seats are make-shift and plenty of variants as the vendors vie for attention and differentiation.  I love to see groups big and small and individuals eating their meals.  I have this love affair with food.  Hence my inability to reduce my waistline.

Warm Taipeians

I asked for directions and help twice.  Both times, I must say I had good experience.  The person is not familiar themselves but will whip up their cellphone and get the directions and showed me the way.  I was in the MRT and then the young woman did the same thing with her cellphone and tell me which line to go to and the end station.  An elderly woman who was right besides tells me to get on the taxi.  There are plenty and it is easier...dah, dah, dah...  I told her I want to take train just to make sure I am in the right direction.

I must says folks in Taipei are warm and helpful.  I do not know if Singaporeans in general will treat tourists the same way.  I do know I always help when I know.  Actually, come to think of it, most Singaporeans do help out.  I asked occasionally on location of "famous" hawker centers in my hunt for food and usually the locals are very helpful in pointing the way.

I am beginning to fall in love with Taipei.

Taipei

The weather is cool and nice in Taipei.  I landed and head straight to work.  I enjoy tea with my prospect.  He gave me a pack of tea.  This gentleman gave me tea every time I meets him.  The meeting went well.  He is interested to sell our products.  I am happy to gain his confidence and trust.

I went to Eslite bookstore after dinner.  This great bookstore has many floors and includes ancillary business like educational toys, cafe and modern design novelties.  I like the section on scientific models like Stirling Engines, radiometers and long range listening device.  The prices are high.  So although I desire the models, they are too expensive for me.

Travelling Salesman

I am beginning to feel like a travelling salesman of yore days.  I am going to Taipei for business.  I bring along samples, sample packs and catalogs.  The proverbial salesman always carry a bag with all the presentation and information about the products he is selling.  Wherever and whenever I go, I always carry the tools of my trade.

I have to make calls on customers and potential customers.  Explained the benefits of my products and service and entice my customers to buy more or prospect(potential customer) to buy. 

A salesman has a lonely job.  He travels alone.  He is social animal, he is warm and make friends easily.  He has integrity and win trust from people.  He is ambitious and driven.  He will want to do more and sell more. 

There are two types of salesmen - the farmer and the hunter.  The farmer grow his sales by taking good care of his customers.  The hunter look for big projects and close them.  To be successful, a good salesman must have skills and temperament to be a farmer and hunter.

Walkaton

There is a walkaton going on.  There are groups of people walking with harversack on the PCN.  They all have carry a little posters that says Walk 10km-50km-100km.  So of the walkers looked tired and worn out.  Others are talking vivaciously and animated.  It is good that people are keeping fit and active.  Walking 100km must take a few days!

I am slowly recovering from my cough.  Although, I still cough, it is more controllable.   I am glad the medicine are taking it effects.  The side effects are not too bad.  I felt sleepy and tired.  Good thing it is a weekend and naps are fine! 

I am going to Taipei on Monday.  It been a while since I was there.  I love the Taiwanese food and a friend promised to bring me to a "famous" place for breakfast.  The Elite bookstore is a complete building.  I wish Elite carry more English books.

Today is a happy day for me.  We had lunch and dinner with all our three boys.  They are talking among themselves and as well as with me.  I really enjoys their company. 

Finally Kino has the 20% Discount

Kinokuniya used to run 20% Sales discount for the month of December.  With Page One and Borders closed, the discount is running for only 10 days.  Less competition equals higher price.  It is a pity.  I loved it when the book scene was competitive.  Prices are friendlier and choices are more. 

I bought two books.  One on recognising talent and the other is Economist series on Resilence.  I love my books.  It is fun to accumulate and read my books at leisure even though most are on business.

Expensive Doctor Visit

I was waken up by my cough this morning.  I was spitting out blood instead of phlegm.  My incessant coughing has tore my throat skin and causing it to bleeds.  So I decided to look for Codipront, the drug that stop my cough previously.  It was not available in Guardian.  So I have to go to the doctor to get it.  I called the clinic which my wife send my to son as the waiting time is short.  Now I understand why.  The treatment cost me $194!!!  I was shocked!  I am not going back.  I had Codipront, antibiotics, Telfast D, Fusicort and Tussli lozenges.  Medical care is scarily expensive.  As I am going to need more medical care and have less income, the prospect is daunting.

Life in a Village

I wonder how it is like to live a simple life in a village.  Watching the TV programs about Chinese villagers who go to the factories in the cities to work.  They all missed the simple life but most do not wished to go back.  Off all the interviewees, only one woman returned to the village.  The village life is simple.  Just doing simple chores and talking to friends and neighbours.  Life would be boring, very boring.  It is enticing to embrace a simple way of life, yet I know when I am on holiday, I am bored to tears as I am not the adventurous nor touristy type.  I just stay in the hotel to watch tv or walk around the surrounding area.  I rarely venture out by taxi or trains.

So I know I want a simple life in a village or do I really want a simple life in a village?  I can't grow my own vegetables well.  I will starve to death if I have to live off the land.  Yet, at times, I am weary of the hustle and bustle of city life.  I know I cannot live without going to Kinokuniya regularly.  I need my cafe fix and resturant fix and window shopping fix and just plain plenty of street food fix.  I think I am addicted to city life.  I wish I can the best of both world.

I think a big country like Thailand can offer the both.  Bangkok has everything a big city offers.  The country is quite competitive in cost.  It will be a fabulous place to retire.  I am envious of people living in a big country.  There is a choice of rat race or opting out and be a slow tortoise.  In Singapore, there is no other choice.  Only one lifestyle with a govt exhorting us to work harder all the time.

Bad Shape

I am feeling drained.  The cough and sore throat is exhausting me especially since I feel feverish most of the time.  I went to get some lozenges from the pharmacy.  I also bought Clarityne for my mum.  My mum has an insect bite that become an angry sore and the bitten point is quite a large hole about 7 mm in diameter.  She is suffering from itch.  I had suggested zytec but it did not work for her.  So I get Clarityne for her to try.  So far, it is still not working.  I wonder why her skin is so sensitive.

Pellucidar

I finished the book Pellucidar!  It is an interesting story.  I like the imaginative picture of the different tribes of wild savages.  How the protagonist become the Emperor of Pellucidar. David Innis managed to tame wild beast and make it a pet like a dog even though the wild beast is a natural killer of human.  Through the help of science and technology by his partner from the outer world, they manage to have power over all the savages. 

David also united the different tribes and command a huge army to fight against the reptiles who terrorise human and make them slaves and eat them for food.  I am now reading the Princess of Mars which is now in a movie form John Carter.

Sore Throat

I am feeling tired and sleepy and suffering from sore throat.  I wonder cycling in the rain cause me to catch this flu-like symptons.  Now I have coughs and I worry about coughs as they can take long time to recover. 

We had dim sum for lunch in Roland Resturant, Marine Parade.  The dim sum is not bad but not fantastic either.  The total cost $113 for six.  The food in Nan Bei resturant in Takashimaya is better.  The only problem is Nan Bei like to keep reminding ua that we have to get out by certain time. 

In the afternoon, my wife cook up the mushrooms which mum brought from Canada and gave to us.  We used the Staub pot and actually the results are quite good.  The wife thinks the quality of mushroom is average.

B1 has to book in the camp early tonight by 8 pm.  So I can go to bed early tonight.  It is good to get more rest with sore throat and general unwell feelings.

Cooking with Staub Cast Iron Oval Pot

10% Takashimaya sales is just over.  A friend of my wife says that her best investment was a Staub cookware.  So we bought a Staub to try.  There is an existing 30% discount and 10% additional makes it more attractive to try out this cookware.  We actually bought a duck from Fairprice and bring to Takashimaya to put into the pot for fit test.  We had measured the length of the duck and felt that if we cut the neck and tail off, 29 cm will fit comfortably.  The duck is usually about 30 cm.  However, length is just one parameter and it could be risky.  The pot is very expensive and therefore trying out with an actual item to cook in it is best. 

Good thing we did.  The sales person keeps recommending 29 cm as it is the most popular.  We were quite sway by the persuasion as the biggest volume seller must be the right size.  We could trim our birds to fit. Price-wise, it is the most attractive. However, when we use the actual duck, 31 cm just fit.  There is no room to turn the bird.  We decided on a 33 cm instead even though the price difference is S$150.  The maiden dish using the Staub was braised duck the day we brought home the cookware.  The duck tasted good!

This afternoon, I cooked braised short rib using the recipe in the youtube.  My boys loved it.  I am happy to cook using Staub.  It is traditional cookware modernise by latest technology using enamel coating on the base.  I can cook using Staub on a induction cooker.  I am looking forward to use the pot more often especially when we have family gatherings.

Complete!

It is good that B1 is back from camp early.  So we have dinner together as complete family.  This week he has been out and B2 also missed a couple of dinners.  We only have B3 with us.  As the 3 Bs grow, we are slowly losing them.  Sometimes, they go out with friends or activities.  With army, there is no choice.  Next will be university.  Then, they get married.

My family is growing up fast.  Soon, I may become what Americans call "empty nestor".

Physics Con't

It is interesting to learn about rainbow and how to look for rainbow or produce your own rainbows.   The Professor of Physics from Netherland working in MIT is talk so much about rainbows and optics that I started to skip the tracks to go faster.  Yes, interesting but long winded.  I am glad to cycle slowly and learn as I go.  So it is rewarding and therapeutic.

Physics

I am listening to a MIT professor teaching Physics.  It quite interesting.  It is supposed to be very little maths but sometimes he does introduce the equation which can be complicated.  It interesting to learn the history of how physics developed.  I put in on the car stereo and B3 enjoys listening to it as well.  It is popular Physics or physics for layman.  I am expanding and renewing my scientific knowledge.

More Stories from Edgar Rice Burrough

I thoroughly enjoyed Tarzan of the Apes and At the Earth's Core.  So I borrowed the sequels from National Library today.  I did not know the movie John Carter is actually a story wrote by Edgar Burrough, Princess of Mars.  I am looking forward to listening to the story and compare to the movie.  I will be "reading" Pellucidar, the sequel to At the Earth's Core while cycling.  So it is really a good way to exercise and enjoy my book.

First Time

Today is the first time I ordered fish beehoon for my lunch.  I am definitely a non-eater of fish!  My closest to eating fish is fishballs and fishcakes!!!  I thought I will at least make an attempt to eat fish and consume less meat.  I know this is not going to last.  I dislike the fishy smell and taste of the bowl of noodle.  Nonetheless, I finished it up.  Maybe I will learn not to hate fish with a passion even though I am likely never to love it.  To be responsible for my own health and well being, I will need to shift my diet to a more healthy form. 

I doubt I will ever shift away completely from char siew, roast pork belly, roast duck, chicken rice, etc, etc.

Mum Comes to Town

Mother lands on Changi Airport at 1pm today.  She is looking well and is a lot more mobile than before her total knee replacement.  She gave us a large bag of potato chips.  The bag contains 260 grams instead of 180 grams for those sold in Singapore.

I bought Honey with Raw Pearl as she previously requested.  Also gave her some bird nests.  She says not to buy expensive stuff for her.  Anyway, she is quite bright and happy to come home.   She will be here until past Chinese New Year.  My sisters must be happy to have her in Singapore.

My baby sister is worried about my elder sister.  She is having bone aches. I know she is not well.  I think she is worried that she may be in more serious problem.  My baby sister is always worried about mortality since her breast cancer.  So I know what she is thinking about.

Home Grown Kang Kong Dish

Tonight's dinner, we have extra guests.  My sister-in-law's family is here.  The two cousins are happy to come over here to play.  They just had been to a birthday party.  We treat my brother-in-law and sister-in-law with barbeque pork fillets, baby back ribs, pork chops and stir fried home-grown kangkong.  Yes, we harvested my hydroponic experiment.  It tasted like the regular kangkong from market.  I am happy with the outcome.

We gossis until 11pm when they have to send their maid to the airport.  The maid is returning to Philippines for home leave.

Durian Fest

Durian season is on.  We have to go to Potong Pasir to get a Comissioner of Oaths.  Cost us $20 for signature and $5 for Certified True copy.  If we go to a lawyer, it will cost $500 an hour.  Lawyers charge exorbitant rates!  I may change my mind about this if my B1 decides to become a lawyer;)

Right beside the Potong Pasir MRT station is a kopi tiam and a fruit stall.  There are plenty of durians on sales.  I bought two XO at $10 each and 3 D24 at $5 each.  I had durian for lunch and dinner.  It is nice to have B1 and B3 sharing the durians with us at the dining table.  B2 is not a durian fan.  So he always miss out on durian festival.

My Classmate - my Cardiologist

I went to Mount Alvernia Hospital to consult my classmate and she is now officially my cardiologist.  I was hoping not to take any medications but she insisted.  With my wife who accomplished me to the doctor, I was naturally outnumbered.  I basically have to take the medication for preventive measures.  My LAD has a high calcium score at less than 50%(zero is best, 50% should plagues occluding the artery).  Clearly my arteries are still patent but they are not in good shape.  It is also better to prevent than to put in a stent.  Once I have stent, I will need more medication according to my classmate.  So it is better to prevent my heart from getting worse with medication.

She has a daughter who just finished first year in Melbourne University.  Her son is in J2 and wants to be a vet. Her daughter studied in RI.  My classmates' kids are all doing well in school.

For now, I will get my cholesterol down and eat more fruits and less meats.

Heart Scan

Yesterday morning, I had heart scan in Asia Medic in Shaw House.  It is an interesting set-up with Wellness, PET or Positron Emission Tomography and CT scanners.  The procedure is slow the heart rate down to about 65 beats per second.  Then take a series of x-ray slices.  Rebuild the slices into 2 dimensional pictures to see the blood vessels. 

The report is supposed to go to my cardiologist directly this morning.  But the centre called and asked me to collect it at 4pm because the despatch cannot send the report by 10 am today.  It is also good that I read the report first.  I am at 75 percentile for the calcium score i.e. at my age group only 25% will have higher calcium score than me.  Not a good sign.  The report also recommended aggressive treatment for cholesterol. 

The dye injected into my veins caused me to have nausea.  I also slept early last night at 9pm.  Early to bed, early to rise.  Makes a man healthy and wise.  I am up early.  The moon is almost full and very bright when the clouds did not obscure it.

I am going to have to reduce my red meat intake.  It will be a difficult change for me and my family.  Less barbeques!!!!! 

Wicked Good Barbeque

This cookbook was in New Book section and caught my eyes.  I borrowed it together with some audiobooks.  I love the recipe and the pictures.  They are mouth-watering good.  I went looking for the Turbinado sugar recommended for the dry rub but could not find it in our local supermarkets.  I checked out Cold Storage and Market Place as they tends to carry more exotic products.  NTUC Fairprice has only run of the mill products for the mass market.

Anyway, I can try out cooking the meats in different ways.  It is nice to barbeque meats although they may not be healthy in a long run.  It is good living.

A Family Day

It is rare to have a day without tuition and today is the day.  It is also rare to have all 3 boys together.  The two older boys usually have some activities like meeting up with friends or giving tuition.  Today, all 3 boys have both lunch and dinner together.

We had Japanese lunch in Anchorage at the sushi resturant.  We did not have discount card.  So have to contact my wife's brother-in-law to get free green tea ice-cream.  We had california maki, prawn maki with avocado and soft-shell crab maki.  Our main meal is their weekend set and Christmas set.  After lunch, we walk around the tiny mall.  There was a deal for facial.  So we sent B2 for a two hours facial.  The deal was a farce.  They keep advertising it is $29.  In the end, it cost $45 for B2's session.  Anyway, B2 has plenty of scars from bursting his own pimples and it is not good.  He has itchy fingers and cannot stop squeezing and bursting the pimples.

We moved on to Takashimaya to past time and check out cast iron pots.  We are interested in getting an oval pot to try out cooking stews.  Right now we are deciding between 29 cm or 31 cm.  The key issue with cast iron pots is the weight.  They are heavy!!

We spent so much time window shopping that it was dinner time and I was hungry.  I check out all the resturants in Lucky Plaza.  Finally, we settled on Indonesian food on third floor where there is a Strait Times article published in 2006 on the resturant.  We had the Bakar Gurame Fish, 2 chicken satay, beef soup and gado gado.  The food is excellent and total price is $70 for 5 with two avocado drink and a passion fruit soda. 

After dinner, we continue with more window shopping in Times, Toys R Us and Metro.  We feel like we were on holiday with all our boys.  I have backache from walking all day.  I used the Philips Infrared heater on my back and it helps relief the aches.

B1 cooks Dinner and Dessert!

B1 did guard duty recently with a chef.  He learn cooking tips from this guy and is enthusiastic about cooking.  He wanted to try cooking potatoes, searing the meats and making tiramisu.  So we go to Fairprice to get the supplies - Russet Potatoes, Yellow Gold Potatoes, Marcaporne cheese, cream, salmon fillet and dill for seasoning the fish. 

I left B1 alone to figure out what to do.  He made potato wedges and cooked the fish.  He also seared the tenderloin and pork loin chops.  I barbequed the meats and made the salad.  I also warmed up the walnut loaf.  The  dinner ends late but it was an excellent dinner.  B1 is good at cooking.  I now have a son who loves to cook like daddy!

Seafood Linguine

I love the seafood linguine in Modestos.  The squid, clams and mussels are fresh.  Very fresh that they do not contain fishy smell or taste.  Even my ex-colleague was surprise as she knows I do not like seafood.  The food was good and it is good to catch up on anything and everything.  I ate so much that I will gain weight.  I love the food in Modesto's.

Interesting Character

Richard Feynman is an interesting character and a good story teller.  He is full of humor.  His first wife died of tubercolosis of the lymphs.  He regales tales of staying in cheap hotel and attending the UN conference in Switzerland.  It is funny.  He does not have big egos and loves physics.  His troubleshooting skills are tip top as he was asked to investigate into the shuttle's explosion.  The basic problem is communication.  People in the management do not listen to the people working on the ground.  This is typical of large organisation.

What Do You Care What Other People Think?

I read the first book "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman" after the interview with CEO of OCBC was published.  Now, I have book the second book in audio form.  It is interesting read as Richard Feynman is humorous.  I was laughing as I cycle.  So the joggers I overtake as I as cycled past them must have thought I am going bonkers!! I enjoyed this book!  I hope the library has more audio book books on Feynman's series. 

I will enjoy my rides more....

King of Baking

The Korean drama is taking Singapore by storm.  There are so many Korean drama in Channel U.  It used to be Hong Kong drama.  Taiwanese drama is least popular.  I am following the "Bread, Love and Dreams".  It is titled "King of Baking" in Philippines.  The drama according to Google is Baker King is taking Philippines by storm.  I am not sure what exactly it meant but I am sure it must be very popular.

My son says how can making bread become such an amazing story.

Puppy Reunites with Mum

We were riding on the PCN.  Just below Punggol Road, there was a puppy barking pitefully.  It was on the opposite side of the river.  Meanwhile, mum and another puppy is upslope.  Mum just stayed where she is and take care of the puppy that is with her.  Meanwhile this little is trying so hard and getting a lot of attention from the cyclists and B1.  B1 tried to help but the puppy was scared and keeps hiding from him.  Finally, two female cyclists trying to catch the puppy.  The puppy had no choice but to jump into the river to escape.  So, it manage to cross the river and reunites with mum. 

B1 is quite interested in animals nowadays.  He loves to play with cats whenever he sees them.   He used to be afraid of them.

Rahim Mee Rebus

I have been following Rahim's Mee Rebus since Johnny Wong brought me to try more than 20 years ago.  Rahim mee rebus has pass from father to son.  So I think Rahim should be the father.  Today, it is a husband and wife team running the stall.

The stall moved suddenly and now is in Ang Mo Kio Central.  We had two mee rebus special, one beehoon soto and 10 sticks of chicken satay.  The meal cost $16 and fed B2, B3, mummy and me.  The trade mark of the stall is a sign that says "Taste Good, Tell Your Friends.  Taste No Good, Tell Us."  It is a good way to get feedback.  I always enjoys the food.  The satay used to be at a good price.  Now at 55cents per stick, it is getting dear. 

Now that the stall is in AMK Central, it will be easy access as carparks are plentiful.  The previous stall opposite the mosque in Serangoon had very limited carparks and was an issue with patrons who get fine while eating.

A Tiring Night for My in-laws

Early morning call from my mother-in-law!  The Wife was rudely yanked out of dreamland.  Me too!  My in-law had a tiring night!  Their daughter-in-law is in hospital and requires high attention and maintenance.  My poor mother-in-law and father-in-law are busy taking care of the latest addition to their family.   I had a "soul misalignment" as Lobsang Rampa explained and had a headache for the morning.

However, for my two in-laws, they were up till 2am last night.  Then they get up at 5am to pray and go to work.  Luckily, my father-in-law is good now since his open-heart.  I visited them during lunch.  My mother-in-law showed me a creeper that has bear fruits.  My father-in-law asked me to go to his house to pick up the oranges which he had lots of since they are offerings for the gods.  He has vegetable seeds and asked if I like to grow them.  I will have to go and pick up some seeds for my hydroponics microfarm.

My in-laws love their son very much and spoils him since young as he is the only boy out of 6 children they have.  Now with a daughter-in-law that keep acting up and need attention at night is exhausting for them.  I feel sorry for them.  They are old and should have peaceful retirement.  Now my FIL has to actively manage the business while his son is busy taking care of his newly married wife. 

My wife used this incident to teach her two sons (B1 is in camp) the importance of marrying a good wife.

Night Ride at PCN

After dinner, B2 and B3 joined me for a night ride at the PCN.  A number of lights were out making the route looked different as B2 commented.  There are a number of cyclists and most have fancy lights.  One rider had a blinding flashing light on his helmet.  He is very inconsiderate as it is hard to see when he is coming in from opposite direction. 

B2 talks a lot about his billard exploits.  He has improved a lot and is very knowledgeable in the billard paraphernalia that he sells.  He is now doing business on a small scale.

Rainy Days

It is getting hard to cycle on the PCN with rain coming in almost every day.  There are hardcores who jogs or cycle in the rain.  Maybe I need to learn from them.  I wonder if they fall sick from exercising while getting drenched.

The rain also bring in more mosquitoes.  At the PCN, the uncompleted drainage is an excellent ground for breeding an army of mosquitoes. 

The positive effect is the cooler temperature.  We need the rain to bring respite from the heat. 

I am grateful for the cool weather and a loving family.  It is a real path to happiness.

Lazy Day

What is lazy day.  It is like a Sunday.  The supermarket was busy at 4 plus.  We did not go anywhere.  Not to Orchard for mall crawling nor to visit in-laws nor eating out.  Just spend the day lazing at home.  Our meals were leftovers from the party on Saturday and Sunday.

My car tyre was flat.  There is a screw in the tyre.  Changing the tyre in Prius is quite easy.  Took me fifteen minutes even though it is my first time.  It was hard work and I was sweating profusely.

I just peeled oranges for the Wife to juice it using a Hurom Slow Juicer.  The slow juicer retain all the antioxidants.  So it is healthier than the high speed spinning type.

Tomorrow is back to work...

Roast Potatoes

Today, we decided to have hamburgers for dinner like when we lived in Canada.  For carbohydrates, we usually make french fries as it is simple and easy.  Frozen french fries into the deep fryer or oven for healthier choice.  For change, I thought of roast potatoes which is quite tasty and different.  I loved the roast potatoes in US.  So we bought a bag of small potatoes and look up for the recipes in our library of cookbooks. Unfortunately, there is no recipes for roast potatoes.  So it is internet time.  Google "roast potatoes recipes" and a million entries found!!

I read a couple of recipes and they are quite similar making it a cinch to follow.  Boil the potatoes for 6 mins, take them out and add flour.  Fry them in the oil of your choice and oven them for 35 mins, turnover and over until brown at the edge.

They were good!  My boys loved the roast potatoes.

Nice Dinner

The wife cooks the dinner tonight.  She uses "soft bone" pork to boil soup and flavored with the water used to boil the prawns.  Add the Penang Prawn Noodle seasoning and a wonderful and delicious soup for our noodle.

My brother picks up his two girls and bring them here.  The baby girl does not like to come.  Anyway, I am very happy to host the two girls.  They are grown and it is good to keep regular contact.  My brother has gain 12 kgs since his open heart and he refuses to cut down his diet.  So it is challenging for his doctor to manage.

Good to have Family Over

My eldest and baby sister came with their kids.  It was good that my niece and her husband are working.   For some time they have been doing their own business but the 2nd hand cars market is bad now with the prices so high due the record price of COEs.  I am glad niece P came as she was travelling like crazy.  One nephew is in Taiwan for military training.

They enjoyed the food especially my nephew and nephew-in-law.  They loved my bbq beef tenderloin and ribeye.  My nephew loved the ribs and pork fillet.  I enjoyed them eating up the food.  The pork chop is tough.  So I will not do pork chop unless I am deep frying into tonkatsu.

I have to cook different food the next time they come. 

Tomorrow, it is prawn noodles soup.  So I will go to market early to get prawns and soft bone to boil soup.  I am looking forward to see my brother and his two elder daughters.

Buying Food for Tomorrow

I bought plenty of food for tomorrow.  Ribeye beef steak, frozen baby back ribs and frozen pork chops from Foodie Market.  It will be pure Western meal.  So I will prepare salad and french fries as well.  I told my two older boys to be home by 3pm as my sister do come early.   I am glad that Foodie Market supplies a good value of frozen meat. 

Tonight while preparing the calamansi drink, I had B3 stirring the pot of boiling water with rock sugar.  B1 had to prepare the chopped garlic for the cold cucumber dish.  It is good they participated and learn a little about cooking.

Obama Wins! Romney Loses.

At least we have some continuity.  Obama did a good job of campaigning and retaining his Presidency.  He has poised and is less emotional.  On the TV, he behaved like a gentleman constrasting Mitt Romney's body language of throwing his weight and skeptical look.  In all three debates, Mitt's mannerism remind me of my ex-boss.  He is so distasteful and totally ugly in his behaviour.  You can see the ego and self-importance Mitt has of himself.  Romney deserves to lose and eat the humble pie.

Fixing our Compost Bin

Today, we basically poured out all the rotting matter and lined them with cardboard.  We learned not to be greedy and have plenty of cardboard vs rotting green.  It is two parts brown and one part green.  So now we have reset the whole bin, I am optimistic that it will work.  Learn as you go kind of experiment.

Smelly Compost

I was trying to make compost but keep adding the green and fruit waste that it becomes smelly.  Now I have to fix it.  It is so easy nowadays.  So google and the answer pops out.  Unlike yore days, I have to make a trip to the library to search for answers.  This does not take away my love for books.  The internet is really heavenly for quick answers.    Now I know I have to add cardboard or newspaper and make it balance.  Too much waste  without dry twigs and sawdust would not work.  I now know not to be greedy and have to be patient.

Good to know there are many who made the same mistake.  This is why the video on how to fix is made.

Field Work

B3 looked hard yesterday and today and cannot find any of the tadpoles in the big pond.  So, I did more field work to collect frog tadpoles.  I managed to collect three today and put them on a separate tank.   I do not know if they will survive and grow.  I like to see them developing into frogs.  Toads had gone through several generations in our pond.  This rainy season, they did not come.  I realised they must have known that there is a serious predator, the Arowana.  Usually, the toads will be croaking noisily at our front yard during rainy season, now the silence is very loud! 

On top of the tadpoles, there were a couple of tiny water fleas.  I put them in the sea monkey's container and hope they will grow big.  I like to see what are they.

Collecting water samples makes me feel like a kid again.  I am a child scientist now.  Tadpoles are the easy first steps for a child:)

Tadpoles Hatched!

It is good news.  This morning, the eggs looked longish but not moving.  By late after there are plenty of tadpoles wriggling about.  Some of the tadpoles are active.  So many has hatched.  Since the tank is small and may not have enough food, I decided to put them into the big pond. 

There were some water fleas before the tadpoles hatched but they are all gone.  I will have to go and collect some more samples of the pond life to study them.

Frogs

It rained frequently now that the rainy season is in.  At the PCN, the incomplete drain has stagnant water.  The amazing thing is how quick nature take advantage of the situation.  There are frog eggs.  it is a surprise as frogs usually do not stay in the field.  I did notice that a foreign worker catches frogs before.  He even know where to look.  They were hiding under a large rectangular plank.

Now, I am not surprised to see the frog's eggs.  I looked around and found a old plastic bag that used for coffee and washed it in the reservoir as it was very dirty.  With the plastic bag, I managed to bring back some of the eggs.  However, all the eggs sank into the water when I put them in water tank.  I think it may be not be viable after getting shocks when I hit bumps and uneven ground as I hang the plastic bag on the handle bar.

In the afternoon, B3 and I went to the same place to take more eggs.  Hopefully, some will survive and turned into tadpoles and then frogs in our pond.

Trash Pack Prize

Finally, B3 got his prize for getting a "rare" or limited edition trash pack.  He was so excited and spent time on it even though he has the last paper for tomorrow.  Science is his strong subject, so we are not so concern.  However, he should revise and review his notes.  I am happy that he is happy.

The prize is worth $44 retail.  It is trash road sweeper.  His cousin is very excited about the limited edition and keep asking him how he managed to get one.  So B3 is the object of envy.