Amazing Change and Development

Our baby girl is developing fast!!  First she learns to flip, then crawl.  Now she can crawl backward to go from bed to floor.  Yesterday, she understood clap.  She can also go from prone to sitting.  It is some new everyday.  It is a real joy to see her first everything!  She has 2 lower incisors.  Incredible to see her exploring her environment and picking up toys on her own.

Now I am giving her toilet training.  I am enjoying my girl so much.

Yellow Vented Bulbul

 In the morning, songbird singing gives a wonderful feeling.  

So Pictures of Food

 Bake Potato Skins

Boiled Shrimps

Mashed Potato

Great Family Time!

I want to write about the dinner we had on Sunday.  I spent the whole day cooking.  All 3 boys were back for dinner.  Reminds me of the time when we had our meals together as a family.  This time, we have 2 daughters-in-law and a granddaughter.  Our table can fit 6 chairs and we add a stool.  

The potato skins were a popular appetizer.  I have bbq pork belly, grilled shitake mushroom and grilled beef balls.  The boiled prawns and boiled sotong were great for the womanfolks.  I used the water to boil the seafood to cook the veg.  Chinese cabbage did not go well.  I have to figure out different veg next time.

Although I bought the ingredient to make chendol.  Only B2 requested.  So I did not make it.  I cut watermelon instead.  

During dinner, we had conversations about childcare for our baby girl, work, business and school.  Its been a long time since we had warm dinner.  It is a great way to stay grounded and updated on the lives of our boys. 

We are thankful and love them so much.

Rain Rain on Sunday Morning

A wet morning to the wet market.  Pork belly 1kg $20.  Shitake mushroom $1.20/100g.  I had $3 worth.  Holland potatoes was $1.60/600gram.  So it is time for Fairprice where the same potatoes go for $1.65/kg.  I also get coconut milk and chendol for desserts.  Watermelon is $4 for small size.  So into the basket it goes.  Now I am ready for dinner tonight.  hooray!!

Menu for Tomorrow

 I am thinking of drawing a menu so that when I do the grocery tomorrow morning, I will be able to get the right supplies.  I am struggling with dessert.  Usually, we have fruits.  So maybe I should get some fruit.

Potato Skins

Salad?

Mashed Potatoes (from potato skin)

Pork Belly

Chicken?

Beef Balls

Seasonal Fruit

Sunday Dinner

 I am an empty nester.  Two boys are married and the baby is boarding in school.  It is time for a regular get together.  So I want to have regular meal with my boys on Sunday evening.  It will be a good time to get together and just have family time.  

I will think of a menu.  For tomorrow, I think I will do a charcoal bbq.  It has been a while since I bbq.  The rainy season is over.  So good time to try out again.  I will prepare potatoes skins for appetizer and salad.  Also have to figure out what meat to bbq.  May be I will prepare mash potatoes as well.

It is back to the old days when my boys ate homecooked barbecue regularly.

Fell of the Bed. Head bruised!!

 Last night, my granddaughter fell off the bed and was bruised on the forehead and both sides of the head.  It broke our hearts.  She was left on the bed by her father, our 2nd son.  He goes into the toilet to wash his hands and she falls.

We are furious with him as he does not understand the baby is growing fast and will be able to move.  Only yesterday morning we sent the videos of the baby starting to crawl.  Hopefully, he learns his lesson and watches her like a hawk.

This morning my granddaughter was quiet and clingy.  Seems like she is still recovering from the shock.  We were too and did not make her laugh as usual.  By afternoon, she warms up and we also relaxed and started to make her laugh happily.

Manga Craze

 Recently, I have been escaping to manga comics in Youtube.  The storyline is pretty standard.  Office worker, no university degree make good.  Girlfriend stolen by boss or colleague.  Then after a few years, the guy became rich or had a successful company.  The ex-girlfriend and her current boyfriend will make disparaging remarks. The the protagonist will be revealed as the CEO or successful games producer.  The girlfriend will change their mind and want the protagonist back but another girl will be telling the ex off.

The plot of the manga comics is very simple and the themes are all similar.  Watching them is a brain dead activity.  An entertaining way of passing time for now.  Once I am tired of my manga craze, I will have to seek new avenue to past time.

Nyonya Resturant Sinpopo in Tangs

 Today there is a one for one deal in Sinpopo.  So we will go check it out.  The food in Sinpopo is quite nice but pricey.  So if there is a deal, we will take since it is better value.  I like the resturant as there is a nursing room nearby.  So it is convenient to spend time there with my granddaughter.  Just order one item.  If it is drink, cost is about $10.  Any food item will cost about $20.  It is like paying rental for the ambience and I can just enjoy the company of my sweetheart.  The nursing room nearby makes it stress free.

Chinese New Year Upon Us

 In 2 days, it will be CNY eve.  I am still thinking of dinner plans.  My wife commanded that we do steamboat.  So now I have to get the items.  I loved the fishballs and beancurd skin.  However, my wife believes in real fish and real meat (instead of meatballs).  My plan is to buy fresh food from Geylang Serai market.  The seafood there is fresh and at a good price.  My fridge and freezer are all cluttered up with stuff.  So we will have to clear up the fridge to store the new year groceries.

Now I have 2 married sons.  This year the dinner will be bigger.  Instead of our usual 5, we have 7 adults and a baby.  My family has grown and shrunk.  The married boys are out of the house.  So usually only 3 sleep in the home, my wife, granddaughter, and I.  On weekends, our baby boy is home replacing our granddaughter.

We are empty nester:(

Kobo e-reader Lost

 I am very sad I lost my beloved e-reader.  It is a Kobo 8.3 inch.  It is nice to read at the poolside as the ambident light is strong and the surface does not reflect light like iPad or laptop.  I must have left it at the swimming and totally forgot about it.

I thought of getting a replacement but this size is no longer available.

Stupid Me!!

 Yesterday, I was walking into AMK Hub Fairprice.  A little boy was trying to ring the bell.  Impulsively I went to life him up to let him ring the bell.  He jumped up as I was lifting him.  This sudden movement made me use my strength suddenly.  Now I think I have injured my surgical wound and may have cause possible hernia.  

I was incredibly stupid.  It is a fraction of a moment.  I did not feel good and looked for my back brace to wear.  This morning I feel pain in my right abdomen when I have to shift position.  I am really really stupid. 

Cholecystitis

 I had pain in my abdomen just below the ribcage.  I thought it may be kidney stones.  So when I went to the doctor to get a referral, she pressed my abdomen and asked me to go to A&E right away.  She suspects it may be cholecystis.  I checked in A&E the next day and blood tests shows negative.  Then the doctors decided to do CT scan and found a 3.2cm gallstone was blocking the bile duct.  They suggest emergency surgery and my gallstone was taken out right away.

JB again on 22nd Nov

 We decided to drive up to JB on our own.  I put on Google and found that Google Map keeps sending us around.  I should have read the signs on the road instead.  We keep seeing the custom immigration but Google Map keep directing us away.  It is immensely frustrating to be so near yet so far especially when we can see the queues but unable to join since we are on the different direction.

My wife decided to download Waze and it is so much better.  To get over to JB, the wait is almost 2 hours.  Once we crossed the borders, it was a breeze.  I think due to the delay in the causeway, it may be better to spend more time there instead of a day trip.  The day trip insurance is $16 per person.  Toll charges is RM22 and S$2.50.  So it costs about $42 just to get over there.  

We bought durians. 3 pieces for RM100.  It may be slightly cheaper but not much.  My wife did her hair and price there is a lot more competitive.  We had lunch at Meng Meng.  The food is very good and great value for fish dish and roast meat.  We also have tea i.e. coconut tarts and coffee at Nam Heong.  It is quite a nice experience.

The Joy of Babysitting

 I have mentioned about my granddaughter.  She is growing up fast!  Yesterday, she sat on a baby chair that the father i.e. my son bought and assembled from China!  Ikea will not have to be more competitive.  

Today, my granddaughter went out together with her daddy mummy to meet friends.  She is now sitting on a baby chair in a resturant.  She is strong enough to sit on a baby chair without fussiness.  Everyday is a joy to see her progress in her development.

For us, the most important development was to be able to sleep through the night.  She did that 2 months ago.  Yes, our baby girl is sleeping between grandpa and grandma for 5 nights a week.

When she wakes up, she will be smiling and kicking her legs happily.  The joy to see her so happy is indescribable.   

Thinking of JB

 The ringgit keeps weakening making it more attractive to go over to visit JB again.  The food there is nice and excellent value.  I am also thinking to get durian there.  The last time we were there, plenty of retirees are there eating and passing time.  The resturants food of the good quality and far better value than at home.  However, we have to spend the time to travel and also pay tolls.

There are plenty of kopitiam like Toastbox which also sell food.  Coffeeshop food at food court prices.  The egg tarts and roast meat are pretty mean.  So it is quite enjoyable to pay half the price for high quality meals.

JB Trip

 My friend invited me to JB with a group of schoolmates yesterday.  The goal is to look at the investment of the properties in JBCC or Johore Baru City Center. 

Then we have an eating tour.  We had lunch at Pa Wang Duck which is roast duck with dishes.  The food is very good and costs only RM300 for 8 people.  After lunch, we went for a durian feast.  Red prawns and a brand from Muar.  The durians are pretty good.  We had karaoke.  Our Hainanese schoolmates sang well.  They sang in Hokkien, Cantonese, English, and Mandarin.

Then we had coffee and egg tarts.  I bought Famous Amos cookies which my boys like.  The cookies are finished today!!!  I bought a total of 600 grams.

I had a good time and it was nice to meet up with old schoolmates and hangout.

Good news!

 I am now officially a Grandpa!!  My granddaughter was born 4 months ago on May 3rd.  She is the most beautiful girl in the world.  She is very sweet and adorable.  I enjoys looking after her even though it can be tiring and exhausting.  I am so lucky:)

Court Update!

 It is more than 2 years since I last written on my blog.  I was distracted by a court case with my neighbour.  The good thing is the court case is over.  I have protection from my neighbour.  Now they have put up their house for sale.  If they had done so earlier, we would not have to go to court.  

Audition

 I went for audition for 2 commercials yesterday.  I do not know how I perform.  Hopefully, I can get a gig.

Exercise

 I am going to exercise more regularly.  The appointment for cardiologist is in April.  I asked the doctor how to prevent a repeat of heart racing, but she says there is no physical factors found based on the tests done.  My heart attack marker troponin T, went up after 2 hours but came down after another 4 hours.  So it is safe to discharge me.

Palpation

 Yesterday evening while driving to Yishun, I feel my heart is racing.  I come to a carpark and rest.  Take many deep breaths to calm my heart to no avail.  My skin was cold and clammy.  I was having cold sweat.  I decided to go straight to A&E in Sengkang.  I checked in.  No doctor come and see me.  But blood tests were ordered.

At about 1130 pm, I spoke to the Prof.  He asked about my med history and additional information cause my case to have higher risk factors.  So I was warded for the night  for another blood test.

Nothing imminent.  So have to see Cardiologist.

Graduation

We had a graduation ceremony on March 1.  There are two classes in NUS.  Advanced Manufacturing and Building Engineeing.  Now our studies is over.  I received a prize!  A Certificate for  Friend of the Class.  Stood up for the class and gave feedback.  My classmates are kind.

T

Catherine Wood

 The superstar Fund Manager for Technology Stocks.  According to my niece, she has the midas touch.  Any stock she chooses, it will give good returns.  Now I will be watching her as her focus is on new fangle technology stock.

Stock Market

 My niece is working for Amazon.  Her sign on bonus is 100 Amazon shares.  It was worth $150K at the time of signing.  Now, it is worth $320K USD!!!  It is amazing.  She is doing well.  Her pay should be sky high even though she did not say.

She is telling us about call and put to make kopi money.  Seems a good way to earn some income.  She is in a totally different market.  She plays with technology stock and it is very volatile.  Her stories are very interesting.  We need to get our feet wet.  It is quite exciting but maybe the excitement is not for us.  The stock are quite mysterious and the price can go up by a lot and also down by a lot i.e 100% up or more and then down by 70%.

Maddening Drilling Noise

 I am having headaches.  The renovation next door is driving us crazy.  We have to get out of the our home to keep our sanity.  The drilling is random.  Worse is the vibrations are amplified through the concrete wall.  So we get both noise and vibration.  I am getting headaches and feeling exhausted.  I also have to do my school work and this quite challenging.  Sigh!  It will be another 3 months of sheer torture.

Wonderful brunch

 There are 6 of us.  We had a wonderful brunch.  Plenty of food and we continue with a beer in Prive at Paragon.  Belgium white beer was very nice.  I love it!  But I am not a drinker, so I drank half a pint.

I am very happy with the company.  We had good conversation and great time together.

Brunch at Minang

 We have a small group with our schoolmates for hawker meals.  Today, it is Minang, Indonesian food in Lucky Plaza.  Minang food quality is quite good but pricey.  We take turns to host.  My friends are quite generous.

I am looking forward to the meal.

Renovation Next Door

 The house next door was sold.  The new owner is making extensive renovation.  My balcony glass cracked and needs to be replace.  Tiny glass shards are all over my balcony.  The noise by the drilling and jackhammer is deafening and it is impossible to stay home.  The vibration is so bad that the other unit next door on the opposite side has it wall crack and water seeping in.  

While it is exciting to move into a new house, sometimes the contractor you choose can cause problem to houses beside.  I hope no further damages to our houses.

Nyquist and Bode

 My head has been filled with hifi maths.  Abstract and impossible to understand.  So depressing.  This is the final module.  I will be glad when this is over.  Then we have a month long project to do.  After that it is end of course...

Nice and Cool

 The weather is very nice and cool.  This morning the drizzle was very fine.  Feel like fall time in Canada.  I like this kind of weather.  It reminds me of home in another country.  Fall colours are beautiful.  Temperature drops lower and lower daily.  Day becomes shorter and shorter.  Then flurries and snow.  Yes, it is a beautiful sight!  I love it.  But driving is not so fun in winter.  Also have to clear snow on the pathway and driveway.

But cold outside, and warm inside with a gas fireplace, it is quite nice.  I love living in like the story books I grew up with...

Progress!

 Yesterday, I completed another course.  Did the quiz and project presentation.  Overall, we did well.  Very euphoric even though I still feel short of learning to my satisfaction.  It is nice to have team mates and discussion with different people.

I have one classmate who does Forex trading and his project is Forex forecast.  It is quite impressive what he has done.  Only problem is his conclusion is right now it is still lagging.  So he is working to find a way so that he can make money with data analytics.

Taking Classes

 I am now going for classes to "retool" under the govt initiative.  Our govt does not believe in handouts.  You have to work for it or study for it.  The economy is contracting and many jobs are gone.  So now the govt has schemes of internship where the company pays $500 and gov pays $2,000.  I may have my numbers wrong.  The program is to help create jobs.

Another program is "re skilling".  Gov will pay for the course fees and you have to take the classes seriously.  That is, there must be an assessment and attendance.  Jobs NOT INCLUDED.  It is a good way to pastime.

I am learning Excel and some Data Analytics.  I tried self learning and it was difficult.  Now I am making a little progress.  However, it is still tough going...

Journal on Contribution and Gratitude

 Learn to appreciate small things in my life.

Stop worrying about inconsequential matters

Slow down on snacks and other unhealthy food

Start exercising more.

Gratitude

 A letter of Gratitude increases happiness.  

So, I am writing this note and publishing in my blog.  

My best friend is my wife.  She stick to me through thick and thin.  In sickness and in health.  Our boys are growing up well and do well in their school and work.  She deserves all the credits.  I like to make her laugh and sing my off tune songs.  Once we even tried duet.  The act of working on the duet is very rewarding.

Thank you for being my friend.

Water Melon Fresh, Water Melon Sweet!!

We harvested the water melon as the leaves have all withered.  It is quite sweet!

Harvest Time!

The brinjal plant is weighed down.  So we decides to cut the brinjal so that the plant can be relief and also the leaves will be taller.

60 Days for Watermelon to Ripen

My friend, Boh Tong said it takes 60 days or 2 months for the watermelon to ripen.  I am quite excited.  As it is in a pot, I have only one watermelon so that the plant can concentrate on this one fruit.  Hopefully, it will taste sweet.

Crash Landing - Korean Drama

My sister recommended this drama to me.  I just started to watch and it is amazing!  Funny, scary, tense and full of tender moments as well.  It is a good mix.  This is why it is so glued to the seat drama.  It is quite a roller coaster ride just watching the show.

I would say Highly Recommended.

Baby Watermelon

Nowadays, watermelons come seedless.  Seedless is nice and easy to eat.  No seeds give crunch and then taste bitter.  However, no seeds also means to grow watermelon  one has to buy seeds from the garden store.  Not too long ago, I had a watermelon with a few seeds even though it was a seedless melon.  I threw the seeds into my pot.  Some seedlings did grow.  All did not survive due to a variety of reasons - eaten by snails, burnt by too strong sun, or just simply fad away.  All except on.  Now the one is growing well.  I am very happy to see the leaves grows quite big.  It also had several female flowers before.  But the fruits cannot grow.  Now I have one baby watermelon!!  I am very happy to see this flower swelling up.  Below is the picture of the baby watermelon.  I hope it will grow big and juicy.

Baby Bird - Brown Shirk

Our micro garden has birds was chirping like very loudly.  So I look out and found a baby with 2 adult birds very excited and flustered.  I was worried about frightening the baby or rather fledging.  So I took videos from inside.  There is no sounds as I took the video from inside glass door of my house.  The baby is hidden in the dark but you can see it in the middle of the screen.  We always feel very happy to have birds building nests in our house.  Olive Back Sunbird - first-baby-olive-back-sunbird-is-out

Daddy?  Maybe Mummy

Baby is in the middle of the screen.  Use full screen to locate the baby

Grasshoppers!

I have been growing plants and vegetables for a long time now.  I always get lots of snails and will catch them at night especially after rain.  Snails are big eaters and destroys my orchids and other plants.  Recently, I managed to grow rice and discover some grasshoppers.  Since then, there are lots of holes on my brinjal plant.  I thought it might be caterpillars but could not find any.

Yesterday, as I was getting rid of tiny white flies in the sweet potato leaves, something jumps out.  On closer look I saw a tiny grasshopper in the leaf.  Then I saw another grasshopper on the brinjal leaves.  So I found the answer to all the holes in the leaves.  It was the grasshoppers.

I killed 2 or 3 by squashing them.  This morning, more grasshoppers.  It is going to be a challenge to keep my plants from eaten up.

My Friend Boh Tong is planting well in Japan

Boh Tong is growing lots of stuff in Japan.  He has a green thumb!  I am experimenting as well.  Recently, I managed to grow some rice.  They looked like grass in the beginning and suddenly the green padi appears.  It is like magic!

Young Padi Shoots

Pane Andov

Pane Andov travel in the astral dimension and give talks and wrote books about it.  He is in YouTube and wrote a book titled The Awakening Life Force Energy.  I find the subject he wrote on quite interesting.  He write things as a matter of fact on a totally invisible and different world.  Also he does not write as a deduction or quote from other sources.  He does has a recommended list.  A lot of what he write collaborate with Lobsang Rampa's writing. 

I read Lobsang Rampa in Secondary School and find it facinating.  So even though I have plenty of choice of books to read, I read Pane Andov first.  After reading, I search and him on YouTube.  However, I don't find the videos as engaging or interesting.  I loved his book and all the illustrations.

It is nice to start reading again.

Posting is Out!!!

After a teeth gnashing and incredibly challenging wait, the posting for B3 is finally out!. He did not get his first choice which is medicine.  He is quite disappointed.  He was offered TCM in NTU and scholarship in SMU IT and Law.  Both he is not so keen.  So he has accepted his 2nd choice in NUS i.e. dental school.

He had talks with his friend's sister who is currently in dental school.  I think it convince him that it is not so bad a choice.

Anxiety State

This week is the outcome of the B3's placement in University.  We are in a high anxiety state.  We prayed hard.  Some of his friends have been offered in another school.  For him, it is waiting for the last school to announce whether he gain admission or not.

Mummy is checking on Kiasu Parents website.  There are lots of comments and analysis.  Seems like other parents are also in the same high anxiety state.

Vesak Day - Full Moon

The sky is clear and moon is full.  Buddha is smiling on us.  The day is quiet and I am nursing a headache.  I have been having headaches since my DJ Stent was removed.  I am suspecting it may be cold turkey from black tea.  Although initially, I suspect it may be the ureter healing after being traumatised by the DJ stent removal.  The whole stretch of ureter will be scratch by the stent as it was being pulled out.

Panadol does not work on my headaches.  So I decided to drink Chinese tea.  It seems to help a bit.  However, I do not know how much oxalate Chinese tea contains.  Will google after finishing this entry.

We are slowly clearing up our fridge of all the old food we bought but did not get to eat.  Some we have to throw as they are expired.  I am also baking cookies for snacks.  The thing about making my own cookies is I know how much sugar it contains.  And it is a lot.  No wonder I have weight issues as cookies are my favorite snacks.

I will have to develop a lower sugar version and bake myself to have healthier snacks.

Cooped Up at Home

It has been a few weeks now.  We are all cooped up at home except for grocery or meal times to buy takeouts.  It is tough.  Luckily, we have plenty of room and space for the family.  One boy is out.  The other 2 has their own rooms.  While CB is tough, we have internet, gardening, cooking, washing up and other daily chores.  So time do pass.

Singtel TV is lousy.  So we watched Korean Soap Drama.  It is a good way to pass time.

I am also reading more. 

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are mainly Calcium Oxalate, Uric acid and Cystine.  My kidney stones was 100% Calcuim Oxalate.  High-oxalate foods include: black tea, potato chips, peanuts and chocolate.  My top 3 favorites food items.  I start my day with strong black tea with milk.  I buy loads of potato chips  and peanut and snack them all the time.  Now I have cut my peanuts consumption.  I love peanut soup and satay sauce. 

In order to reduce the chance of kidney stones recurring, I should cut these 3 items from my diet.  I love peanut butter.  I eat peanut butter with cream cracker if there is no bread and worse just peanut butter by itself if I ran out of cream cracker.  Every morning, I start my day with a cup of strong Ceylon tea with evaporated milk and sugar.  In the afternoon and evening, I may have an cup or two.
Many times, when I am travelling, I am too lazy to go and eat in a resturant, I will eat potato chips for my meal.  It is really stupid as the company would pay for my meals anyway.

The kidney stones I had is "staghorn" i.e. it is very spiky.  So there is no way it can come down the ureter.  So I need to drink a lot of water beside avoiding high oxalate food.

Double J Stent OUT!!

Yesterday, my DJ stent was removed.  It is a short procedure.  The surgeon just use a hook to pull out the stent.  The bleeding in the kidney stopped by end of the day.  So much better not to see bloody urine when I pee.

What a feeling!  I am finally painfree.  However, even though the procedure is quick, it is quite traumatic.  I slept the whole afternoon.  Took lots of painkillers.

This morning, I also do not feel top of the world.  I am getting back to normal. 

Thanks, BT.  You are a good friend.

The Painful Road to Recovery

Kidney Stones condition is one of the most painful medical conditions anyone can get!!  Just Google "kidney stones" and this statement consistently come up.  This is what I am having right now.  It is seems to be genetically predisposed and diet play an important part.

I had 3 stones removed two days ago.  In public hospitals, they will insert a Double J Stent.  This is a tube with 2 coils at the end.  One coil will go to the kidney and the other coil is at the bladder.  Hence double J.  The stent is to keep my ureter patent or open after the ureteroscope traumatize the ureter after it travel to the kidney with a basket to pull the stones out.

So every time I go to the washroom to relieve my full bladder, it is painful at the abdomen where the stent is residing.  The pain will travel all the way to the kidney.  On top of that, I had to drink plenty of water to clear the kidneys of any remnant of the stones.  Just imagine have to go to pass urine more frequently to keep the kidneys clear.  Every time it is painful.  So, more frequent than usual visits increase frequency of pain episode every day!

I am looking forward to the day the stent is removed.  I requested as early as possible.  The surgeon want to keep for 2 weeks.  I begged and begged and he decided 9 days instead even though I wanted to get it out in a week.

I am glad to remove the stones.  The largest stone is like a stag horn.  It blocked the ureter and cause ureter colic which is more painful than childbirth.

Right now, I am taking it easy and improving day by day.  I should back to normal maybe a week or two after my D J stent removed.  I am looking forward to this day!

Kidney Stones Removal

I will be checking into Seng Kang General Hospital for ureteroscopy at quarter past twelve.  Operations is schedule at quarter past 2.  It will be done under general anesthesia and it is day surgery.  So I can stay in the hospital up to 23 hours max.

I will be glad to have to offending stones out.  I will have to cut down on my black tea. and change to Chinese tea or green tea.  Cutdown on potato chips and drink plenty of lemon juice moving forward.

Fixing a Broken Fan

I feel so proud of myself.  The fan in my bedroom broke and on the internet there is a guy who use the used PE bottles and turned them in strings and show how strong and durable it is.  So I tried and it works! However, it is not good enough as the holder for the fan has split into two.  And I can only tie top half.  Bottom half is still shaky.  

So I decided to use glue.  Epoxy is a strong glue and my boy has a big bottle or rather 2 bottles, one for resin and other for hardener.  I seen these two bottles for a long time and wonder if my boy has forgotten.  He did not!  I asked him for epoxy and when he says it was upstairs immediately I know he meant these 2 bottles.

My first 2 attempts applying the epoxy was a failure.  Finally, I managed to fill up the cavity with epoxy.  I hope the epoxy is strong enough to hold the fan.

It is Kidney Stones!!

My pain came back.  This time no nausea and tummyache do not have the urge to pass motion.  This time I know it is not food poisoning.  The pain was very severe.  It is called Ureteric Colic.  One of the most painful if not the most painful medical issue.

I again go to emergency.  This time after I convince the ER doctor it is kidney stones, they send me for X-rays and found the stone.  It was 6mm.  They send a just qualified doctor from urology to see me and did some test e.g touching my testicles and poking into my anus.  Then she advise me on the options.  Basically, she want me to discharge and come back on Monday as outpatient for CT scan.  I asked to be warded even though it is Thursday evening and Friday is a public holiday.

No choice has to go C warded.  Wheel into the ward at about midnight.  The patient opposite me talking to himself the whole night through.  Beside him, another patient who keeps pressing the nurse call button and keeping us awake all night.

The next morning after the doctors round, I had my CT scan.  The kidney stone is actually 8mm and 2 other stones 3mm each.  I am in real trouble.

My son's girlfriend's father had kidney stones and took some Chinese herbs and it works.  I am take them now as well.  I am also drinking lemon juice.  It is supposed to reduce the size of the stones.

Food Poisoning Episode

Two days ago, I ate achar from unauthorised vendor.  I ate it at noon.  By 3pm, I was not feeling good.  I tried to vomit to no avail.  My tummy hurts and yet I cannot pass motion.  So I took 2 panadols and tramadol.  Still did not work.  At 7pm, I took 2 more panadols and wife decides to bring me to hospital.  There I went to A&E.  Doctor do a blood test and gave me an injection for pain.  Also drug to stop my nausea.  The nausea drug works but the pain did not subside.  So, he gave me a dose of morphine.  In 30 mins, my feet and hands which were very cold, warms up.  It is amazing change.  I wanted to die.  Now, I feel much better.

I was sent for x-ray and the doctor ultrasound my abdomen.  Cannot find any issue.  I was sent to the ward with my drip.  I am glad to get the treatment.  I had panadol drip at 2am.

I had to do x-ray of my abdomen at 3:50am.  5am is measurement of my vitals.  So it is not possible to sleep well at all.

6am is first round by 1 group of doctors.  8am by round 2.  Different doctors.  So it is a bit confusing who is in-charge. 

Anyway, I managed to get myself discharge by 4pm and out of the hospital by 5pm.

Yesterday, was recovery.  Still do not feel good and have cold sweats.  Today, feeling stronger but at time weak and breathless.  I am recovering.  It feels good!!!

Mosquito Coils

I went to NTUC Fairprice to buy mosquito coils.  Guess what!  They are no longer carried in Fairprice.  Now only the expensive electric chemical type is available.  So I now have to find another place to look for mosquito coils.  Maybe Mustapha or knickknack stores. 

I always have small biting insects under my work table.  The mosquito coils are quite effective in smoking them out.  I can't see them as they fly off as soon as I try to slap my itch on my legs.  While the smell of the mosquito coils are not nice, it is far better than getting bitten and itchy all the time'.

Change in Lifestyles

Now the fear to go out is real.  Governments around the world imposed on movement restrictions.  Stay-at-home is the new mantra.  If you are older, stricter stay at home.  No other choice as Japanese say.

We have been going out less often.  Only for meals.  Even it is nearby and wash our hands numerous times each day.  It is scary times.  It is peaceful time. 

Economy is slowly grinding down to a halt.  The resturants have plenty of deals.  The malls reduced hours.  For those with money, great deals and value are abound.  Those without will suffer as reduced hours and stoppages means drop in income.  It is a rich's man world.

Slowly Back to Normal

Food centers are getting crowded again.  For short period when it first turned Orange, people fled from crowded areas.  Love it when it is easy to get seats.  But now all the foodcourts, hawker centers are getting crowded again.  Not easy to get seats anymore.  We were at Compass One "Eats" at basement 2.  The fishball noodle is $4.20 with tea and $3.50 without.  Same price as hawker centers.  The quantity may be slightly less.  But it is in aircon comfort.  Although right now, aircon post risks of getting corona virus.

While having our meals, there was a little girl eating and talking to her mum.  She was so adorable regaling her mum with stories of her day in school.  I loved it.  My boys no longer does this.  It is so nice to listen to the happening and teachers and all the trivia.  Beautiful evening we had.

America Psyche

I was watching Bloomberg News.  It seems to me America needs an Enemy all the time.  China is perpetually accused by America for being a threat and danger to the rest of the world.  When I was growing up, this is Cold War after World War 2.  The enemy was Russia.  Russia help Trump get elected and now a friend.  So the new (in American terminology) bogeyman is China.

The press conference by American leaders are always how America is "rape" by China for the trade deficits.  They buy the goods China makes and enjoy a high standard of living and in turn Trump label that as unfair trade and call it a rape.  They tried to cripple the high tech Chinese companies by accusing them instruments of Government and forcing other nations not to buy their products.

The history academics say these are signs of power shift of hegemony.  Britain was a great empire and decline.  America took its place.  Now America is declining and doing all it can to stay in power.

Pandemic

The death toll has risen above 1,000 this morning.  Number down with the new Corona Virus is more than 40,000.  The mortality rate is 1%. 

This disease has been declared by WHO as a pandemic and the number of infections is stabilising.  China is taking strong measures and hopefully can defeat the virus soon.

Whatsapps Went Dizzy!

Human to human transmission confirmed!  My schoolmates whatsapp group went into overdrive.  Fear is palpable.  Many questioned our ability to handle the situation.  Some jokes whisky may be a cure.  They are just trying to lighten the mood of intense concern and worry. 

As for me, I am not concern as I believe over time the virus will be contained.  Just hope not to be impacted in a serious way.

Flu Fears

The malls are like desert towns.  Everywhere people donned facemasks.  It is a fearful world today.  No crowds everywhere.  Food courts, hawker centers.  Do this mean most people cooked and eat at home?  My boy said it is delivery.  He says most people use delivery nowadays.  The young are internet savy and do not have cars, so delivery is an excellent options.  The older crowd like me prefers piping hot food freshly prepared by the hawkers or cooks.

Now with whatsapps and other social media, it is so easy to disseminate information.  However, fears can get out of hands especially if there is a lack of understanding.  Facemasks are all out of stocks.  It is commonsense that if you breathe in clean air then you will not get infected.  What is not common is the virus spread more through contact.  When an infected person cough or sneeze and use his or her hand to block.  After that all the places he or she touches contains the viruses - door knobs, handles, escalators stabilizers, elevators' buttons, tables, chairs, cutlery, bowls, plates, etc, etc.

The most important is still hand hygiene.  Wash hands frequently and wash thoroughly.  This is more effective than wearing facemask.

Wonderful Morning

The sun is out shining bright.  Cerulan blue sky and white cirrus clouds.  The birds are chirping and I can heard sweeping of leaves. Nice peaceful morning.  It is a beautiful morning.

It was raining yesterday.  Somehow after the downpour, the air has positive vibes lifting up the spirits.  I am looking at the world with rose coloured lens. 

Have a wonderful day ahead!

Running Scared

Everyone is running scared of the Wuhan virus.  China lockdown 16 cities and the number of cases are skyrocketing.  It is a matter of time before the virus is stopped.  Still, the facemask are all sold out.  The facemask is not the most important defence.  It is the handwashing and avoiding crowd.  I guess if you are on the way to work, you feel better with a facemask.

The number of cases in Singapore is still small.  Unfortunately, Singapore is the largest recipent of Wuhan natives who are travelling out of China.

One expert says by May when the weather warms up the virus will die of natural like SARS.  So let's keep our fingers crossed!

Gong Xi Fa Cai

It is Lunar New Year!  This year, it happens on the weekend.  I invited my sisters over as usual.  They came with their grandchildren.  It was a very busy day.  So fun.  I always enjoys the family coming over.

I use my Dutch Oven to cook boneless Chicken Thighs with peppers, cabbage and tomatoes.  They like the food and ate a lot.  Even the grand nephew ate the vegetables.  I am very pleased.

It is so much easier cooking a one pot meal. 

Chills and Feverish

I was feeling bad and mentioned that in the whatsapp chatgroup this morning.  A doctor friend ask me to go to his clinic to see him.  I declined.  Later, in the afternoon a couple of schoolmates kidded me about my condition and poking into my ass, etc.  Then he mentioned I could have feel better if I went to his clinic on Tuesday.  It is due to bacteria infection in the large intestines. And antibiotics will solve my problem right away.  So I said I will go tomorrow but he says he is closed and I can visit this evening.  I went to see him after my CNY groceries shopping. He examine my abdomen and says it is bad and it is cold. He prescribed the antibiotics and something to reduce my tummy spasms.  I think I am feeling the effect. It is working!

Food Poisoning Episode

Reunion dinner was on 18 Jan 2020.  Venue:  Vegetarian Restaurant in Marina Square.  The food is better than most Chinese Vegetarian Restaurant. 

It is funny that when I go to bed that night, I thought I may die in my sleep and my wife will wake up in the morning with a shock!  I did not feel bad when falling asleep, yet this thought come to my mind.  I wonder if this is portend of the event that will be happening.

At about 3am, woke up feeling up comfortable.  I go to toilet thinking I just need to pee.  Suddenly, there is an urge and I vomited!  After vomiting, I had diarrhoea.  I had at least 3 bouts of throwing out and passing out liquid stools.  I went to bed again when the sun has risen and did not get up until past noon.

I has been lethargic and weak in the past few days.  Yesterday, I started taking solid food.  Step by step I am recovering.

Life is becoming normal again.

B3 Unhappy

B3 finished his A levels exams.  We asked him to work to earn.  He is very unhappy last night.  He think he has learned everything in his workplace and since he has no desire to work in admin in the first place, he feel he is just working for money.  He says his friends are all quitting.  He just want free time. 

He is also upset that I am not working and have free time whereas he does not.  He feels trapped working for the rest of his life and will not have free time until he retires.

It seems like his generation has drastically different views of life.  I think it could be his school environment as well.  Most of his schoolmates come from well off families.  I have talked to a few youngsters.  Their views seems conventional i.e. earn a living, contribute to family or give a a portion of their income to their mums. 

My youngest boy's talk to his friends and I wonder if it is selective in what he tells me.  His friends worked as packers or admin.  In a couple of weeks, now they are quitting.  Seems cavalier attitude towards working and the need to earn their own pocket money.

Has the world changed?

Dim Sum Class

I am attending dim sum classes.  It is interesting to learn how to cook dim sum.  Dim sum is quite labour intensive.  Chinese cooking is also a complex business.  It is enrichment knowledge.  We have to practice cooking once in a while.

Chicken Char Siew Bao

Chicken Bao 

and Peach Bao

Deep Cut on my Left Hand

Last night, I suffered a deep cut on my left hand.  I was doing the dishes.  As I was putting the clean bowl to the drying rack, it slipped and fall.  I tries to catch. Unfortunately, it reaches the granite sink top first and break and bounce back.  My hand was still going down fast and the sharp shards cut deep into my palm.  A piece of flesh came out.  I am hoping to save it.

It is still bleeding right now.  So I do not know if I go to the clinic, it can be save.

Christmas Merry

It is just another day.  My boy is not working and the B3 went out to meet his friends.  For me, I am reading novels.  English translation of Heroes are Born.  It is an engaging story.  So many characters and so many menpai or Martial Arts School.  I like the accupoint where you can stop a person from moving by pressing on certain point on the body.  

Mix in there is love story.  The female characters are beautiful and good in martial arts.  I wonder how.  Wenwu which means scholar and fighter in one.  Several characters excel in both poetry, art of war as well as skills in martial arts.  It is a combination that everyone dream about.

Loads of whatapps videos on Christmas.  It is pretty Christmassy.  I like it in Canada where the houses are decorated with lights and Christmas trees.  We will have presents and it was so fun.

Baking Test

WSQ requires testing at the end of the course.  We were required to make apple crumble tartlets and shortbeard.  Since my partner is a super hardworking and conscientious person, I let her do the heavy lifting.  I am just running here and there.  There is a theory section and the assessor was very helpful.

The test is to check basic understanding of baking pastries.  Now I know how to bake tarts and tartlets.  Make the egg custard filling and make a proper apple tart.  It is a good enrichment class.

Overall, I had fun in the class.

Dim Sum and Tarts

My wife convinces me to get out of my lazy daily routine and take dim sum and tarts cooking class.  I am enjoying the process of learning to cook tarts and dim sum. The dim sum class was on Sunday and the class was not so enjoyable as the instructor or rather the assistant instructor was horrible.

Visiting a Neighbour

My wife sold a cluster house in a nearby estate.   They invited us over.  It was beautifully done up.  She has 3 different stationsfor coffee machine.  She also has a smoothie station.  They have plenty of cool gadgets and build so many Lego sets.

We enjoys the visit very much and reciprocate our visit.  Our place will be very messy compared to their as they are setting up the house new and it is very nice to make it like a showroom.

Wife Climb to Summit!

I was surprised wife want to join the climb.  Luckily, all my climbing khakis are not climbing this morning.  So we went and B1 went along as well.  She was complaining a lot that I took her to the most difficult way.  We actually do not have a choice as we went by a different way and have only 2 options: most difficult or challenging.

Along the way, we have to keeping asking fellow climbers how challenging and how long more.  The good thing is we managed to reach the summit. So we took the easy way down and had brunch in the hawker center.  The food there is pretty good.

NEA is Coming to Spray Potent Insecticides

My fishes in the pond are not surviving.  Just replenished with fresh batch of fishes and they all died in a couple of hours.  Tomorrow NEA is coming again to give double dose.  So I have to change my water again.  It is terrible.  I have a hard time maintaining my aquarium.  Now I have one lone goldfish.  If tomorrow, it cannot survive, I will change the water again.

Dengue!

My neighbourhood is a hot spot!!  So NEA came to inspect several times.  Then they decided to fog the estate.  The fog used much stronger pesticides and smell bad even after a few days.  Usually the regular white smoke is diesel insecticides mix smells will clear after a few hours.

What I noticed is there are still plenty of houseflies.  So I wonder if the insecticides are specific to mosquitoes only.

Braddell Road Towards Lornie Road

This stretch of road and Lornie Road/Highway is full of cameras.  I always make sure I do not speed wherever.  Some times just to overtake a slow vehicle, have slightly higher speed.  I just got it!  The speed exceeds from 1 - 20 KMPH!!  For this, it is $150 fine and 4 demerit points.  What the!!!

Jinxed?

Sometimes it is good to be superstitious!  I was just telling my friend that I no longer get up in the middle of the night.  I think I am getting less stress or recovering well from the spinal surgery.

Guess what?  This morning I am up at 4am.  I was enjoying good night's sleep for a couple of weeks and now insomnia hits.  Did I speak too soon?  Or is it because I mentioned it to someone and my subconscious wants to punish me? 

Life can be such that it is better not to reveal improvement in routines.  Otherwise, it may be reset to the old ways...

More and More are Hooked to Bukit Timah Climb

Coming Monday is Dewali or Deepavali holiday.  So more of my schoolmates will join the climb.  It will be more fun to gather for healthy pursuits.  I think we may do the more challenging climb again
So it will be good as I am looking forward to strengthen some of my lesser used muscles.

Climbing up the hill has an advantage.  The goal is clear and specific.  No stopping until reaching the summit.

Bukit Timah Summit

Last Sunday, I took up the invitation to climb Bukit Timah with chatgroup friend.  It was a tough climb as the slopes can be steep.  Rather the climb is not too bad but the return is the one taking lots of strength on hardly used muscles.  I was very sore on Monday and a couple days thereafter.  I can hardly go down my stairs as it hurts a lot.  Another friend taught my how to stretch and it helps to relief the pains while going down.

This morning, we did the climb again.  This time we have 2 more joining in.  I think they are less fit.  So we walk down the easy route instead of going back by the same way.  I feel less sore than the first time.  Firstly, I am more fit and mostly it is because the return is far easier.

The total climb and return is about 1 and half hour if you do not rest too long.

Clear Blue Sky

It is a beautiful morning. Cerulean blue sky.  Fluffy white clouds floating lazily.  Cool air temperature.  Rain is wonderful especially when it rained over a long period.  The air smells fresh and wonderful.

I was up at 3:30am and now sleep is catching me.  May take a nap to relieve my sleepiness.

Wonderful Rain

It is more than 2 weeks of haze. Last night, lightning strikes and this morning, rain rain rain.  So I managed to collect rainwater for plants.  Now the air smells fresh.  The air is cool.  It is nice to get a break in the weather.

Some of the trees in PCN leaves are totally brown and the grass were brown this morning when I cycled.  It is good that the trees are getting their lifegiving water.

Best of all my rainwater collection has replenished. 

Eunoia

At the Sengkang Community exercise area, a girl came to do sit-ups beside me.  I was also doing my sit-ups and planking exercises in order to strengthen my core muscles.  I notices she is wearing Eunoia T-Shirt.  So I ask if she is in the school.  Yes!  She is in J2.  So she is same age as B3.  It is school holiday now and she is exercising.

I chat with her a bit as B3 will be in the same school if he was in IP program.  She is in Arts stream and studies Geography and Chinese  Her CCA is Chinese orchestra.  She was from St Nicholas.  The school is quite far in Ghim Moh.  There is a shuttle bus from Sengkang.  So it is not to bad.

Her Maths is not good.  So I recommended B3's tuition teacher.  Do not know if she will take up.  Also the tuition teacher's Maths is quite weak.  So hopefully she does well in her A levels.

B2 is Back for Year 3

B2 started his academic year in U of T. This is his 3rd year.  Two more years to go.  Hopefully, he come back with good results and will be able to get a job.  He seems to want to go to do clinical psychology but his 2 cousins in SMU psychology work in bank or ecommence.

I just hope he can earn enough to support himself and his family.

Hot and Humid

It is hot and humid.  I find it difficult to focus.  Also I did not have proper lunch and cooking myself different snacks to eat.  I am also drinking a ton.  Beer, pineapple juice and tea.

Wish I live in a country with cooler climate.

Reading Again

I am enjoying reading random stuff.  Usually things that interest me.  I also like to look at pictures of planets and the moon.  While most of the stuff I am reading is easily available on the internet.  It is  better in a book as it is organised with a central theme.  Also the subjects are treated with more depth.  I also enjoys reading stories again.  Some are old stories.  I like smaller books as it is faster to finish.  Love Story, the old movie bring a lot of nostalgia.  It is only about 50 pages long.  So an easy and relaxing read.  I was surprised to find there is a sequel!!  It is called Oliver.  Oliver is quite exciting and then takes a turn which disappoints me.  He is going so well with this girl who can match him in wealth.  But a Hong Kong trip kills the relationship and she went on to marry another lawyer.  What a bummer!!

BBQ for Classmates

Last evening my schoolmates came over for dinner.  I spent the day cooking starting from 3:45 am.  I did not wake up early on purpose to cook.  Just got up to empty my bladder and could not go back to sleep.  So just go to the kitchen and started cooking.

I slow roast the beef brisket, pork collar as well as chicken thighs and wings.  I cooked a big pot of barbeque ranch beans and make cucumber salad.  We had good conversation and plenty of beer to go around.  So nice of my friends to visit and we had a wonderful party.

Quiet Sunday Morning

I am enjoying the peace and quiet.  No noise no distraction.  Just me.

I had my morning coffee and breakfast was toasted bun with butter and caramel.  The caramel was leftover from Auntie Annie's pretzels.  While waiting for the sun to rise, I fired up the computer to see what is going on.

The rumour mill is hot on the election news!  It will be next month when Parliament will be dissolved and election be called.  We will have some excitement again.

Durian Treats

My schoolmate, TC decided to give a durian treat.  He does this regularly when he is in the mood.  TC is a thrifty man.  He is very stingy on himself but very generous with others.  He is also the owner of a chain of retail stores.  Pretty successful and still very humble.  He is a risk taker and always thinking of business.

Let's focus more on the durians.  We go to his favorite durian store in Geyland.  Oh, yes! I forgot to tell you TC is an owl.  He roams about at night for food.  We had 3 types of durians.

The "old tree" is the most expensive at $28 per kg.  Tastes wise is pretty good.  The meat is soft and creamy.  Flavor quite mild.

Mao Shan Wan or Cat Mountain is the cheapest at $15 per kg.  Taste is bittersweet.  I feel is the best of the 3 types we had.

Black Gold or Hey Jin is at $18 per kg.  I did not like the metallic taste.  The flesh is quite soft and a little wet. 

We had 2 other schoolmates who came and we had a great durian feast. 

BBQ Dinner

I bbq pork collar and cook Ranch Beans for dinner as trial run for my classmates coming over.  I had invited my classmates over on Aug 17 and looking forward to cook up a storm and let them try my cooking.  I have been thinking of what to cook.  Now I have ranch beans, peanut soup dessert and bbq pork collar. I will also decide to bbq either chicken thighs or chicken wings.

I need to figure out my salad as well.  Maybe just a simple cucumber salad.

Good Improvement today!

Instead of feeling tired and lethargic like yesterday, I feel must better today.  Busy running errands and finally have a chance to go poolside to relax.  Was up at 4am and poolside was very dark.  Still it is quite relaxing.  I like water and lazing beside water.

I also fix my bicycle wheel.  This time I took out the wheel and bring to the shop.  I think I might have broke one of spoke.  To replace cost $25.  Tire or inner tube is only $12.

Feeling Under the Weather

I am tired and lethargic with sore throat and stuffy nose.  I am down with viral disease probably flu.  It is horrible feeling.  My flu jab no longer works.  I had a jab about a year ago.

So now I am feeling lazy and do not feel like doing anything.  I brought myself to the computer to blog.

Hong Kong is dominating the news.  The protest in getting more violent. So it is not a good place now.  I feel sorry for them.  They were very proud and look down on mainland Chinese.  Now the mainland Chinese are their master.  It is a change in fortune.

X-ray of lumbar

This afternoon I went to Ng Teng Fong for followup of my L4L5 fixation surgery.  The surgeon looked at the x-ray and do not see much progress in the bone growth.  However, he is happy to let me go jogging.  It is quite difficult as there are still discomfit when I run.  Plus my knees are going me problems as well.  So I will stick to cycling and swimming.

No Rain

We have a few episodes of dark heavy clouds and then it clears.  No rain for a couple of weeks and my rain water storage is running low.  It is hard for me to scope out the water!  I hope the rain comes and replenished my water tanks and also I need to change the water in my pond before I put in fresh fishes again.

Over the years, this happened once while I was travelling.  All the fishes died.  So I change the water and start all over again.  I suspect it was our weekly fogging.  So I put a plastic shield and it worked for many years.  Now I am not sure it is the same issue.

I just have to replace the water and start all over again and see.

Busy Time

Although I am busy day to day, I don't feel accomplished.  I read, exercise, run errands and go out for meals.  Days are passing fast.  I need to do more projects.  Today, I changed the water in my pond or rather change half the water.  The fishes and plants are not doing well.  I suspect it may the rust poisoning the water.  All the goldfishes and red fishes are dying as I put fresh fishes in.  They are also not eating.  Only the arowana seems normal.  Maybe its body weight allows it to withstand the toxicity in the water.  I have removed a lot of the sediments and change half the water.  I will continue to change the water to see if I can correct the condition of my pond.

There are plenty to do.  Just that I enjoy reading and is now borrowing audiobooks from the library again.  Now, we can borrow all 20 audiobooks if we want instead of limited to 6 before.

Solar Night Lights

My lights on the outside keeps breaking down due to heavy rains.  It costs about $150 each time for an electrician to come and repair.  So instead of repairing, we purchased solar night lights that cost $6 each.  Plus shipping may come to a total of $8 each.  So much more cost effective!!  Best of all, the energy is free!!

Durian Seeds

I save a lot of durian seeds.  I am planting them.  It will take forever for them to grow and bear fruits.  I just want to see if I can make bonsai with them.  It is interesting to experiment with plants and watch them grow.  I ate one melon yesterday.  It was tiny and did not taste so good.  I will definitely not make it as a farmer!

Free SIM!

Yes, you read right!  It is free.  The data is free and number is also free but works only on the newest phone.

The company is TPG.  We went to collect for the SIM for B1 and sign up for ourselves.  There are lots of oldies there.  According to B1, his colleague tried and it works!

I have the SIM but has not put it to use yet.  Have to figure out where to put it.