Interesting Visit

I had an eye-opening day.  I visited Riken BSI.  BSI stands for Brain Science Institute.  I read all the posters and it is simply amazing!  The research that is done on neurology.  There is even a lab doing embryo research.  Man!  This is cutting edge science.  The specialisation is incredible too.  There is a mathematical research on brains and so many exotic sounding names of the different area of research.  Many scientists from around the world and regular seminars with exoteric sounding titles.  I was blown away.  Most researchers are young.  The chemicals in the labs are also exotic to me.  The only mundane stuff is my products and labels.  No wonder knowledge is growing by leaps and bounds.  I understand the head of this center is a Nobel Prize winner twenty or thirty years ago. 

A Slice of Time

While getting ready for my work, I have this little slice of time.  I considered surfing the net and reading magazines.  Then I thought I should write instead.  It is a blank page and I have no specific topic to write.

The hot news is Budget and again more taxes on the rich and more programs for the poor and elders.  However, for the underclass, they are always "programs".  Many rules and requirements to fulfil before they can be grant some cash which usually amount to a few hundred dollars but will cost our Government so many "Millions of $$$".  As many netizens noted, the budget never work on the quality of life or improving our work/life balance.  It is always taxation. 

Singapore has many good things.  The key is the government is hell bent on making money and making sure everyone has work.  Too much of a good thing can become negative.  The key to getting good at something is focus.  This make country supercompetent in managing its money.  Has the country lost its soul? 

Freezing!

It is cold in Tokyo.  From hot sunny Singapore to cold winter.  When I land, I just miss my limosine bus by 10 mins and the next bus is in one hour.  The ticket counter recommended taking the bus to Osutaka Hotel which is in half hour and take a 10 min ride by taxi.  I took the advice as I will be ahead by 20 mins instead of waiting at the airport.  Luckily for me, a fellow Singaporean  heard me asking the usher for direction.  She says it is not necessary as the Osutaka Hotel is on the hill and it is a short walk down.  When we arrived she showed me where to go and we say goodbye.  I was freezing when I walked down the hill.  It is very dark as the place is not well lit.  However, I do not feel unsafe at all.  I was pleasantly surprised that it is much nearer than I expected.  The walk is probably less than 10 min which will be shorter than my cab ride.  The cab has to travel in one way street and will have to go longer distance.

Back to Square 1

I am horrified when the scale read 90.8kg!  This mean over the weekend, my weight is up back to when I originally made my plan to reduce.  Maybe Japanese food will help me reduce as I do not fancy fish and always have challenges eating my meal in Japan.

When I go down in weight, it is only 0.3kg each day, to go up is 1kg.  The direction is wrong!!!  It is easier to have more calories in than out.  Anyway, it may be just water retention, I console myself.

Happiness Hypothesis

I may be re-reading this book by Jonathan Haidt.  It is quite interesting as it talks about current research on Happiness.  I like to learn about factual finding and experimental results.  When I was young I always enjoys reading about how to do experiments.  Today, I still love experiments but more on the results.  No longer science experiments but psychology experiment and social science experiments.  It is enjoyable to learn more about Happiness.  Learning that to be happy does not mean being a millionaire is enlightening.

Yo-Yo Syndrome

Terrible!  My weight go past 90kg tonight.  I was too complacent and eats too much today.  I need to make sure I reduce my intake for tomorrow.   Chap Goh Mei, tomorrow marks the end of Chinese New Year.  My neighbours all have plenty of visitors last night and today.  Everyone is celebrating CNY. 

My key task is to stay steadfast on my resolution to reduce my waistline.  I enjoys day dreaming how attractive I would be if my weight is 10 kgs less.  How attractive and sexy women will swoon at the sight of me.  Sigh...until now my ideal weight is still a pipe dream and I need to work hard to make it a reality.  I doubt any woman will find be attractive but it is a nice motivation and will keep me focus.

What is Life About?

I wonder and I still wonder.  Today, a father of 3 fine boys - what life is about?  Why we are born?  Why must we perpetuate the cycle of Life?  Are we really gone when we die or is there a soul and spirit that will live forever?  Why are there so many religions in the world?  Have we reincarnated from past lives and will be reincarnating into future lives?

I just finished watching Brave.  Brave is about a young woman fighting her fate.  This movie is recommended by a TED speaker whose topic is What the movies is teaching our boys?  Majority of the movies, the females hardly speak.  The male will conquer his enemies and get the girl.  Watching Brave make me think of   the most profound question.  What is our fate?  What is our destiny?  Really?  Is our life pre-determined?

Weight Issue - Progress!

My scale reads 89.7kg tonight.  Now I am below 90kg after dinner. It is rewarding progress.  I need to keep up as I will be travelling next week.  Travelling mean lots of meetings and eating... and no exercise.  I have to keep up reducing my calories.  Now whenever I am hungry, instead of CNY cookies, I eat the mandarin oranges.  I also need to eat more oat.  Oat is a healthy choice. 

Weight Issue - Update

I have cut down on my tea with milk.  This morning, I did reward myself with teh halia even though I did not crave for it.  Teh halia is S$1.20 now.  Inflation is still going strong.  Tonight, I just weigh myself and the scale read 90.2kg.  Way better than the 91.1kg that make me resolve to reduce my weight.  I have made progress!  The road is long and hard.  I shall maintain my determination and keep going.

Super Humans

Every Tuesday, at 8:30pm the Octo Channel has a series on Stan Lee's Super Human.  Stan Lee is the creator of Marvel Superheroes.  There is a man in Malaysia who can use his index finger and poke a hole through a coconut.  Another man who can shoot and hit a flying panadol pill!  Yes, the tiny pill and the arrow hits it squarely when the shot was replay at slow motion.  It was amazing feat.  Tonight's show a man balance a 500lbs car on his head.  A man that electricity cannot pass through him.  If it is not on TV and tested by experts, they will be tall tales.

No Longer A Sunday Times Columnist

I always enjoys Lee Wei Ling's fortnightly column on The Sunday Times.  I noticed that has stopped.  I missed her columns.  I like her values -  saving animals, helping others and teaching the next generation neurologists.  She also spent time in Toronto, another common ground with me.  The other columnist I missed is Colin Goh.  Colin is a lawyer who draw comics, produces movies and Singlish dictionary.  Colin is humorous and is good with sprinkling Singlish words to make his point.

Now only Sumiko Tan and Chua Mui Hoong are the two columnists whom I enjoy reading.

Diary Lost

I was reading at the poolside in the evening and was inspired to write to my personal diary.  I have a personal which I write whenever I feel like it.  I could not find the diary.  It is lost.  While searching for my diary, I found my eldest boy keep a few diaries for his National Service and his girlfriend.  I respect his privacy and did not read his diary.  I am happy that he is keeping a diary.  This is a good record of his thoughts and his life.

Meanwhile, I am writing my blog every day.  I need to keep my personal diary up-to-date and write down my ideas.  I should get an expensive notebook and keep it with me all the time so that I can record any ideas that may pop up.

Weekend Blues and Joys

I was feeling bored in the afternoon.  No movies interest me.  I was getting worried that I do not know how to occupy myself once I do not have work or tuition errands to run.  Then we go for dinner together with all our boys.  This simple act of eating together make me feel better.  The boys were occupied with their games on the iPhones.  I have to ask them to stop.  They enjoyed the food and we took a short walk to explore the hawker center to see what else is open in the evening.  After dinner, we head home for a short break and then send B1 to camp as he has to book in by 2000hrs. 

The Karate Kid is on Channel 5 and we pass our time watching it.  Now the news just ended with news of a 318 metres Lego snake in Malaysia built by visitors over 9 days.  It is a new record!

Zi Char in Owen Road

We decide to try out the zichar stall reviewed by Sunday Times in Blk 46 Owen Road. We tried the food that reviewer ate.  It was quite good!  We had sweet and sour pork ribs, cereal prawns, claypot tofu and dragon's beard vegetable.  My boys enjoyed the food and mummy who is quite picky is fair impressed.  I like it too.  The only problem is that I need to watch my weight.  So I skip the steamed rice.  I still eat too much.

The place is quite popular.   The place is opened at 4pm and we were there before 5pm and finished our food before 6pm.  By then a lot more people has come for dinner.  It is Sunday anyway and most people eat out.

Weight Issue

I have not blogged about my weight for some time.  Who wants to know about a nobody's weight issue.  My weight has increased this year's celebration.  The scale now read 91kg.  I will need to lose my extra weight.  Cutting rice alone is not good enough especially since the love letters and cookies are rich in sugar and coconut.  5 pineapple tarts is equivalent to one bowl of rice according to an article in Yahoo!  I had plenty of kueh bangkit, bak kwa and macadamia nuts.  Nuts are supposed to be the healthier choice but munching away every time I feel like snacking adds up the calories. 

I also eats lot of fruits.  They are healthy choice as well but rich in fructose.  I will cutdown on my teh si and teh halia.  My wife always tell me to look at the "mama" (Indian uncle) or teh tarik man.  They all have huge potbelly.  This is an indicator of how fattening the drinks are. 

My Chinese New Year resolution is to reduce my weight.  I shall not set a target not to disappoint myself but will report regular in this blog on my progress or lack off.

Singapore Students Have No Life!

Saturday is tuition day.  Recently, the newspaper has an analysis of why the TFR is so low.  TFR is the total fertility rate.  The cost of having a child in Singapore is $900,000.  Yes, almost a million dollars.  The majority of the cost goes to parallel education system called "tuition" or private tutoring.  Today is weekend and B3 has two tuition center to go to.  Morning two hours for learning Chinese comprehension and late afternoon, Chinese composition.  On week days, he has tutoring for English, Maths and Science.  So basically all the subjects that is counted in the PSLE, he has tuition.  I wonder what does the school teach.  How he does in exams depends on the tuition center he goes to.  The tuition centers hires all the young teachers.  They look like they are more capable or experienced than the teachers in school.  In fact, they look like young adults fresh out of school.  So if the best tuition centers can use "the girl-next-door" and is very effective and produced good exams scores for its student, why the main stream school cannot copy their programs.

The govt with all her resources is not as capable as the star tuition centers.  Ministry of Education should study the successful tuition centers and transfer the learning to mainstream school.  Meanwhile, my poor B3 is spending most of his waking hours shuttling from school to different tuition centers.

Eat Out

Dinner at AMK hub Food court.  It has been a long time since we ate out on a Friday night.  Luckily, the food court at level 3 is not too busy.  I was actually a little surprise as it was usually very busy and hard to get a place.  The resturants at the basement, Soup Resturant and Roast Duck Resturant had long queues. 

The night is young when we left the Hub at about 9pm and there is still a queue of cars trying to get into the carpark.  It is crazy.  People are just coming in in hordes. The night is just starting... I guess the increased in population makes it so crowded and busy.

Mum Returns to Canada

This morning my mother flew home.  It is going to be a super long flight at least 22 hours.  I am shudder to think of sitting in the plane for so long.  She is very bright and happy this morning.  She has her eldest daughter and youngest daughter to see her off together.  Air travel for passengers with limited mobility is quite simple with all the support of wheelchair and checked in luggage.  So she travels a lot inspite of her limited mobility.

It rained all day today.  So I did not get a chance to exercise. 

Visitor from Hong Kong

My ex-colleague in Canada who now lives in Hong Kong is here to tour.  She is so busy that we can only meet for drinks this evening.  It is not usual for me to stay up so late.  I am usually sleeping by ten... ten thirty.  Anyway, it is great to see her again.  She is working so hard and is so driven.  She did well in work and recognised in a few awards.  However, the re-organisation make her feel like she is being demote every time.   So she is not happy.

I am happy she took the time to meet up with me although it is late for me.  She had an interesting news from Canada, a nice juicy gossip that I am not at liberty to blog about. 

This afternoon, I lunched at Empire State in Causeway Point and guess what?  My grand-nephew was sitting at the next table recognised me and told his mum.  His mum then call me.  They visited me yesterday.  So it is an interesting coincident.

Last Day of Visiting

We visited my brother in our old home in Queenstown.  He brought home his 3 daughters.  My mum is there as well.  I received a surprise angpow from him.  It is his first time I think.  I took it since he gave it to me.  It is every day luck!  Surprising big!

My elder sister came as we were about to leave.  We had to go to my brother-in-law.  The place busy.  Aunt-in-law is there with her family, MIL and FIL are there as well.  Two sister-in-laws and their boys.  The place is crowded.  My brother-in-law has a lot of model planes.  He is into powered gliders as well.  There are a few ducted fans jets.  So it is interesting to visit him.  There are speed boats.  He enjoys life to the fullest.  He is now building up a camera carrying helicopter with four propellers.  I loves these toys as well.  However, I would not pay so much.  He has so many machines to build and repair all the aircrafts and boats.  After lo hei, we left and come home to roost(nap time!)

Tonight's dinner is like our regular dinner cooked by our helper.  My neighbourhood is noisy this evening as one neighbour has plenty of visitors.  He is doing business and probably all his employees are here.

In-laws and Cousins

My wife invites her brother and baby sister over for lunch.  She is always looking after them.  She helps to tie the shoe laces of baby sister's son instead of teaching her sister.  Sigh!  I wonder how my sister-in-law could practise to be a good mother.  Our boys help to shred the radish, carrots and cucumber.  Once again, the yusheng is very popular and was finished heartily.  It is such a healthy dish.

In the afternoon, my cousins came to visit mum.  They brought all their kids and grandchildren.  The group is more than 20 in strength.  We had a wonderful time.  Kids were curious to see the house and I showed them around.  It is a tiring day but good to catch up with families.

New Beginning Meal

Early in the morning, we go to our boys maternal grandparents to offer our CNY greetings and have our vegetarian meal.  My wife calls it the "new beginning meal".  It is the first meal for the new year.  The year of the Snake.  Snake year is good for Rats.  I hope the year will be good. It is a positive start so far.

My sisters are here to visit and it was very rowdy.  My boys are engaged with the whole family and their cousins.  My eldest sister and her two daughters plus her son-in-law stay behind for dinner.  We had a steamed spotted garouper and fishballs plus various seafood items soup.   I am glad we have a big family.

White Paper Approved!

It is business as usual for our PAP government.  All PAP MPs voted "yes" despite some of them voicing out their reservations.  There will be "modifications".  "We know best for you".  The benevolent dictatorship style continues.

Singapore has progressed and made leaps and bounds in wealth building.  I feel in the process we began to lose our souls.  Now that we have a roof over our heads and stomach filled, our government is driving toward better roofs and nicer food.  The softer aspects of life or heartware are largely ignored.  Our govt is driving Singaporean into becoming heartless accumulators of wealth.  Soon many Singaporeans will become rich but without souls.

Eve of Eve

Tonight is New Year's Eve's Eve!  Life is still as usual.  B3 had his tuition and B2 was in school.  B1 is home as his camp has shutdown.    I was just working as usual.  When I go and pick up B3 from tuition, the activities has slowed down.  There are 109 carpark lots in the big open carpark beside Court in AMK Central.  The food center is not as busy as well.  The commercial activities are slowly grinding to a halt.  By tomorrow afternoon, everywhere will be closed for New Year's Eve reunion dinner.  Only fast food chain like McDonald's will be open.  It is the only time in Singapore evening is shutdown for more than two days.

Tonight, all the boys are home for dinner.  They ate a lot of the CNY snacks.  We had plenty of gifts from relatives.  Cousins, aunties and neighbours gave us all kinds of goodies and we have to return them similar gifts.  We ordered home-made pineapple tarts and pillow shape peanuts cookies(kok zai) for them.  It is busy time as the Matriarch is doing spring cleaning.  B3 has to pack up his files.  He is sulking.  He wanted to make a stress ball using Latex glove and sand.  His mummy insisted he clear his files and store them neatly in his cupboard.  So he is upset.

All three boys have their own study table and cupboard.  They are lucky compared to when I was growing up.  However, when compared to kids in Canada and US, then they are not so lucky as they have to share room.  I just checked with B1 and B2.  They claims it is no big deal to have own study table and cupboard.  In fact, their friends have their own room.  Apparently, we are the "big" family as B2 puts it.  This means most of his friends and classmates are only one or two kids in the family.

It is Spring Cleaning time.  Matriarch is sending all the boys to change new bedsheets and comforter.  I know it is a matter time I will be called to action.

CNY Madness

Just try to get a parking lot this evening in Ang Mo Kio Hub was an immense challenge.  So I thought "let's try the big open air carpark".  It is usually half empty but tonight, the sign at the entry point flash "FULL"!   AMK Central is simply full with everyone rushing to stock up on the Chinese New Year grocery and goodies. 

Our intention was to go to Hub to check things out but with everyone else decending to the same place, we gave up and go home instead.  The mood is high and with the increased population, everywhere is a crowd.  Can you imagine what will be when we reach 6.9 million?  We will have stress-related diseases due to crowding alone.

Why Must Price of Haircut go Up for CNY?

Since young, I notice the price of haircut will go up during Chinese New Year.  I tried to beat the price increase in my younger days by not cutting before Chinese New Year.  I thought the price increase was on pre-CNY as most people like to have a "new" haircut for new year.  I was wrong.  I tried to beat the increase by cutting after CNY and the price is still at an increased price.  I do not know why there is such a practice.  At least the new chain like EC House or QB House have flat rates of $10 per cut regardless of Chinese New Year. 

I do not know the reason for price increase.  Are they like bak kwa or bbq pork where price increase everyday until New Year's Eve?  Why should the price be higher since the time to cut the hair stays the same?  Does this mean hairdressers need a CNY bonus?

Music

I have a few neighbours whose kids have piano lessons.  So we always get free live music.  Now the skill level have increase and the music sound so much better over time.  Our French neighbours also complimented our B1 piano playing as well.  So our estate is quite musical.  I like it.  One boy also like to sing and his singing is quite good now.  It is actual a joy to hear his performance.  The only problem is he like to sing in the middle of the night.

Happiness is Making Others Happy

As I blog about my mum being happy that I visited her, I realised I am happy to recall this event and write about it.  It is very similar to recalling and writing about 3 gratitudes everyday.  Seeking happiness is more important than chase for fame or wealth.  Although fame and wealth is equate to happiness.  To a certain extent, this is true.  Now having to worry about the next meal or where to sleep is happiness. 

Spending time and small amount of money on others bring more happiness to ourselves.  I'll strive to do more.

Mum is Happy

I visited mum today.  She lives with my baby sister while she is here.  She will be returning to Toronto after Chinese New Year.  I am not so good a son.  I do not spend much time with her.  She is quite independent now.  Anyway, absence makes heart grow fonder.  My mum is very happy to see me today.  I also gave her the new notes so that she can prepare the ang pows for the new year.  I am happy to see she can walk better and in good spirits.

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.